Shalom Galil Parents!

This weekend we enjoyed our first Shabbat of Second Session. It all
began with special avodah (camp chores) on Friday morning in
preparation for the Sabbath Queen. Some chanichim (kids) made
decorations for our chadar ochel (dining hall). Another unique feature
of our machaneh’s Friday is Hyde Park, a time for chanichim (campers)
to give their opinions on events of the week, both critical and
laudatory. Hyde Park is named after the London park where British
spokesmen have traditionally stumped for controversial issues. At
Machaneh, everyone gathers in a magal (circle) around an old truck
tire. The kids who want to speak must strut up to the tire, and
whoever touches it first or is judged to have the most stylish strut is
awarded the podium. This process allows everyone here to take
ownership of and responsibility for the wonderful things that happen
here at machaneh.

Cheers,

Dusty v’Nora

Shalom Galil Parents! Yesterday was the first full day of second
session and we got off to a swinging start with tochnit erev (evening
activity) Fifties Night. Starting right after hitkensut erev (flag
lowering) and using Grease as our inspiration, everyone got dressed up
like greasers and pink ladies before going to aruchat erev (dinner).
We listened to fifties music and did the twist and hand jive. Then we
all went over to the pavilion for a Fifties carnival where we watched
Grease Lightning and then did fifties-esque activities like an
arm-wrestling competition and gym class. It was very cute. The
carnival turned into a big party that lasted until rad hyon, the song
we sing at the end of every macheneh-wide activity, right before we put
the kids asleep.

Love
Dusty v’Nora

Shalom Galil Parents!

A lot has been happening here at machaneh since we last posted. Today was a successful first full day of second session, and we are pleased to welcome the newly arrived chanichim.

First session finished off with a flourish of fun activities. Thursday night saw a magical turn of events when the machaneh was temporarily transformed into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After the First-years (aka Amelim [aka 4^th and 5^th graders]) were sorted into houses, the house elves served a delicious dinner. We watched the first half of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire before moving out to the Quidditch pitch (soccer field), where the entire machaneh participated in a giant game of Quidditch, the sport that the young wizards in Harry Potter play. The older kids were house prefects and team captains while the younger kids were responsible for finding the Snitch (the objective of Quidditch). The older kids also led cheers for each house, and supported a spirit of friendly competition amongst the teams.

Final Mesiba, the party that concludes first session was a blast. The pavilion was transformed into an underwater paradise for the theme, “Under the Sea.” We listened to the soundtrack to A Little Mermaid (obviously!) and blew lots of soap bubbles.

Intersession was a great time for the kids to hunker down with their newly-arrived copies of Harry Potter Seven. After the great Final Mesiba, everyone was ready for some much needed rest and relaxation. When the second session-ers arrived Tuesday, we were all refreshed and excited to start the new session!

Love,

Nora v’Dusty

Shalom parents! We would like to remind you that the pick-up time for July session campers is this coming Sunday, July 22nd, from 11 AM to 1 PM. As usual, vehicles are not allowed to drive past the parking lot into camp (in order ensure the safety of our campers and the preservation of our grounds.) We appreciate your cooperation, and we're sad to say goodbye - we hope to see you all again next summer!

Sorry about that six-day silence! Minor maladies ailed our bloggers, but we are back with a few entries describing recent highlights, so you won't have missed anything. Here's the first:

Sunday was Visitors’ Day! We were excited to see many of you, and sad that we couldn’t get to see everyone of our fabulous kids’ parents. We had a fun time enjoying lunch with our families. Parents, grandparents, relatives, and even good friends were welcomed by the Galil community on the bright, sunny day. Many kids were excited to eat their favorite foods, specially prepared by their parents or picked-up en route. Kids who didn’t have family coming joined their friends or enjoyed a nice lunch with the tzevet (staff) who didn’t have visitors either.

After a short presentation by the co-chairs of the camp committee, Steve Shore and Alan Greenberg, the entire machaneh sang Shir l’Shalom (song for peace). Then we broke off into schavot (age groups) to play name games with the parents and kids. Parents were able to meet the friends of their kids and the other Galil Parents. It was also a wonderful opportunity for the tzevet (staff) to meet more parents, and tell them about the goings on of Galil. Many kids and parents enjoyed free swim in our wonderful Olympic-sized pool.

