Spotlight on Tikvah

Yael Buechler (Rosh Tikvah): Working with Tikvah this summer has been wonderful so far. Tikvah is a program for campers with special needs, where we have special programming for the campers as well as work to integrate them into the rest of camp. Tikvah campers have many activities with other aidot at camp, such as Machon. We have text classes with Machon, sport with Machon and Teffilot (prayer services) with Machon on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. We have all kinds of evening programs with other aidot at camp as well.

We also have the "Machon Chaverim (Machon Friends)" buddy program where campers from Machon are paired up with Tikvah campers. It is a really exciting way and great opportunity for Machon campers to get to know the Tikvah campers on an individual basis. The Chaverim meet twice a week and have the opportunity to form wonderful friendships over the course of the summer.

Some highlights thus far in the summer include Tikvah's leading of Teffilot on Friday night a few weeks ago. The Tikvah campers were able to lead services in front of the entire camp and experience a joyful Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv (evening) service, as well as read from the book of Shir Ha'Shirim (The Song of Songs).

We also had our annual "Tikvah Lunch Theatre" play, which was a wonderful opportunity for Tikvah campers to take a leadership role not only acting in the play, but actually writing the play itself with the help of some of their "Machon Chaverim" and Counselors-in-Training from Nivonim. Other highlights of the summer include all of our Yomei Meyuchad (special days) that occur every Wednesday. Some examples include themes such as "Yom Hagim (Holidays)" and "Yom Murder Mystery."

It's been a really busy and exciting summer. Right now we're in Moadon Tikvah getting ready for Shabbat; today we're braiding challah as an aidah. We are really looking forward to spending another wonderful Shabbat together.

Matthew O. (Tikvah): My favorite part is swimming. I love going boating.

Jillian B. (Tikvah): I like softball because it's really fun and we get to play with the Machoners.

Ben A. (Tikvah): I like sports. My favorite part about sports at camp is playing basketball and the free-throw shooting contest; I got a certificate. It's fun playing with Nivonim on the court.

Becca C. (Tikvah): My favorite part about camp is swimming because we get to go diving. I also like making new friends.