Yom Meyuchad - 6/20

Every Wednesday, each aidah participates in programming that is relevant to their development and to their interests. Called "Yom Meyuchad" (Special Day), campers have the opportunity to learn, to create, and to play with their peers. This break from the normal schedule is a favorite for many campers and counselors alike. Here are some descriptions from select aidot's Yom Meyuchad programs.

Josh (Garinim counselor): For our first Yom Meyuchad, we did a program called "Ramahscars" (like Oscars). The Garinimers were split up into groups and each learned about a different commandment from the Torah. The campers in my group were very excited about how our commandment was applicable to camp (relating to property). After this discussion, the campers wrote a script in a specific genre to be filmed later in the afternoon. The movie was filmed after lunch and as each group took turns, the others played capture-the-flag. After the campwide cookout, each group presented their films to the others and the counselors gave out awards to each group, for example: most realistic to camp, most realistic action scene, etc. The campers got very involved, and this program gave them the opportunity to take ownership over teaching their peers.

Colin (Shoafim camper): Shoafim's Yom Meyuchad was "Yom Survivor." In the morning, we were divided into groups and the teams were given different names that were from our play, "The Lion King." Each group had to decorate a flag and present them to the rest of the aidah - the winner gets to hold up their flag in our actual performance in front of the whole camp! After that, we played games like relay races and the human knot to learn about teamwork and developing our communication skills. At night, we had a party in the woods that was also in the survivor theme, and we did rain-dances and reflected on our day together.

Elena (Bogrim camper): Our day was very fun and we learned a lot! Bogrim focused on Chesed and giving to others. Every year, Shoafim does a Tzedakah project but we all agreed that learning about giving should not be limited to one summer! In the morning, we learned how to give to different groups at camp, such as the international staff, bunk-mates, and campers in other aidot. In the afternoon, we went on a scavenger hunt to find puzzle pieces around camp. When Bogrim came back together, each group painted their piece in a way that reflects Chesed. We are going to put these pieces together and hang them up in our Makom Tefila (place of prayer).