By Max Antman, Rosh Eidah of Gesher

Gesher is well under way, and I cannot believe a week has already passed. It was just eight days ago that we started this journey, and as the Gesher chanichim (campers) arrived, I knew that it would be an amazing session. They were energetic and eager, reuniting with old friends while simultaneously making new ones. After an enthusiastic welcome from our Director Jerry Kaye, Associate Director Susan Alexander and Assistant Director Max Weinberg, the craziness of camp began, and we have been going full steam ever since. During this past week, the chanichim were initiated into not only an eidah (unit), but also a family. Between swimming at the briecha (pool), playing sports and doing chugim (specialized activities), Gesher has been keeping very busy. The other day we painted the benches around our medurah (firepit) and allowed each tzrif (cabin) the opportunity to create something amazing with their bench. The chanichim banded together with their cabin-mates and designed things that were more remarkable than I could have ever imagined. The horseshoe, where we will live for the duration of the session, has never looked better, and I am thrilled to call it the Gesher stomping ground.

Yesterday we went to the briecha for a joint pool party with our good friends from Tiferet, and it was wonderful to see the chanichim interacting with one another in such a positive way. We ate pizza and swam, enjoying the sun and also each other’s company. Despite the fun we had yesterday, however, today was even better. One of my favorite parts of being in Gesher is going on the tiyulim (fieldtrips) and today was our first of the session. We drove out to Miller Park to watch the Milwaukee Brewers battle it out with the Cincinnati Reds and the chanichim were ecstatic. After tailgating in the parking lot of the stadium, we traveled up to the bleachers to watch what was, for many kids, their first major league game. After 9 innings the Brewer’s emerged victorious, and their newly acquired OSRUI fan base cheered loudly at their success. The day was a total success, and one I am sure many of them will never forget.

With two more tiyulim fast approaching and an all-camp carnival to plan, Gesher is moving fast and with purpose. The session is going smoother than I could ever have hoped, and I am sure this coming week will go even better than the last.