Galil Blog

Hi Galil families, today was a hot day packed with fun! Many activities involved water or were pool related, and all throughout the day, we encouraged everyone to stay hydrated. In the morning, after raising the American, Israeli, and Habonim Dror flags in song, we headed to the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) for a breakfast of bagels, oatmeal, and fruit. Everyone then began their avodah (daily job). Avodah is an essential part of the day not only because it helps keep machaneh (camp) clean, but it teaches chanichimot (campers) the value of labor and the idea of collective responsibility.

The first peulah (age group activity) of the day was next. The younger schavot (age groups) did instructional swim at the pool, while older kids had conversations about gender, community, and active education. Finally, it was time for lunch! Today’s meal was pasta with a variety of sauces accompanied as always by our salad bar. In the afternoon, chanichimot went to their chugim (electives) which are club-style groups based off of a certain theme.

This session’s chugim are Total Drama Island: a session-long reality show filled with wacky competitions, It’s Always Sunny in Ottsville: fun activities based off of the hit TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, NART: art lessons using our beautiful woods as a subject, Creative Writing: a space where chanichimot can write stories, poems, or journal, and Choo-Choo Train: where chanichimot “travel” to a different place every day and learn about different cultures.

Sports and free swim followed, with many chanichimot opting to go swimming as it was a very hot day. In the evening, after a delicious sloppy joe dinner, we had Lorax-themed tochnit erev (evening activity)! Chanichimot visited different stations with fun games while learning important facts about climate change. At the end, they found the last of the truffala seeds and had a dance party! That’s all I have for tonight. See you tomorrow!

-Jonah