The Camp Gilboa Blog

Last night the Bogrim (10th graders) led machaneh in lighting the Hanukah candles and kabbalat Shabbat. Together we said the brachot and the Bogrim discussed the candles as being representative of the things that keep us warm in our day-to-day. Each boger/et explained what keeps them warm in their lives. After dinner we all stood up and packed together for Shabbat shira (singing) to sing Shabbat songs, Israeli songs, and American folk songs. Shira was loud, fun, and bursting with energy. The energy continued on to rikkud (Israeli dancing) as all of machaneh, young and old, gathered to dance traditional and new rikkud dances together. Today has been a great and relaxing Shabbat complete with all of the events that make Shabbat at machaneh so unique and meaningful. We had chugim retzinim (discussion groups) on a variety of topics such as creative writing, American Zionism, and the Jewish and Israeli communities in the US, their connection to Israel, and how important it is to create a m...

During a Hanukah themed yom meyuchad (special day) yesterday, chanichim (campers) at Gilboa learned from some of history’s greatest non-violent leaders to successfully overthrow the invading Greeks! After their victory chanichim met in a “kangaroo court” and put King Antiochus on trial. The king was convicted of multiple counts of theft, perjury, and crimes against the Jewish people and was sentenced to being covered in toilet paper, splashed with water, and having pudding smeared all over her face. Having successfully completed their fight for freedom the chanichim were given the opportunity to accuse, try, and punish any madrichim for any other injustices. The night was full of pudding, water-splashing, funny accusations, and laughter. Finally, we finished the night with BoSho group lighting the Hanukah candles with the rest of machaneh. Today has been a beautiful day with lots of snow and more sun! After avodah (work) and breakfast all of machaneh met and broke into teams for ...

Machaneh has been beautiful and sunny with plenty of snow for sledding and snow balls. Over the past day we have been doing many interesting and exciting activities based around the Hanukah story and traditions. Yesterday all of machaneh came together for a fun holiday carnival that wound up leading to a conversation about the role of Jewish traditions in our lives and the expression of these traditions in our home communities. After the activity we all regrouped to light the Hanukah candles, this time led by the Chotrim (7th graders) and followed by a long list of festive Hanukah songs. After dinner, chanichim had a relaxing evening watching a movie together. Today chanichim went on an investigation to discover what freedom can look like in their day-to-day lives, and the power they have to be who they want to be. Following this activity machaneh was taken over by the Greeks! Having being denied their right to practice their religion and live by their heritage the chanichi...

Machaneh Choref (winter camp) started with a bang! After spending yesterday afternoon getting situated and moving in to our tzrifim (cabins) we gathered together to celebrate the first night of Hanukah. Earlier in the day everyone worked together to create a beautiful hanukiah. Throughout Hanukah each kvutza (age-group) will get a night to light the candles for the rest of machaneh.  Last night Sayalim led us in the candle lighting, prayers, and Hanukah songs. After dinner all of machaneh came together to meet the madrichim (counselors) in a fun and energetic game-show-themed activity. After being welcomed to the “studio audience” by our three enthusiastic hosts, chanichim (campers) took turns identifying funny facts about their madrichim. Chanichim were presented with two facts about an anonymous madrich. Kvutzot were then challenged to identify which madrich wrote the facts and which one was a lie. Correct answers won candy for everyone and breakout dance parties ...

Shalom Everyone, We had a packed first day at camp, and we'll be writing more about it tomorrow. Meanwhile, here are some photos from our first evening together at camp, and our first night of Chanukah together. The Mighty Chotrim Sayalim singing Sayalim light home made Chanukiya

It's a challenging task to take, edit and upload video during camp, but we wanted to share them with you even if camp is already over. We hope you're still watching the blog. We told you several times about the Shabbat experience in our blog entries, via stories and pictures, and here is a beautiful short video to share how Shabbat is celebrated at Camp. Yom Gilboa For Those who visited the camp during visitors day - Yom Gilboa - it will be unforgettable, and a chance to see this again. For those who did not, it will be a chance to see this for the first time. Here are our chanichim performing at Yom Gilboa, one group at a time, and then the entire Camp performing two songs together. ... And did you know that Habonim Dror song 'Od Lo Gamarnu' was originally invented at Gilboa? well, here are the Summer 2011 Camp Gilboa Chanichim and Tzevet singing it This last video was posted earlier on Facebook. It was prep...

Dear Families and Chanichim, Three days ago, with many prolonged hugs and sad sad songs, we bade farewell to our Kayitz 2011 chanichim. The streaming tears testified to the deeply meaningful experiences the chanichim and madrichim created for themselves this summer. We spent five weeks building a loving kehila (community) together. It was hard to say goodbye. To recap the final days of machane: We had challenging and fun tiyulim (hikes) followed by a kupa trip into Big Bear to see Harry Potter and eat ice cream. After that was our final Shabbat of the summer, with Musical and Medurah acts reaching new heights of greatness. As always, we ended with a bang on final Messiba (party). Ruach remained high until the last chanich stepped onto the bus. Many thanks to all the chanichim, madrichim and families that made this summer happen. As the first summer at our new site, it really was a glorious chapter in Gilboa history. Congrats to the Bogrim for completing their time as chanichim...

Our last shabbat musicale everyone had a great time. Our Bogrim: Night before last at camp, we had our traditional "Wish Night", where chanichim are granted what they wished for. Here's Asher, who will never lose or forget a flashlight again. Shira will be taller. Mikey about to bathe in coca cola. A dog for Oliver and Galia. A book written for Josh, about Josh. ... And the story ends with a pie in the face. Mayo and relish bath for Sarina. Rowing contest for Liam and Dana. A visit and special performance of Bob Dylan.

Summer camp is almost over, and we are already preparing for Winter camp! Winter camp 2011 will take place this year between Tuesday, December 20th, and Sunday, December 25th, at Camp Mountain Chai; the same location we were at last year. This beautiful, kosher mountain retreat facility has comfortable winterized cabins and lodges, and lots of new areas to play in and explore. Here are the Winter Camp flyer and registration form . We're looking forward to see all of you, and many of your friends.

Last shabbat at camp started like every other shabbat at camp by everyone getting ready for shabbat, cleaning their tzrifim (cabins) and dressing up for shabbat. Chotrim boys won the "golden pinecone" for the cleanest cabin, and were called to the toren to raise the flag and sing Hatikva with all the camp, in preparation for Shabbat. They are clearly proud of their win... :) Everyone are dressed up for shabbat... Sayalim: Chotrim: Shobo: Bogrim & Bogrot: We walk to the lake to watch the sunset and prepare for Shabbat: As we reach the lake, we have an opportunity for everyone to have our Shabbat hugs, and meet our camp sieblings. After Shabbat dinner, we have our Shabbat shira (singing) and rikud (dancing) Shabbat Shalom !