Eventually we wished our families goodbye and returned to our regularly scheduled Galil. It was a wonderful day.

Shalom

Dusty v’Nora

Shalom Galil Parents. We had wonderful Shabbat this past weekend. The entire machaneh participated in havdallah, led by the Bogrim. First we listened to a selection of music the kids picked out, while starring up at the dusky sky. Then the Bogrim led us in the ritual brachot, blessing the wine and spices and the ability to create fire. We ushered in the end of the weekend by singing “Everybody loves Saturday Night,” a Nigerian folksong that has been translated into hundreds of languages across the globe. We sing it in multiple languages each week, from English to Swahili, and visitors often come and teach a new version for us to sing.

Love,

Dusty v’Nora

Shalom Galil Parents! Today was a special day here at machaneh, Yom Yisrael (Israel Day). The day began with the raising of the Israeli flag, a toast to the Jewish state, and some delicious shakshooka (a popular Israeli dish made from tomatoes, peppers, and eggs). After discussing Israeli multiculturalism and Zionist history, chanichim questioned the prominence of strict Judaism in Israeli law and enjoyed hafsakat eser, a tasty midmorning snack of chocolate-spread sandwiches.

The afternoon saw a swinging carnival that showcased myriad aspects of Israeli culture, with stations such as a Dead Sea spa, Henna tattoos, Kabbalah art, and rikud. Later the younger chanichim watched the film Little Heroes and shared their insights on the universality of human suffering. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the older chanichim expanded their knowledge of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), focusing on the positive social influence of the army, rather than concentrating solely on its military duties.

The day concluded in a serious tekes (ceremony) in which each shichvah (age group) shared their hopes for the state of Israel, followed by a hoppin’ mesibah (dance party!).

Very Sincerely,

Nora and Dusty

Shalom Galil Parents! This morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs with mushrooms and peppers, in addition to our daily buffet of fresh fruit and cereal. We were joined late by the Bogrim, who had been taking a little sleep-in after their exhilarating Yom Hafooch (backwards day).

Down at the pool, the Chotrim and Sayarim each swam 250 meters in instructional swim. Meanwhile, the Amelim got a taste of traditional kibbutz life in a simulation that included aspects of labor, communal dining, and collective decision-making, while the Bonim put on a mock trial comparing the old and new kibbutz movements.

In the melechet yad (art and crafts center) kids got to make their own blackboards using cardboard and continued working on their camp journals.

Yours truly,

Nora and Dusty

A movie from our first kupa trip on the fourth of July, to dinner at Houlihan's and then to see the movie Ratatouille. Of course we had only vegetarian food at the restaurant, and brought food from home for those who won't eat food cooked outside of camp, as well gluten-free alternatives! We hope you enjoyed this film almost as much as we enjoyed our trip.

Shalom Galil Parents! Today was an introspective day for the Amelim (4th and 5th grade) here at Camp Galil. They enjoyed a beatnik-cafe style discussion pondering diverse topics with the aid of decaf coffee and biscotti. Reflecting on his own beliefs, Lev suggested that there was a God within all of us, and this personal conception didn’t preclude the existence of the big bang or scientific method. Rebecca said “I had a dream about a monster in the toilet and I wonder if that’s what God looks like.” The kids also shared stories about happy memories their families, and about their favorite books and movies.

In the older kids shetach (area) the bogrim are having yom hafooch (backwards day) tonight. They are starting the day with bedtime, evening activity and lowering of the flag, then going to dinner and doing every activity in the normal day, in reverse, finally finishing with the raising of the flag before going to bed.

We’re looking forward to a wonderful conclusion of our week, with more exciting activities for the chanichim.

Love,

Nora and Dusty

Shalom Galil Parents! Last night was very special at Machaneh Galil. We trekked through the wilderness of Machaneh Galil, re-enacting the escape from post-war Europe to Palestine. The bonim (9th grade) were responsible for planning and directing the activity; they prepared a number of exciting activities and stations, directing the madrichim (counselors) to act like British officers, and arranging for the bogrim (10th grade) to lead the younger kids through the woods. At the end of the night all the kids gathered together in “Palestine” to drink chai and eat elephant ears and ruggelach.

