Here we are approaching the very last Shabbat, not only of second session, but of our 2015 Summer. Camp Judaea has had seven (soon to be eight) weeks worth of new experiences, Jewish and cultural education, mensch-making, and fun!
We couldn’t be more pleased with how the summer has been going…

This week, we commemorated Tisha Ba’av with a beautiful campwide ceremony. Monday was another trip day: Offarim went to Tweetsie Railroad, Oranim and Sayarim enjoyed Dollywood, and Tsofim, Kesher, and Bogrim had their overnights. On Tuesday, we were joined by Sheldon Low who rocked the Beit Ha’am!

Chalutzim safely arrived back at camp Wednesday afternoon after their ten-day outward bound experience in the woods. Bug bites and stubbed toes aside, they were all in great shape and eager to share stories of their experience!

Wednesday evening, the entire camp participated in Yom Tzofim, hosted by our Scouts, Amit and Emma. They transformed our entire back field into a scouts-themed carnival, and all of the campers and staff got to learn new skills and games. They had face-painting and even banana boat making over the fire!

As the campers thought the evening was wrapping up with a traditional fire sign, we noticed four horses from the stables painted in red, blue, white, and green paint coming towards the flagpole. Before long, eight brave, excited, and dedicated captains came running into the crowd to announce Bikkurim!

Bikkurim was an awesome day filled with ruach! The four teams cheered, performed, and played sports all day long to impress the Va’ad (panel of judges). The theme was “Couples through Jewish History” which included Abraham and Sarah, Adam and Eve, King Ahashveyrosh and Queen Esther, and Moses and Tzipora. At the end of the night, the Green Team (Adam and Eve) were deemed the winners!

At this morning’s t’fillot (prayers), Joshua Dela Cruz was joined by his family for his Bar Mitzvah. He delivered a D’var Torah and was given his tallis. Mazel tov to Joshua and his family, and thank you for sharing this simcha with your CJ family! This Kabbalat Shabbat will be “BO Shabbat” led by Bogrim and Offarim. We know they’ll make our last CJ Shabbat special and memorable.

Before the session wraps up for good, some of the staff members reflect back on their biggest accomplishments at camp thus far:

“Becoming close with my campers and fellow staff members”
Jared Schermer: Kesher, Cornerstone Fellow

“Finally breaking through to the campers who were afraid of heights and then were eventually able to go down the zipline, like Offie, Elissa Borak and Bogie, Alyssa LaFay!”
Yonatan Manor: Head of Ropes

“Incorporating 35 Israeli madrichim into the CJ family and providing fun Israeli and Jewish education into the camp curriculum.”
Neta Shani: Shaliach, Education Director

Don’t forget to check out this week’s edition of CJ News!