Macabee

Dear Macabee Campers and Parents,

Week one has concluded and what a warm first week it has been. Campers got to be reunited with old friends and even made some new ones along the way. The weather was great which also contributed to such a fantastic week one at Camp Chaverim.
Monday was the first day at camp and that marked the beginning of chugim and swim lessons. Each child was tested and placed in a set swim level where lifeguards, counselors and campers work together to improve their swimming. Each child also found out what chug (Classes in Hebrew) they are in and will get to stay in that class for the whole first two week session. We also had the opportunity to team up with Music specialist, Molly, and we sang our first song for the whole camp to hear.
Tuesday our unit head Val got our group together and discussed the theme of the summer; Jewish holidays. Our first holiday was the high holy days/days of awe. The children got to learn about this sad yet hopeful time in Jewish history. Afterwards, the kids colored in Jewish stars and wrote something they hope will happen to make a brighter future for all us!
Wednesday marked camp's annual Bouncy Bounce day at Chaverim. We all got to have an amazing time bouncing around and racing through the obstacle course. Even our unit head Val, Camp Director Andy, and Assistant Camp Director Rachel gave the bouncy bounce a try. The laughter and smiles made it very clear that they were having a great time! Towards the end of Wednesday, our group separated into teams of boys vs girls at their request, and competed against one another in a kickball game! It was another awesome time and it was unfortunate that group time ended so soon but there are going to be tons of opportunities for us to engage in fun competitions like kickball all throughout summer! Thursday was just as fun as the other days as we had our first ever Dance Party at camp! With counselors being wrapped up in toilet paper, to look like mummies, a DJ playing all the favorites, and the entire camp being together in the auditorium, it was easy to see this was a day to remember!
Friday our camp got together as a whole again as kids got to cheer on their counselors and also participate themselves in our Counselor Olympics/Field Day! At the end of all the fun activities we gathered together and celebrated Shabbat; a major tradition here at camp Chaverim. We sang songs, watched performances, danced to Israel songs, and participated in other Jewish traditions. It is a great way to end the week at camp and it is the perfect opportunity for our group to bond together as friends!
Next week is going to be another good week as we learn about another Holiday in the Jewish Culture; Lag BaOmer and Shavout. Tuesday will be Tie Dye Day and Wednesday will be our first Tzofim field trip. Be sure to sign your child's permission slip and get it in as soon as possible. They will be handed out on Monday afternoon! We had so much fun this first week and we know week two will be just as good as the first one. We look forward to seeing you all on Monday and have a safe, happy Fourth of July!

Your Macabee Counselors,
Kirsten, Devon, and Rebekah