By Jake Beckert, Rosh Eidah of Chalutzim

Six weeks, gone by in a flash. Six weeks of fun, six weeks of new friends, six weeks of learning and six weeks of challenges.

Six of the seven weeks of Chalutzim have already passed, and for those of us who have been here for it feel like we just started the other day. It’s hard to believe how much we’ve packed into such a short period of time.

Just one week ago we returned from our tiyul canoe (canoe trip) tanned and exhausted, but our spirits high. Just two weeks ago we welcomed the parents of our chanichim (campers) to Chalutzim ready to show them our home, and the community we built. Four weeks ago we came together, as one eidah (unit) and cleaned our area, built our benches, and painted our showers turning Chalutzim into something that was truly ours. Six weeks ago we all came here for the first time. Some of us nervous, some of us excited, some of us ready for the challenge, and some of us unsure of what was to come.

It is hard to believe that Chalutzim 2015 is already almost over. It has been a truly fantastic summer. I have been amazed over and over again at how much these chanichim (campers) have learned, how much they have grown, and how strong the group they have formed has become.

With one week left in Chalutzim it is natural to look back at what we have done, but it also important to look forward to what’s to come. With one week left there is still time for every camper to learn something new, to try something for the first time, or to make a lifelong friend. In this last week we hope to give every chanich that opportunity, to give every chanich one more week that they will never forget.