Nivonim Interns: Hard at Work

As campers approach their later camper years, they often look forward to being on staff after attending the Ramah Seminar in Israel. Many staff members describe that they come back to camp summer after summer to recreate the positive and enriching summers they had as campers and to "give back to camp." The Nivonim Internship Project is structured to enable Nivonim campers to contribute to specific anafim (departments) that they have enjoyed and thrived in as campers. Around camp today, Nivonimers are preparing to begin their internships, and share their excitement for the different areas in which they will work.

Alison (Tikvah intern): I chose to intern in Tikvah because I participated in the Chaverim program last summer in Machon (see blog entry on Chaverim program) and really benefited. The campers in Tikvah are cool and unique people just like us. I have learned a lot from them by working with them and think I may want to come back on staff as a Tikvah counselor, so this is a great opportunity to work with them.

Elli (Waterfront Intern): I have always loved to swim and some of my best memories at camp are at the waterfront. I did LGT and loved it. I think that being a waterfront intern will be rewarding because I can share my love for swimming and the water with campers and improve my skills as a lifeguard as well.

Daniel (Omanut/Art Intern): Over the past week, we (Nivonim campers) selected a few areas that we wanted to work in and just received our assignments. I am so excited that I got art. The cool part about working in omanut is that you can help out and create at the same time. I want to create a structure that represents Nivo and will leave our mark on camp, and help the other campers to create similar things. I am glad I have two weeks here for my internship because I have so many ideas.

Danny (Rikud/Dance Intern): I dance at home during the year and at camp every summer, and I chose to be a rikud intern to improve my dance teaching skills. I think it will be cool to help out with the choreography for the plays and the Rikudiah dance festival later in the summer. I want to encourage others to try dance and I hope I can share my passion through this internship!

Leora (Drama intern): I decided to be a drama intern to meet new people and I thought it would be interesting. The Northwoods Ramah Theater Company just arrived from New York and are working on a few shows that are going to be performed during the theater festival next week. I am helping them to prepare for the shows and I am also trying to absorb these professionals' awesome talent!

Adam (Music intern): I am a music intern and working with Brian Gelfand who is a songwriter and has created so many cool tunes for camp. This summer we worked with him on creating songs that tried to bring to life the idea of Paradise in the Jewish context.

Miles (Radio intern): I love this radio internship so far. I always loved radio as a camper but the program has so many new cool elements that I can help campers to take ownership of.