Galil Blog
Shabbat shalom, Galil families!
Between our special Shabbat schedule and 4th of July celebrations, there wasn’t a dull moment this Yom Shishi (Friday).
At Hitkansut Boker (morning assembly), we raised the flag, sang songs, and learned the Hebrew word of the day “of” (chicken) in our morning skit. Our Shabbat traditions then kicked off with the chant “Smells like shabbos up in here, up in here!” After a breakfast of muffins prepared by the Bogrimot (oldest campers), campers split ways for extended Avodah (work time). The Chanichimot (campers) made sure to meticulously clean the kitchen, pool, bathrooms, and more so that we’d be ready for a well-earned day off on Saturday. This enthusiasm for cleanliness extended to the final Nikayon Tzrif (cabin cleaning) before they would be judged for the Golden Broom competition. Stay tuned for the winning cabin!
Once the Tzrifs were cleaned, the Madatz (counselors-in-training) practiced leading Peulot for the Chanichimot.
Next came a spirited Shabbat Shira (singing) and lunch. Everyone loved the variety of pizza flavors, fresh fruit, and greens from the Gan (garden).
Full of pizza and cheer, Chanichimot circled up for Hyde Park, a public forum for Machaneh (camp) suggestions. We received a plethora of ideas, everything from extra snacks to a camp-wide bug ban.
After a brief break, Chanichimot competed on the frisbee field and cooled down in the pool.
Next, it was time to get ready for Shabbat! Chanichimot dressed to impress before splitting up into Mishpachot (camp-Families) to reflect on their weeks.
Every week before we sit down for Shabbat dinner, one Kvutzah performs an Israeli dance, an English song, and a Hebrew song. This week, it was the Madatz! Finally, we circled up to sing “od yavo shalom aleinu” (Peace will come upon us, yet). During the final chorus, it is tradition to run around and dance in the middle of the circle.
We sat by kvutzah (age group) for a Fourth-of-July-themed Shabbat dinner. After reciting the Shabbat prayers, roasted chicken, hot dogs, and corn on the cob were devoured throughout the chadar ochel (dining hall).
Following dinner, we sang songs one final time for the day before going to the oneg, a skit put on by a different Kvutzah each week. This week, the Amelimot (youngest campers) performed a skit about a curse emanating from our creek.
On normal Fridays we’d end the night with Rikud (Israeli Dancing), but today our Facilities Manager Jeff Smyth had a surprise in store for us. Chanichimot and Tzevet (counselors) alike were ecstatic to see our very own fireworks show.
Finally, it was time for Rikud and the golden broom ceremony. And the cleanest cabin was: THE BOGRIMOT (oldest campers)!
Laila Tov, Galil Families! Good night!