Summer is the time for kids to let loose and enjoy themselves after a demanding academic school year. At Moshava, campers not only get to experience the emotional excitement of a sleepaway camp, but they also are immersed in a religious and Zionist educational environment.

At 18 years old, I came to the realization that I had missed out on the experience of being at a sleepaway camp. When first arriving at Moshava, one gets almost a bird’s eye view of the waterfront, the new basketball courts near the gate, the tennis courts, the archery and soccer field, the green center field, the dining area and the vast campus. As the bus entered camp, I knew I had made the right choice to work at Camp Moshava, and I couldn’t wait for a fun-filled and impactful summer.

Throughout the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Ivy Tirosh, a key member of Machaneh Moshava staff. Together we have enhanced Moshava’s social media, and worked on improving the Instagram weekly highlights, as well as the newsletter. But, even as a Tzevet member (staff) and not a camper, I still feel like I have received the full traditional sleepaway camp adventure. From late-night staff league basketball games to midday staff lake sessions, I have developed strong connections and am having an absolute blast.

I’ll be honest, as a first timer at Moshava there was definitely a lot to learn before I could follow the camp’s lingo and figure out where everything on campus is. I have been at camp for four weeks now, and it’s still challenging to differentiate the girls gaga pit from the main field gaga pit. At Moshava IO, I can definitely say I have improved my Hebrew conversational skills drastically, which I do not believe I could have done anywhere else outside of Israel. Between learning all the Hebrew words that Moshava uses on a daily basis such as chanichim, chadar ochel, kadarut (pottery), melechet yad (art) etc. I have had the chance to engage and learn from the immensely large Mishlachat staff and Bnot Sherut, which I know will serve me well at my Mechina program in Israel this fall.

But Hebrew is not the only Jewish educational aspect of Moshava. Every summer, the camp has an educational theme where they structure many activities around the Chanichim to learn in a fun, interactive, hands-on manner. This year’s theme is Moshevet Yerushalayim. The most thrilling part, in my opinion, of Machaneh
Moshava, is the Machane Chutz aka “Shmutz” and Shmutz Xtreme. Every summer at Machaneh Moshava the campers from each Eidah look forward to the “Shmutz.” The new “Shmutz” is not used because camping can get quiet “schmutzy.” Campers who go on the Shmutz have a full outdoor camping experience. Chanichim acquire important outdoor skills, learn how to set up tents, cook on an open fire with new amazing recipes like “Rocky Mountain Toast.” All of this takes place at Moshava’s very own camping ground across the lake. Those a bit more adventurous, in Eidot Bet through Daled, can opt to stay another night experiencing Shmutz Xtreme and bonding even further with their Eidah (bunk).

Between the incredible Chanichim, North American and Israeli Tzevet and amazing campus, Moshava has given me a sense of belonging and allowed me to contribute my passion and talents to our camping community.

Here at Moshava, simply participating in daily camp activities increases your faith and love for the Jewish religion, and for the state of Israel. I have one regret, and that’s not starting sleepaway camp at Moshava sooner because I now know what I missed out on. So my advice is if you’re debating whether to send your child here, or whether to join as a Tzevet, don’t delay. The camaraderie here is truly second to none.

By Julianne Katz