By Benj Altshuler and Arielle Solomon, Teva Specialists

We are Arielle and Benj, the OSRUI Teva Specialists this summer, pleased to report on the myriad projects we have been working on thus far at camp.  Teva is the Hebrew word for Nature and we aim to connect chanichim with the natural world around them through stewardship, hiking, and environmental experiences.  During chugim, our friends in Kallah helped till the garden and identify wildflowers of southern Wisconsin.  Tzofim chanichim refurbished a medurah, creating a space for everyone to better appreciate the Teva. Chalutzim has also been apart of Teva in many ways, by pioneering projects on their campus and planting beds of herbs and flora to attract wildlife.  These beds are located in recycled car tires painted green; we are fond of calling this our retirement community.  We worked to eradicate invasive species on camp, ensuring biodiversity.  The chug with Moshavah features its own agricultural endeavors and learning skills applicable to their wilderness immersion tiyulim.

On a broader stroke, the Teva team is serving the wider camp community with a revitalized composting program.  The rich soil produced is invaluable in the fertilization of the Teva gan.  Our eight beds are already showing peppers and tomatoes approaching ripeness.  We eagerly await blooms from our beautiful sunflowers and butterfly garden.  Newly grown peas and cucumbers receive moral support from our hand-made trellises.  We hope that the direct experience raising vegetables and tending to local wildlife will instill chanichim with a taste of sustainability and the Jewish pillar of Shomrei Adama (Keeping the World.)