Wed June 19
We had a busy, productive and fun first “real day” today! The chanichim met their shiur teacher and had their first shiur – today they learned about Tefillah L’shlom haMedinah and talked about all the things we wish for Medinat Yisrael in that prayer. Each shiur group is approx. 6 campers, so those 40 minutes are a wonderful time for some thought-provoking discussion ad learning in a small setting. The shiur teachers are staff members who are either full time Beit Midrash staff or other staff who have volunteered to give a shiur each day. The topic/idea the chanichim learn about in shiur will be reinforced by one or all of the following: a pre-lunch skit, a skit at shekem (afternoon canteen) and the night tochnit (activity by Eidah, sometimes all together camp-wide).
Again, this session, our theme is Moshevet haMedinah, and we will be focusing on the creation of the State during the years 1948-1979.
You might have noticed that all bunk names are people, places or companies in Israel.
The peulot (activities) today included one peulah of unpacking, to ensure that everyone finish getting settled and comfortable. Otherwise, it was “business as usual” with swim, basketball, zumba, refet (our small area of animals) and time at the Agam (lake) with our new iceberg!!
Before dinner we had our annual Chugim Fair to highlight all the electives the chanichim can choose from. Three times a week we have Chugim/clubs before dinner and the chanichim can choose what they want to do during that slot. They will be able to be with campers of all ages for this activity. Some examples of our chugim this year (all offered by tzevet, our staff) are extra time at peulot like glass-blowing, susim (horse-back riding) and archery. Others are new and creative, like Creative Writing, Slip n’ Slide and Make Things Fly. Ask your child what he/she chose for a chug.
Kaytana learned about Avraham Avinu and then emulated his chessed by setting up a tent, from which they served cookies and smiles to all passerbys. Everyone enjoyed that mid-day surprise!!! They had time at the refet today and are getting close to their counselors and new friends. They need to maximize every day here – 2 weeks goes by so quickly. Tonight they will learn about the promise Hashem made to Avraham as he looked up at the stars…as they enjoy a simulation of that in our very own… planetarium!!
Machal headed out bright and early (pretty impressive for Day #1) for the Buckaloons, a recreation Park area at the Allegheny River that has a trail for hiking and then water to enjoy tubing!! They will be sleeping out tonight at the camp grounds there. They all seemed very excited to hit the road for this amazing summer that many have been waiting for…for 6 or 7 years 🙂