The Kids Arrive...
With all chanichimot's (campers') safe arrival at machaneh (camp), the summer can officially begin!
The morning of Sunday, July 1st was full of anticipation. As campers hugged their parents goodbye before the long ride up to Big Bear, the madrichimot (counselors) -- already at machaneh (camp) -- made their last minute preparations, writing welcome signs for each kvutzah (age group).
Each bus's arrival was met with loud cheers and smiling faces, hugs and the first deep breath of fresh mountain air. After the traditional first meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup, the chanichimot (campers) spent time getting settled -- participating in fun, introductory activities by age group, getting acquainted with the campsite and setting up their tzrifim (cabins).
During the summer's first Hitkansut Erev (evening gathering) at the toren (flagpole), each kvutzah showed off their ruach (spirit), singing their new cheers for the very first time.
The night ended with an Erev Kvutzah (evening activity by age group), in which each age group spent time together in a more intimate setting, getting to know each other through activities planned specifically for each group by our passionate and caring madrichimot (counselors).
Who's Writing the Blog?
Shalom Gilboa parents!
My name is Frenchie Levy, and this year I'll be Gilboa's communications specialist and machaneh storyteller. In part, that means taking lots of pictures and posting on this blog to keep you updated on all the wonderful activities your camper will be participating in this summer.
Here's a little bit about me: This is my 12th summer at Gilboa, which means my own parents stopped checking for pictures of me on this blog a long time ago. But I digress; This place, this community has meant so much to me. I can say with utmost confidence that much of the person I am today is because of my many summers here. My parents would often tell me that I came back from camp a better person -- more empathetic and thoughtful, more conscious of others and willing to help. But they never knew what exactly it was that I did here, what activities I participated in or discussions I had that made the experience so transformative. That's why I'm hoping to use this blog not only as a way to update you on the happenings at camp, but to provide a small glimpse into what makes Gilboa so special.
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