Tonight was Casino Royale night. We learned that the evil villain Dustfinger was attempting to turn Galil into a stripmall and/or private retreat. However, in order to do so, he had to play a fateful hand of poker against the suave, dashing James Bond. Fortunately the good guys triumphed and a fun night at the casino in the cheder-ochel (dining hall) was had by all. The bogrim (10th grade) showed their flair by dealing cards and handing out money for the kids to spend in a riotous fashion.

XOXO

Dusty and Nora

Yesterday's post, a bit late:

Shalom Galil Parents! Shabbat was once again a wonderful conclusion to our week. The amelim (5th grade) performed the oneg (comedic play) this past Friday. It was themed “Everything I need to know I learned in Amelim” and it was very cute. The mischak hashavua (sport of the week) was soccer. The madrichim put up a good fight but they couldn’t hold out again the powerful offense of the chanichim. The announcers in chotrim (6th grade) made clever jokes and the cheerleaders performed a great halftime show.

Today we bid a fond farewell to our beloved two-weekers. We hope to see you all next year (or even second session!). After we wished our friends goodbye, we pulled out our paintbrushes and painted landscapes with the bogrim (10th grade). They are learning to appreciate the beauty of nature in and around Machaneh Galil. Within the next couple days we will be running more peulot (activities) designed to teach about nature and environmental awareness.

Shalom V’lehitraot

Nora and Dusty

Dear Parents of July Campers,

Greetings from Galil 2007! We are having a wonderful, fun-packed summer and are looking forward to seeing you all on Visitors’ Day, Sunday July 15th. Please follow the rules for the day and the directions of the staff (parking lot, pool etc.)

Family and friends are invited to arrive at Camp at 12 noon, and stay through the afternoon until 4 P.M. If you arrive before 12, you will have to remain in the parking lot. Please come prepared with a picnic lunch to share with your child/ren; all food brought must be KOSHER and peanut-free. Please bring perishable food in coolers, so that it remains unaffected by the heat. Also, please DO NOT bring snacks or "junk food" to be left with your child when you leave. Although any extra food will be put into our KUPA closets for sharing, our campers are already supplied with as many between-meal snacks as are necessary for growing, active children. Some campers may not have a parent or other person visiting with them on that day. It is a Galil tradition that some families “adopt" these campers and invite them to their picnic. If you should so desire, you may want to bring some extra food to share.

Visitors’ Day consists of eating lunch and "schmoozing" with your child, a short presentation by the whole camp, brief get-to-know-you activities by shichvah (age-group), and time allotted for swimming in our pool. Additionally, there will be some brief remarks by our camp personnel, and the sale of ice cream, soda, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and water bottles to benefit Galil Scholarship Funds.

Although we understand that many campers leave animals that they love at home, pets will not be allowed on the camp grounds under any circumstances. We thank you for your understanding in this matter. Also, please note that alcohol and cigarettes are both prohibited at Camp Galil. Please do not bring them into the Camp.

Upon arriving at camp, it will be necessary to park cars in the parking area near the camp entrance. We expect a large number of cars so it is very important to follow the directions of our parking lot staff. While we are happy to accommodate those visitors who need to be dropped off in the main area of the camp grounds, you must phone ahead to make this special arrangement. Your cars will also have to be parked in the designated parking areas. In the event of rain, please be patient as our staff directs you to the appropriate parking and picnic areas.

Finally, we have already identified campers who are registered for the July session, but who are interested in remaining in camp in August. If your child is in this category, please contact Sharon Waimberg at 610 847-2213 or Bart Davis, at 610 847-8330 before or on Visiting Day as we still have limited space in our August session.


We appreciate your cooperation with our camp procedures. We thank you in advance for helping to make Visitors’ Day a pleasant and successful experience for all.


