As our campers prepare for our first Kabbalat Shabbat, it’s time to reflect back on this first week of Camp. It’s hard to believe that so much has happened in such a short amount of time, and yet, we are ready to wake up tomorrow and start it all over again!

Last Friday, the Camp Judaea tsevet (staff) celebrated Shabbat together. No sooner had Shabbat ended before we moved right into Shavuot, the Festival of First Fruits and the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Then, without even coming up for air, we met our campers and families on Opening Day! Parents, siblings, board members and volunteers, special guests, and of course, our campers, flooded Camp with so much excitement and ruach–more than ready to kick off the session.

We proudly broke ground on our new Chadar Ochel on Tuesday and continue to make plans to officially begin construction in early August after camp. Campers, parents and alumni snapped up CJ t-shirts, water bottles, hats, and more throughout the day — everyone loves to wear our swag throughout the year! Thanks to all who supported camp by purchasing CJ sportswear.

Since we said farewell to parents and guests, our campers and staff members have been enjoying non-stop fun! They jumped right into the swing of things– swimming, singing, dancing, playing sports, and of course, learning. Between Wednesday and Thursday, each group had the opportunity to enjoy at least eight rotational activities. Then when you add in two chuggim a day, peulot eda, and tochniot erev, we are looking at an additional eight activities! Keeping busy with outrageously fun activities has helped to cure any initial homesickness, and everyone is having a great time.

Last night was an extra special evening for our Offarim and Bogrim campers. Our young Offies were awakened by their Bogrim big brothers and big sisters for their BO reveal. Each session, we pair up our youngest and oldest 25-day campers as big brothers/big sisters. They enjoy s’mores at a campfire, get to know each other, and learn BO cheers and songs. This morning, they were surprised once again when they found out they’d be going BO-Bowling! Throughout the session, the Bogrim continue to provide mentorship, leadership and nurturing to their “littles.”

This evening, our Tsofim campers will lead us at Kabbalat Shabbat as we welcome in Shabbat with beautiful singing and dancing. Tsofim campers will also then lead t’fillot tonight and tomorrow morning.

Looking ahead, Kesher and Bogrim will depart for New York City and Washington, DC respectively Saturday night after Havdallah. They have amazing itineraries planned by their Trip Directors and Merakzim. Then on Sunday, the rest of camp will head out on overnight campouts and day trips. Everyone is excited for all of the adventures ahead of us after a relaxing and meaningful Shabbat!

Make sure you check out this week’s edition of CJ News!

CAMP JUDAEA NEWS 2016 – WEEK 1 from Camp Judaea on Vimeo.