By Sam Sterling, Kallah Rosh Eidah

It’s been a very exciting first couple days in Kallah. After feasting on hot dogs and lemonade for our first meal, Kallah had a great first night. We finished unpacking and proceeded to learn about all the chugim (special activities) that the chanichim (campers) will have the opportunity to experience during their time in Kallah Aleph. We ended the first night with a great tochnit erev (evening program), find the counselors and sign them. I was found by all 93 chanichim! It was a great way to end an even greater first day.

Our next day started off with an introduction to t’filot (services), the chanichim learned about the prayers that we will be saying in Kallah. After breakfast we headed to limud (Jewish studies) where we met our new friend Sir Mapabee. He is helping us learn all about our Jewish traditions and the importance they hold in our community. Today each tzrif (cabin) adopted one Kallah area and will help maintain the cleanliness of it.

One staple of the Kallah schedule is swimming. Yesterday all the kids were swim checked and have now been placed into their respective swim groups. The groups alternate between going to the pool and lake. At the lake the kids will get to participate in activities such as kayaking, going on a pontoon boat ride and free swimming. The pool is where the kids will spend some time with constructive but fun swim lessons and free time with activities like water basketball and going down the water slides.

We have been very busy in Kallah, and the fun has only just begun. With programs like Judaica Bowl, Ice Cream box social and a Billy Jonas concert, Kallah has so much too look forward to. Face Paint Friday, another Kallah tradition, is only a few days away, and I can’t wait to see what crazy things the kids have painted on their face. Although just a few days in, I already can tell Kallah Aleph will supply an endless amount of fun and memories for all the chanichim and madrichim (counselors).