Monday, August 6

Greetings from Camp Stone!

This morning during shiur, the campers explored how the Plishtim stole the aron kodesh and hid it in Dagon’s house. In the pre-lunch skit, the campers watched this dramatized as the Plishtim (ie Eidah Daled) stole the Aron Kodesh – (from our on-site mishkan)- and there was a call to Bnei Yisrael (the rest of machane) to find it! This was also a convenient way to announce the popular and exciting Chutz! The entire camp hikes to a local field to enjoy 3 days/ 2 nights for camping, cooking, sports, connecting and outdoor adventure.

The campers left towards the site and were preparing to enjoy lunch with their Eidah. Then they are divided into plugot which consists of an integration of 4 kids per Eidah. This diverse group forms a community for the duration of the Chutz – cooking, eating, and natur-ing together. The Eidah Daled members become the leaders who have been trained by Teva to make a fire in a fire pit and to safely cook. These older campers are empowered to lead and oversee their small community, ensuring they are eating, safe around the fire, and enjoying. (Counselors and staff members are also carefully and discretely supervising.) Each plugah is also challenged with a project to build something with just twine and rope, such as a swing or refet. This is a very special time for the campers to connect to nature, eachother, and to experience building communities and feeling responsible for each other.

*Machal* is enjoying their hiking adventure in Algonquin – Day # 2.

*Kaytana* – is enjoying a relaxed day packing up, connecting with friends, and will enjoy a carnival tonight with inflatables and special activities prepared by our Yachad tzevet!

Have a great day!