This week, the seventh and eighth graders at Tenafly Chabad had a special visit from two individuals from the Revolutionary War era. The first visitor was a Continental soldier of the Morristown regimen. He shared all the secrets of what a soldier carries through the battlefield, and how hard it was to survive the war. Believe it or not, having a spoon was one of the most important items needed to survive, next to a blanket, since having a spoon meant that whatever food was provided could be scooped up easily. Walking 10-15 miles a day in the heat of the summer or cold of the freezing winter, carrying a musket, a blanket and supplies, was not easy, but was necessary.

The second visitor was a colonial man who taught the students about recreational life in the colonies. He brought along games that colonial children used and taught the students how to play with them. These games not only provided children with “fun,” but also taught them important life skills. Certain movements in these games helped farm children learn how to milk cows, while card games taught children how to count. Unfortunately, many children were illiterate, whether or not they were rich or poor. Games helped children pass the time when they were not working. Even soldiers got to play games on their day off. Some of these colonial games still exist today.