Spotlight on Halutzim

Halutzim campers (going into 6th grade) arrived about two weeks ago, at the beginning of the second session of camp. For some Halutzim campers, this is their first summer as part of the Ramah community. For those who had come first session last summer as Garinim campers (going into 5th grade), returning to camp was returning to a familiar and comfortable setting. Although the campers were greeted by the hullaballoo and excitement of an already-established community, the Halutzimers were able to successfully fall into the swing of things.

This year, Halutzim campers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of options for Sport classes, such as volleyball, softball, and basketball, as well as Tarbut (literally "culture") classes, like woodworking, art, radio, and creative writing. The campers attend text classes that focus on specific Jewish values or topics. They also attend Hebrew classes to brush-up on their language skills, to learn about Israeli culture, and interact more closely with Israeli staff. They also participate in daily swim classes and aidah activities, such as scavenger hunts or theme nights (i.e. Israeli Army night).

Halutzimers kicked off the summer with an aidah camping trip on July 19th. Since then, the camp has felt a strong presence from Halutzim, especially with their continued success at winning campwide Israeli trivia each week. Overall, there is a lot of excitement for opportunities this summer in the arts and on the sports field for the campers.

Avra Shapiro (JC, Halutzim): Each aidah has its own unique cheer that is sung at different campwide events throughout the summer. The Halutzim campers love their aidah cheer and sing it whenever they get the chance. It's both fun and a great outlet for energy and expression.

Being a Halutzim counselor thus far has been very rewarding. We (counselors) want to help the campers blend in to the greater camp community, while at the same time we want to help them form their own aidah community. I want them to love camp as much as I do.

Nathan Michaelson (JC, Halutzim): One of the highlights of Halutzim summer is the Halutzim Cabaret. All other aidot in camp have the chance to put on a performance for the rest of camp because they are here for eight weeks. Halutzim Cabaret (started two summers ago) allows the campers the opportunity to show camp their talents on stage. It's also a great opportunity for Halutzim campers to show camp who they are as an aidah: to give them an identity at camp. At the same time, it's an opportunity for the campers to unite together as an aidah.

This year's theme is "Disney Cabaret," which will take place next week. The campers have been practicing their songs from Disney movies, like "Hercules," "Mulan," "Tarzan," "Toy Story," and "High School Musical." The campers are all very excited and have been practicing for a while. It's a very exciting summer for them.

Orielle H. (Halutzim): I really like the rikudiah (dance festival) at camp that will happen next week. I also really like how this summer we can choose what sport we want to be in.

Noah P. (Halutzim): I love having Shabbat by the lake every week. It's really nice and really peaceful.

Gabe S. (Halutzim): I like sports this year because it's different each day. We sometimes do drills and sometimes games. It's really fun.

Maxwell G. (Halutzim): My favorite part about coming to camp is seeing my friends and getting to know them better. Tarbut, too, because there are so many choices, like art and painting.

Gabi S. (Halutzim): I love coming here and making new friends.

Skylar Y. (Halutzim): I like everything. I'm looking forward to the rikudiah because I'm in it.

Ethan W. (Halutzim): Boating is fun because it's relaxing and nice, like when there are waves in the water and when you have lots of time. I can't kayak during the year.

Sarah K. (Halutzim): I love being with friends here and making new ones.

Judah S (Halutzim): I like going on the "blob" in the middle of the lake because it's fun.

Ilyssa S. (Halutzim): I love getting closer with friends.

Eric H. (Halutzim): I definitely enjoy camp; I looked forward to it all summer until I came. It's my first time here, and it's amazing.

Naomi S. (Halutzim): I was here last year, and so it was easy to come back. I love camp.