Shomrim Shabbat Rotations Blogging

Shabbat at Gilboa is a community-created experience. Starting mid-day Friday, the different kvutzot (age groups) take on one responsibility so that a Gilboa Shabbat can happen. Some set the tables or bake chalot, others prepare a song to sing to the community as we greet the Shabbat, and others write their own brachot (blessings), to add to the traditional ones.

A new Shabbat preparation responsibility (initiated by the Shomrim - our 8th graders), is writing blog posts - so that the entire Gilboa community can hear directly from the chanichim about their experience and share in it. A different kvutza will blog each week, and here is what the Shomrim had to say:

Yom Meyuchad

 On the eleventh day of july, Machaneh Gilboa participated in a “robot themed” Yom Meyuchad (special day). Greeted by robotized Madrichim, we walked into the Chadar to find that it was decorated as if it were a factory. We then took a tour of Machaneh and realized that these robots had imperfections (movement, lack of emotions, etc…) although they believed themselves to be perfect. Later on. we participated in a World Fair, where we interacted with other robots. A long discussion of imperfections and oppression followed, and caused us to realize that the madrichim-bots were being oppressed by their own wish to be perfect. Later in the night, we freed the robots from themselves, and returned them to their human state. We then ended the day with an amazing robot dance party and pudding.

            -Bracha, Maya, Molly, Abby, Mia, and Sophia

Sadnaot

In Sadnaot, we get to do many different fun activities. So far we’ve gone kayaking, done archery, art, made Israeli chocolate balls, learned scouting and rope tying, and learned about Israeli culture. Sadnaot give us opportunities to bond with our kvutzah members, experience new things, and learn. For example, when we went kayaking we got to know new people and had fun with them. In archery, we got to learn a new skill. We also got to learn about lots of interesting Israeli inventions in Zman Shlichim. In Tsofiut we learned how to tie all kinds of knots. During art, we made a big Shomrim sign with all of our names. Lastly, in Rikkud, we learned many fun Israeli dances. We have had a great time in our past Sadnaot and are excited for the ones to come.

            -Talia, Edan Millstein, and Miriam

Peulat Shichva

Peulat Shichva (PISH) is an important time to bond with our kvutsa and have interesting discussions. The Shomrim (going into 8^th) had a PISH on Tuesday where we explored body image. We all dressed in our bathing suits, put clothes over, and went to the breicha (pool). There, we had friends outline our bodies with chalk on the concrete. We talked about how there’s a specific body image of a “perfect” person that many are pressured to imitate. We concluded that there is no perfect image of what a body should look like, and how we are all beautiful. After the PISH , we all jumped into the breicha at the same time while shouting something that we were insecure about. As a conclusion to this PISH, we felt like it was really nice to talk (in a safe place with people we trusted)  about insecurities and how we felt about our bodies.

            -Lily, Noga, Ben, and Yuval

Shabbat (Friday Night)

Shabbat is the day that every camper looks forward to. Starting from a special schedule which includes Shabbat rotations, rikkud (Israeli dances), and a special dinner, everyone gets ready for a fun night. Right after lunch, all the campers are assigned to a specific Shabbat rotation. These rotations include blogging, decorations, oneg, setting up the tables, blessings, and singing a song for the entire camp. Last Shabbat, our kvutsah (Shomrim) presented the Oneg. An Oneg is a fun skit that certain kvutsot get to perform on Shabbat. We really enjoyed presenting a funny skit about the game Mafia. After we finish our Shabbat rotation time, we have Nikayon Tzrif (cleaning cabins). Later, we have chofesh (free time) until mishpachot, which is a time to talk with people from the same cities as us. During that time we talk about our week - our thorns and our roses. After that, we all hold hands and head down to the dam to listen to a story by our Rosh Sarah, and a song. Afterwards, we all come back for a delicious dinner. After the Oneg is presented, everyone gets changed for rikkud, where we have fun by dancing together. There are many new dances to learn and rikkud is a great way to end the night. All in all, Shabbat is one of our favorite days of the week, with so many activities to enjoy.

            -Avigail, Hila, Roni, Noa G, Noa D, and Shelly

Chuggim

Chuggim is a part of the day when the chanichim split into their interest groups to do activities. The different Chuggim are: DIY (do it yourself), sports, messy fun, ladies who lunch, drama, trail blazing, Hisardut (survival), and music. They are all fun but also have important values. Here is what some chanichim said about their chug.

“In survivor, we learn how to make different types of knots, survival skills, and play fun games” –Noam

“In DIY, we do creative art projects and are helping to beautify the camp” –Sofia

“In Messy Fun, we can express ourselves by getting messy, playing messy dare, or eating something gross as well, along with many other activities” –Tamir

“In Ladies Who Lunch, we learn about self-respect and independence in women” –Talia

“In Music, we have fun learning and playing music together” –Edan Millstein

“In Trailblazing, we talk about philosophy and morals while exploring the wilderness” –Ben

“In Drama, we learn and read monologues and play drama games” –

“In Sports, we challenge ourselves to the best of our abilities” –Renn

            -Tamir, Sofia, Noam

From The Shomrim Madrichim:

A kvutsah of 27 chanichim might sound scattered and difficult to handle, but the Shomrim elevate machaneh with their Ruach (energy). They have been able to get to get closer and get to know each other in ways that they never expected. Every chanich in the kvutsah contributes; whether it be by making beautiful name signs for their secret admirers, writing cheers for the entire kvutsah, cleaning their tzrifim, or participating in deep conversations during PISH.

Today, we discussed what it means to be clear with our intentions, and the importance of listening to others. We started out with some fun games that challenged them to be careful with their directions and word choice. Separating into groups with a madrich, the chanichim had to explain how to properly assemble a sandwich as a madrich followed their instructions. However, if the chanichim weren’t explicit, a madrich might just drop an entire stick of butter onto the bread, instead of just a slice. While it was entertaining, it exemplified the importance of being clear and intentional when communicating with others.

The chanichim then critically analyzed the lyrics to a popular Israeli song, and applied their newly learned ideas of clear communication to discussing the song’s meaning. The chanichim left the discussion inspired to improve their listening skills and word choice.

As a tzevet (staff), we’re personally invested in creating a safe space in which all the chanichim can grow and challenge each other. At the end of every PISH we leave having learned as much from them as we hope they've learned from us. It makes us happy to watch them develop as opinionated individuals and we can’t wait to see what happens in the last week.

           - Mia, Adi, Mori, Adam & Nur