Spiritual Moments, Elective Adventures, and a Week of Ruach Ahead

Since our last update, Camp has been buzzing with energy, emotion, and connection. Friday morning, we gathered to send off our Nitzanim and Carmel campers from Session 3a with all the love in our hearts. As they walked through the Tunnel of Love — lined with cheering counselors and staff — they carried with them memories of bunk adventures, goat cuddles, and new friendships formed under the Tawonga sky.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains Friday evening, the rest of Camp, including our TLI teens, embraced the serenity of Shabbat. Campers strolled slowly through the woods to the sounds of guitar and song for our Shabbat Stroll, followed by a delicious Shabbat dinner and our beloved Shabobbler (that’s Shabbat cobbler, of course!). Outside the Dining Hall, camp was alive with an ethereal freilach — a longer song session featuring classic Israeli folk dancing tunes, like Miriam’s Song where campers circle up to dance and laugh together. On this night, a band of staff musicians accompanied our song leaders, adding to the electric energy! 

Our Board of Directors, who guide and support our organization, were here for their annual retreat and joined in the fun. That energy carried right into Kabbalat Shabbat services by unit, where campers reflected, sang, and settled into a peaceful Shabbat rhythm.

Saturday morning brought one of the most beautiful and peaceful moments of the session: Torah services at Makom Shalom, our outdoor sanctuary nestled in the forest. The tall trees and dappled light provided the perfect backdrop for spiritual connection and reflection. 

At the heart of Shabbat morning’s Torah service was a beautiful D’var Torah shared by our Jewish Programmer, Gabriela Orozco. In Judaism, a D’var Torah (literally “word of Torah”) is a short talk or written reflection that explores the weekly Torah portion — offering interpretation, personal connection, and modern meaning drawn from ancient text. Gabriela’s D’var was a powerful and personal moment, inviting campers to reflect on their own journeys, responsibilities, and the communities they built around them. We’re honored to share her words with you here.

Following Torah services, campers rotated through Shabbat Floats — a beloved mix of low-key activities and opportunities to explore Jewish identity through games, discussion, and song led by our Jewish Programming team. As the sun set, everyone gathered again for a rousing talent show, where campers showed off everything from silly skits to serious skills. Sunday kept the good vibes rolling with an all-Camp creative morning of skit-making and playful performances in bunk groups.

Across the last week, campers have been diving deep into their skill-building Livnot and Chugim electives — choosing from twelve unique activity blocks ranging from arts and sports to nature and Judaics. These electives give campers a chance to explore new interests and form friendships outside their bunks as they spend four blocks immersing in their chosen activity.

Monday kicked off with big adventure energy: our Chalutzim 1 campers headed out on their Bagel Run — a scenic and challenging hike up Cloud’s Rest, embracing the principle of “challenge by choice” as they climb, reflect, and snack on well-earned bagels. Over in our Haifa unit, campers set out early Monday morning for backpacking, forging deep bonds on the trail as they carry everything they need on their backs and sleep under the stars.

As we head into the final days of Session 3, campers are savoring every last moment — from sunset walks and silly bunk traditions to deep friendships and personal growth. There’s still so much to look forward to before Friday’s closing circle: more giggles, more ruach, and lots more love. We can’t wait to soak it all in!