The Camp Gilboa Blog

This week saw multiple "kvutza days" or "kupa trips", where kvutzot (age groups) spent the entire day together in fun creative activities, at camp and out-of-camp trips. chanichimot (campers) participated in scavenger hunts, kayaked, created murals and other building projects, took adventure vehicle rides, and some even went bowling in town. Throughout these activities, the emphasis was on kvutza building and strengthening everyone's connection to each other. Our last Nitsanimot ("taste of camp" group) arrived on wednesday Nitsanimot were paired with MBG (incoming 11th graders) buddies, and later on went kayaking with them

This past session, the Bogrimot (going into 10 th grade) participated in a process that was designed to create a strong kvutzah (age group) and empower them to recognize their own voice in their communities, and ability to change the world.  In the first portion we learned about structures that explicitly have to do with kvutzah: such as how the Jewish value Shivyon Erech Haadam (equality of human value) can be implemented in order to value every individual in the group. The second portion considered problematic issues within society outside of machaneh (camp), such as the prison industrial system and mental health stigmatization. The final portion combined the two themes from the past weeks, having the chanichimot recognize that through their kvutzah they have the power to change and fix systems. The Bogrimot learned so much and grew together because their commitment to establishing a loving, strong community within their kvutzah, that they hope to translate to the rest of t...

We got back safe and sound from the camp-wide overnight tiyul (hike). Tiyul included exploring beautiful trails, challenging walks, and a great kvutzah-building experience for everyone. We also got a demonstration of the strength of the community and the support people give each other when an unexpected encounter with a snake took place at one of the campsites. Everyone is back at camp, well-rested and showered!