Home
Earth Night

Earth Night

on July 26, 2011

April 22nd is the official Earth Day, but here at GFC, Earth Night was last Saturday. After eating outside at our normal Saturday evening cookouts, all of our Niviim, Kohanim and Melachim campers spent their evening traveling through our Environmental Funhouse. At each stop along the way, the campers participated in activities that helped them explore environmental issues. Let’s take the tour!

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Avodah’s Crews

on July 25, 2011

Avodahnikim, or work/study participants at G.U.C.I., participate in four crews for two weeks each during the summer. K’ton, Kitchen, Maintenance, Office, Pool & Mirpaah (infirmary), Migdal, and Canoeing crews are the seven options that Avodahnikim can be assigned to. Each crew has a staff member who directs the group to help them accomplish the work and tasks.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

If I Am Only For Me… Thoughts on Forming Social Responsibility at Camp

on July 21, 2011

From the small things to the larger things, raising awareness is always a positive thing at any age. Three years ago, I learned that responsibility is not an inherent trait and that one instance of tragedy could open my eyes to a whole world of it, if only someone would help me see. That “someone” was the same “someone” that would listen to my problems and help me through them. That someone was the URJ. And through that kindness and trust I was finally ready to listen to and help others with their own problems. I’m glad to see that the legacy of kindness leading into responsibility is still continuing to grow today.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

A garden at Jewish summer camp: Who knew what its effects would be?

on July 17, 2011

Every summer growing up I would arrive at my favorite place on Earth with jitters in my stomach, wondering who my bunk mate would be and if I would get the top bunk. These feelings were always part of the first day of camp at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute. I was always so antsy driving through the gates and having our lunch and introductions “upstairs” (the area where the buildings and cabins were). I couldn’t wait to head “downstairs” (the area where we lived in tents as opposed to cabins), to my home for the next three to six weeks.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Fixing the World- Avodah Style

on July 11, 2011

Tikun Olam has always been a strong ideal in Judaism. This idea is found most prominently at camp in the Avodah program. Avodah translates to service, which is exactly the role they play in camp.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }