Spotlight on Solelim

Solelim is for students entering seventh grade and is the first summer that campers spend at Ramah for the full eight weeks. The campers have the opportunity to experience much more of what Ramah has to offer, as well as the first chance to perform a musical for the whole camp.

Sarah Gold (Rosh Solelim): This is my fifth year on staff. I was a Shoafim counselor for two years, a Bogrim counselor, a Nivonim counselor, and this is my first year as a Rosh Aidah. It's really an amazing opportunity that we have during the Solelim summer to really unify them because this is their first experience being here for eight weeks. They get to really see what the true camp experience is like. We get to show them all the different types of things that they couldn't do being here for only four weeks. Plus we get the chance to get them excited about everything-the new class opportunities, going on the Blob, Rikud, Omanut, Nagarut, all the different sports. They have a great passion for life and a passion for camp and trying out all the activities. It's a real privilege to be able to work with these campers.

One of my favorite things that we have done was a peulat erev (evening activity) that the Mishlachat (staff from Israel) helped us plan. It was essentially like "The Amazing Race," where they had to race around camp to different stations that each represented a different city in Israel. They learned about the cities in Israel and then when they had completed the whole race we welcomed them into a party celebrating the land of Israel. Everyone was having fun and letting loose-it was fun and educational at the same time.

I'm really looking forward to our play. This is the first time that they get to show themselves as an aidah with a play. They have a lot of talent-we're small but mighty. I think we're really going to wow camp.

Arielle Salsberg (JC, Solelim): This is my first year on staff. I wanted to work with a younger aidah because they haven't been to camp as much, so they don't have as many expectations. They have a lot of energy and they're a lot of fun. They're so cute.

My favorite thing about the summer so far is just hanging out with the campers. Planning programs for them is a lot of fun because we can play stuff that they just go crazy for. They don't hold back and it's fun to watch.

I'm also looking forward to our play. We go to play practice with them every day and we see their progress and how excited they are. I'm excited to see how it turns out.

Eran Ebstein (SC, Solelim): This is also my first year on staff. I have been at camp since I was a baby and I was interested in coming back on staff because I wanted to see what it was like, to see it from a whole new perspective. I also wanted to give back to this place that has given so much to me. I love being with Solelim. The kids are so great. They're still so innocent and they ask the funniest questions-but at the same time they are questions that adults should be asking themselves too. You think you know everything, but then they ask something and you realize you don't. They have so much energy. It's really fun to listen to them and be a part of them.

One of my favorite things was when we had a Dress Up Your Counselor Night. The campers dressed me up in a ridiculous costume. I don't know who enjoyed it more-them or me. It was really funny and I really enjoyed it.

I'm really looking forward to the play. It's going to be huge. I'm also looking forward to the aidah sports games because it's a chance for the aidah to come together and cheer for each other.

Rina Z. (Solelim): My favorite thing about Solelim is being able to work on the pottery wheel in Omanut.

Shira (Solelim): My favorite thing about being in Solelim is hanging out with my friends and having so much fun.