By Jonah Brandhandler, Rosh Eidah of Kibbutz HaTzofim

Our first few days in Kibbutz Hatzofim have been amazing! Despite a bit of a rainy start, the excitement and enthusiasm amongst our madrichim (counselors) and chanichim (campers) never skipped a beat. We spent most of Monday unpacking and getting oriented to our eidah (unit), and for many of our chanichim that meant learning what it meant to live in ohelim (tents) for the first time.

Tuesday was a beautiful day in Oconomowoc as we had great weather and a lot of fun. Our first full day featured activities such as swimming, sports, chugim (electives), and etgar (our climbing tower). Our limud theme for the session is Beresheit (Genesis) where we are learning all about the first book in the Torah with the help of our fantastic segel (faculty). Simply put, it has been a blast, literally! Tuesday night we talked about the story of the seven days of creation, which was accompanied by a fireworks show with Kallah, a perfect way to wrap up the day.

Wednesday was another great day at camp, as we continued with the daily schedule featuring one of the best parts of tzofim, erev ohel (tent night). Our madrichim all prepared different evening programs for their tents and everyone seemed to have an awesome time. Programs included army night with one of our Israeli Mishlachat members, a pontoon ride on Lac La Belle, a tractor ride all around camp, and of course bonfires with s’mores. This week is going by so fast and the morale is sky high. We look forward to continue living the dream down in Tzofim!