Bogrim Blogging
TOCHNIT EREV
One of our most recent Tochniot Erev (night activities) explored the problem of homelessness relating to mental health issues and incarceration rates. As Bogrim (the oldest age group) we were asked to help orchestrate this activity by acting in characters, both homeless and wealthy. This was a huge responsibility for our whole kvutza and was very exciting. The tochnit erev began with children getting in groups and exploring a part of camp where Bogrim (us), Madatz (CIT’s) and madrichim (counselors) were stationed in their characters. When chanichim found a wealthy character they were asked to do a task in return for candy. After receiving the candy, the groups moved to the station of a homeless character where they listened to that character’s story. After hearing the story the group decided whether or not to share their candy. After meeting the characters, the groups sat down to discuss the issue of homelessness and how they had felt about getting and giving away their candy.
Next the groups gathered together to learn about the statistics of homelessness, mental health issues and incarceration. After learning about shocking statistics that demonstrated how the issues intertwined, we sat back down to discuss. For all the chanichim this night was both educational and fun. For us as Bogrim, it was the first time we were given such responsibilities and we were all happy with how the night turned out.
- Natasha & Eliza
NITSANIM PITSANIM
On Wednesday the 9th, the Nitsanim arrived at machaneh. These five boys have replaced Sayalim as the cutest kids in town! All of machaneh has enjoyed their company, both at meals and during activities. They even tagged along with me (Fry) and the rest of chug LARP, and their marvelous ruach made the day an adventure. In their five days at camp, they have been shmreled (written a short poem about) and passed it on. Although we are all sad that their stay is so short, we were all eager for a special Shabbat with them.
- Fry & Rebecca
YOM MEYUHAD
Last Tuesday was Yom Meyhuhad, an entire day put together by tzevet with a singular theme. This time it was the Wizard of Oz. When we got up, we were given a list with our names and the color we had to wear. We met up with the chanichim and our madrichim leaders who had the same colors and learned that each color was a different family with a different job in Munchkinland.
After a breakfast of m&m pancakes and colorful juice, we split into the groups and did an activity depending on the job of the groups. The red Bunnyberries were carpenters and built a stick tower. The yellow Bellsnickles were artists and painted a large sign. During our activities the wicked witch of the west visited us, telling us that Dorothy was no good. After our Avodah, we learned that Dorothy, Toto (who could talk), and her three new friends, the scarecrow, the lion and the tin-man
decided to stay in Munchkinland and set up their own businesses.
We went through and tried out each new business. Then we learned that all of the new businesses were hurting all of the munchkins businesses. We got back into our groups and went on a relay race to earn money. After the race we figured out that some groups got more money than others, even if they did not do better than others. Than we went to lunch, and Glinda, the good witch, charged us money for the tables we were sitting at. The groups who got less money and couldn’t pay, had to go outside. After Chofesh (free time), there was a job fair. We had to go around and see which stores would employ us. The job fair was recruiting members based on the colors. Some colors were hired for more jobs than other colors. We split into groups and had discussions about what we had experienced so far.
We talked about gentrification and how it affected Munchkinland, just like the world, and we protested against Glinda and the fact that the new businesses were driving the munchkins out of their homes. After dinner we had tochnit erev where we had to go around camp and find parts of a social contract. After we found all the parts, we found the Wizard of Oz, and he granted us a social contract that fits the needs of both parties. Overall it was a very fun an interesting experience.
- Max, Noa & Asher
EXODUS
All seems normal, late Wednesday evening, as the whole machaneh gathers for hitkansut erev. We sang songs and our kvutza cheers. The night was alive with spirit and ruach. Suddenly the circle of chanichim and madrichim was invaded by Pharaoh and his priest! Immediately, chanichim were told that they were slaves in the land of Egypt and they were split up into different groups. Seeing as it was time for dinner, we entered the chadar with our groups. The chadar had transformed into Pharaoh’s palace! Pharaoh and his guards got to sit on a throne, smack-dab in the center of the chadar, while chanichim (now the Hebrew slaves) were forced to dine on the ground. After a nutritious meal of spinach and cheese burekas, the slaves/chanichim, were allowed a 45 minutes free time before returning to the chadar for tochnit erev (evening activity). When we returned to the chadar we watched as Aaron begged Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. Pharaoh wouldn't oblige, so god sent down a series of ten plagues on the Egyptian people.
Once again, we split up into our groups and walked around machaneh, stopping at different places to do activities having to do with the ten plagues. Some of these activities included catching hail with cups and leapfrogging across the wood chip laden parking lot. After returning to the chadar once again, we watched a scene between Pharaoh and Moses/Aaron. Pharaoh decided to let the Hebrews go before quickly changing his mind and sending his men after the fleeing slaves. To simulate this, we played a game called Zap. Chanichim had to sneak through camp in the dark and make their way to the red sea (the pool), all the while avoiding being “zapped” by madrichim with flashlights.
Chanichim were ecstatic to play zap and they quickly set out on their journey. Once the whole camp reached the dead see we watched as the sea was split and Pharaoh’s priest and guards were thrown into the water.
Everyone cheered and rejoiced. The Hebrew slaves were finally freed! The night was alive with joy and excitement. We all headed down to the chadar for kibbud (snacks) and rad hayom. A tasty end to a fun-filled night.
- Emma
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