Thursday, August 2

Today was another wonderful day at Camp Stone!

The campers enjoyed the full range of activities in the beautiful sunny weather: swim, refet (petting zoo/ small farm), dance, swim ceramics, high ropes, zipline, archery, horseback riding, Agam, improv,  ice-cream making, farm-to-table cooking & more. The wide range of sports offered in camp includes 9 square, soccer, basketball, hockey, beach volleyball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, and more!

Every day the morning shiur connects the Torah narrative (which is sequential from Yehoshua through Shmuel) to an “enduring” idea that is relevant and engaging for the campers. It is quite amazing that all Eidot explore the same topics – each according to their own level. Today, the campers explored the consequences and challenges of lack of leadership, which aligned with the period of the lack of strong and positive leadership at the end of Sefer Shoftim. The shiurim are presented to invite questions and to probe exploration through various pesukim, mefarshim, and modern commentaries.

At Camp Stone, the learning never ends! This evening Eidah Bet & Gimmel enjoyed Sichot. Several times throughout the summer, each Eidah gathers together to discuss a different topic related to the theme. (They cover the same topics which are adjusted according to the campers developmental needs.) Last week, the campers explored the morality of war, whereas today they explored the values of the individual versus the community. At each Sicha, the campers are divided into groups of ~7 campers with one counselor. They are shown a “trigger” film clip or cartoon and the Rosh Eidot frame the topic. Then they spend time together with their small group in a guided exploration of the topic. Tonight, Eidah Daled will enjoy a special shiur from renowned Tanach expert, Rabbi Yitzchak Etzshalom.

Tonight the campers are joining together for the ever-popular annual *Shira*! The campers gather for a spirited and lively sing-a-long to their favorite Israeli songs. The words are projected onto a screen so that everyone has a chance to learn them. A Camp Stone favorite is YoYa!

*Kaytana* Spotlight: The Kaytana explored Yitziat Mitzrayim through various activities throughout the day, including making charoset, marror, and baking matzah at our special ovens in the Village. The day culminated with a complete and festive Seder!

*Machal” spotlight: Machal enjoyed a relaxing day at their Chutz (outdoor) site and will sleep their tonight as well.

Layla tov from Sugar Grove!