Ruth Stevens - Rosh Machaneh
Bart Davis - Associate Director

Shalom Galil Parents. Yesterday the entire machaneh (camp) went out of Galil and hit the road. First we went to a restaurant specially reserved just for us. The food was good, and many conversations debated its relative merit compared against our own brilliant chefs back at Galil. Afterwards we hit the buses again, and while singing camp songs, drove up to Quakertown.
We all watched Ratatouille together, a movie featuring a tiny mouse with big dreams. The movie resonated with all the kids, despite their age differences. Younger kids enjoyed the slapstick comedy of a mouse driving a young chef around by his hair, while older kids liked the love story and the suspense. I was particularly fond of the misanthropic food critic.
After the movie we left the theater to watch fireworks in celebration of Independence Day. We ate genuine homemade caramel popcorn and danced in the light rain. Then we boarded our buses, headed back to Galil, and, tired as can be, enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

L’Hitraot,

Nora v’ Dusty

Enjoy!

Shalom Galil Parents. Today we welcomed back the Amelim (5^th grade) and Chotrim (6^th grade) from a fun and nautical tiyul. Their first day they went on a lovely, scenic hike and had some great creek-splashing time. The kids enjoyed making (and eating) a delicious vegetable stew, and sitting by a cozy bonfire. On the second day the Amelim and Chotrim rafted and swam down the Delaware River.

Meanwhile back at machaneh, the Bogrim learned about the distinction between non-sustainable, sustainable, and organic farming, all-the-while enjoying smoothies in the chadar ochel (dining hall). They are developing a strong awareness of the environment and an understanding of how food comes from the earth to their plates. Here at Galil, we are making a greater effort to use locally grown produce and reduce the amount of processed food on the menu.

Love,

Nora and Dusty

Shalom Galil Parents! Yesterday was Yom Meyuchad (special day), when we change the schedule and run a number of entirely different and fun activities. This session’s Yom Meyuchad was themed around the Passover story, but instead of the traditional story, all the characters were represented by Galil administration. Debbie Cohen, representing Moses, led the chanichim (kids) out of the clutches of the evil pharaoh Ruth Stevens, who by day is Rosh Machaneh (head of the camp).

The Passover story was told over the course of the entire day, through a number of skits featuring no less than fourteen pop and Broadway songs with lyrics adapted to the story. In the morning the entire Machaneh participated in a round-robin activity with different stations designed to represent aspects of the Passover story. The kids parted the Red Sea at the basketball court, and had matza ball soup, kugel and roast beef at their dinner-time Seder. At night the kids smashed a golden calf piñata at their mesiba (party) celebrating the escape from Egypt. Candy poured forth.

Till Tomorrow,

Dusty and Nora

Hey, sorry it's been such a long time. Things have been very busy here at Galil.. We enjoyed a wonderful Shabbat. It started with Kabbalat Shabbat, led by the Sayarim. They sang a Hebrew song and an English song, and danced to Yo-Ya, a popular Israeli dance. After singing a number of traditional Jewish songs and welcoming the Sabbath queen, Ruth, the rosh (head of camp), told a Yiddish story about the value of the self in relation to society.

That evening we watched the Madatz (junior counselors) put on their oneg (comical play), during which they poked friendly fun at the madrichim (counselors) and chanichim (kids). After the oneg we all did rikud (Israeli dancing). The kids had a great time, and worked up a hearty appetite, alleviated by a mid-rikud watermelon break.

The following day the kids enjoyed a sleep-in (a Galil Shabbat morning tradition). On Saturday we empower the bogrim (10^th grade) to run chugim (clubs), activities such as sports, music appreciation, or games for the younger chanichim. This teaches the bogrim to be caring and responsible young adults while allowing the younger kids an opportunity to interact with and emulate the positive traits of the older ones. Later in the day, pre-bar and bat mitzvah kids had a great tutoring session with our bar mitzvah specialists, Nomi and Sophia. The kids are coming along and sounding good.

We had a relaxing, reflective Havdallah service following Musicale, a weekly talent show devoted to music. After Havdallah, we had our weekly medurah (bonfire). We all sang songs around the bonfire, and then the kids, who had came up with various comedy acts during the week, performed them in front of the entire Machaneh. We all had ice cream before going to bed.

Signing Off,

Dusty and Nora