Shabbat Shalom, Jacobs Families!
This week has gone by so quickly! I cannot believe we are halfway through with second session already! This week, we focused on the Jewish value, gratitude, or Hakarat Tovah. Our campers learned about how to be thankful for the things around them and the lives they live by writing Thank You notes to our operations and support staff that keep camp running! Every day, I am increasingly thankful for our camp community and the love that surrounds us as campers learn and grow as a part of our kehillah kedosha (holy community).
Although we had to say goodbye to our amazing Olimers, their last few days were jam-packed with fun! Their week was full of new experiences like swinging on the tower swing, gymnastics, wacky science, and more. They watched a magic show, celebrated bunk nights and campouts with their cabins, and played some sports along the way! This summer was the summer of a lifetime for our Olimers, and we are so thrilled we could create so many special memories in just ten days!
Garin had a very full week as well! From archery to ziplining, Garin is experiencing all that Jacobs has to offer. In cooking chug, we taught our campers how to make several different Jewish foods, such as challah and hamentaschen. They played all kinds of improv games and executed some cool Wacky Science experiments! In kehillah this week, our Gariners thanked the staff and wrote various letters expressing their gratitude. It is so special to see our campers grow and learn with Jewish education! This week, they solved the mystery of who released the blob into the middle of the lake, became super spies, and got very messy!
Maskilim was so excited to finally have their highly anticipated Day Trip! They went to a Mississippi Braves baseball game and Ichiban for dinner! Everyone had a fantastic time and loved getting to go off camp! While at camp this week, our Maskilimers are working on their design and communication skills while building a new sculpture, learning about budgeting with healthy foods, and making new art projects! The Maskilim campers are very close to my heart and every day I get to watch them learn something new and create memories. Their friendships are going to last a lifetime!
Talmidim left for Adventures Unlimited in Milton, Florida this week! Their trip was filled with memories and new friendships. Our campers zip lined, kayaked, and tubed down the river together. On top of the physical activities, they also spent a lot of time bonding as a unit and learning how to work together! When they arrived back at camp, they received a very warm welcome from all our units. Seeing camp interact together is so amazing because it really just proves that we are one big family.
This week, Chalutzim got their Garin little brothers and sisters, and they demonstrated how to be a great role model! Since receiving their little siblings, Chalutzim has spent as much time as possible working with Garin and being together! We love this sibling program because it provides our Gariners and Chalutzimers the amazing chance to create memories with people outside of their unit and age group.
Israel Night was this week, and everyone had a great time! It was a chance for all our campers to experience Israeli culture and foods like falafel, pita, and Isareli Salad. On top of the food, there was plenty of Isareli Dancing and shopping at our shuk. Our Israeli staff members make our community whole and we are so grateful that they are willing to share glimpses of their lives with us!
Lastly, we are thrilled to announce that our year-round team is complete! Beginning in August, Joshua Posner will be joining us as an Assistant Director. His commitment to camp has already shown through in his five years and many roles on staff, and we are so excited to see him thrive and grow in a new role within our camp community. Welcome to the team, Josh!
Even though we are halfway through the session, there is so much excitement left! I cannot wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store. We are already having the summer of a lifetime, and I am amazed by how much stronger our community grows each and every day.
Shabbat Shalom!
Anna
