Galil Blog
The flags were still damp from last night’s rain, but that didn’t stop our chanichimot’s excitement as they raised them at hitkansut this morning. Afterwards, this morning’s episode of Ivrit Shimushit: Beit Holim (Useful Hebrew: Emergency Room) featured three of our madrichimot acting as under qualified doctors performing a research study on a patient who appeared at their doorstep with a hand that had been magically transfigured into a tree-branch. The chanichimot (campers) chanted “Anaf” and “tree branch” back and forth, memorizing the Hebrew word of the day. We then sang songs on the way to breakfast, where we were greeted by oatmeal, syrupy pancakes, bananas and oranges, and waffles (the Hebrew word of the day),
After our scrumptious breakfast, we split off into our avodah, or chore, groups, and got to work making our machaneh beautiful and clean. Then, we had some special guests! Eric and Kelly from the Tinicum Conservancy came to teach us about the massive Delaware Watershed and how our little creek feeds into it. Next Tuesday, they’ll be coming back to talk about other aspects of our local environment.
After our creek visit, each kvutza split off into their individual Peula Shichva (age group activity), followed by chicken tenders and french fries for lunch. With our bellies full of deliciousness, we transitioned to menucha, followed by chuggim (interest groups). Chug “Creek” experimented with a water-flow simulation device, Chug “Brain Games” challenged the chanichimot to use their different senses to solve puzzles, Chug “Beautifying Machane” made wild-flower pots out of recycled tin cans, Chug “Random Acts of Kindness” made fake Yelp Reviews for Ethan, the leader of Tzevet Mitbach (Kitchen Staff), using a printed template, telling him how amazing the food has been recently and how kind he is, and Chug “Dance” learned how to breakdance. After Chuggim, the kvutzot split up into their second Peula Shichva, followed Oreos for Kibbud (Snack Time).
Afterwards, we played sports accompanied by a light drizzle, although that didn’t stop us from scoring goals and catching frisbees on the kikar (sports field)! Free swim was cancled due to rain, so we moved inside to the Moadon for board games and dancing. The rain picked up, so we moved back to our Tzrifim (cabins) for Shira (singing) and practiced kvutza-specific cheers. Dinner was spaghetti and bolognese sauce (the perfect warm meal for the rain). We then moved back to the Moadon to watch the Lion King—a cozy end to our rainy day!
Laila tov (Good night!)