By Lizzy Scheinkopf, Rosh Eidah of Moshavah

In Moshavah, each of our tiyulim (trips) are unique and offer different kinds of challenges to chanichim (campers). An aspect that all of the trips have in common however, is the team-like environment where everyone must work together to accomplish goals.

This environment begins from the moment that tiyulim are announced—everyone is excited to see who they know on their trip and which new friends they will meet, as they begin to build a traveling community. The morning of the tiyul, the chanichim work together to pack up all of the group gear and their own personal gear, making sure that everyone has their fair share of equipment and food to manage. From there, it’s off to the bus where the chanichim eagerly await the experiences that will follow.

When they arrive at their drop-off location, there is more shuffling of gear and preparing to hit the road. Whether it’s unloading bikes from a trailer and attaching the front wheels, or gathering harnesses and helmets before hiking up the bluff at rock climbing, the chanichim quickly learn that team work is essential to moving forward.

While they are on tiyul, chanichim provide moral support each other, helping their canoe partners paddle more efficiently, or shouting words of encouragement as their fellow hikers climb a steep hill. Of course, there is always time for laughing at jokes and getting to know each other, through games and stories.

In the evening when the chanichim arrive at their campsite, they must all lend a hand in setting up tents and unloading group gear. Each night, a different group of chanichim cook dinner (with the help of madrichim) and they plan evening t’fillot (services) and sometimes an evening program. When it’s bedtime, everyone is tired but excited for another great day out in teva (nature).

When the tiyulim return four days later, everyone must work together to clean and organize the gear before heading off to their well-deserved showers!

This unique team-like environment is what makes our Moshavah tiyulim so special. We are not just facilitating an experience for chanichim to challenge themselves in feats of strength and determination—we are also facilitating an experience where teamwork is crucial to reaching the final day of the tiyul.

Many years ago as a chanicha myself, Moshavah was one of the first places where I learned about the importance of teamwork and it is something that I continue to reflect on today. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to teach this year’s about working together!