Yesterday was the end of Kallah Aleph 2012. By nine a.m. families flooded camp and the cabin areas were packed with people. It was gratifying for staff to see the campers embrace their families and tell them all about the wonderful summer they just had! And it was a wonderful summer indeed, full of many different activities. Every unit learned about being Partners with God in Shiur, our educational program. They discussed Jewish values and inspired each other with their individual opinions. They also had two bunk nights that helped them build relationships with their cabin mates and counselors. Additionally [...]
Tag Archives | Shabbat
Shabbat is in The Air
Today is the first Shabbat of Kallah Aleph. What makes today so special for campers is that the daily schedule is different so they can prepare for Shabbat. Garin, Shoresh and Gezah participated in Shabbat prep instead of their regular Olami. They learned new Rikudei Am (Israeli Dance), the song Lo Yareiu, and the importance and significance of the Shabbat Walk. Rabbi Rapport discussed with Gezah that we are not the only people who take part in a Shabbat Walk every Friday. He explained that it was started about 500 years ago in the city of Tzfat, Israel. He also [...]
G.U.C.I.’s Congregation and Community
But Friday it was a great treat to sit by my window and listen to the 400 voices of our community sing Shabbat blessings and join together in a classic G.U.C.I. Shabbat Song Session. I am truly privileged to be a part of this community.
Creative Writing Chug Helps With Shabbat
This past Saturday G.U.C.I. had an extra special Shabbat morning service led by creative writing chugim on camp. Each camper received a line from a Shabbat prayer or poem and from there, wrote their own piece about their interpretation of that line. From free verse to simple rhymes to even a rap, Shoresh and Gezah campers truly showed their best creative work to all of camp. I know I was moved by the power of their words, and I am sure the rest of camp was as well. I could not be more proud of my campers. Shabbat Shalom! Here [...]
The Faculty’s Perspective: Shabbat
There is a wonderful feeling of unity as the entire camp fills this outdoor sanctuary and joins together to celebrate the beginning of Shabbat with music and prayer.
A “Very Good” Session
As the sun began to descend on Friday, bringing Shabbat along with it, I could not help but think about the first story we studied together this summer – Creation. Each day of creation God reviews His work, just as we have done, and declares that it is “Good”. But after viewing the finished product God declares that it is “Very Good”.
Music and Shabbat at Camp
Each voice in our community finds a way to contribute and the final sound is truly unimaginable, and perhaps only as describable as what I have already attempted. Regardless, our camp comes together day after day, Shabbat after Shabbat, and year after year to put forth the same intensity of energy and beauty of singing. I absolutely love it.
Shavua tov from our last Shabbat at camp
The 4th Shabbat is always mega at camp. Saturday afternoon is spent packing. All staff returns to the cabins with their campers to help them pack. Campers check out lost and found to see if any of their things are there. Later in the afternoon we have basketball tournaments, swimming, and softball games. Song session Saturday evening is “Top 10 G.U.C.I. songs of the session.”
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@URJGUCI oh yeah! I forgot about July 4th! 
@susmano Garin Bet does not have a Yom Sport, but they have the 4th of July, which includes a carnival and fireworks (weather permitting)!
No better way to end a great Yom Sport. All camp together. Kehilla Kedosha. @URJGUCI Tefillot @ GUCI http://t.co/7Ph4lyeulw- @URJGUCI is Yom Sport only once per session? Will Garin Bet also participate in Yom Sport? What fun, all camp activity do they get to do?