By Lizzy Scheinkopf, Rosh Eidah of Moshavah

One of my favorite things about being the Rosh Eidah of Moshavah is observing the transformation that takes place for all of the chanichim (campers) during the first few weeks at camp. Before going on the first tiyul (trip) in Mosh Aleph, the chanichim are a bit apprehensive—most of them have come from other eidot (units) and have never been on a tiyul before or slept overnight in a camping tent. They are excited and nervous about all of the challenges and adventures that lie ahead and they are not always sure what to expect. It is not until we set out on our first tiyul that they truly come to learn what it means to be a chanich/a on an intense tiyul
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On tiyul, the chanichim discover that they are ready to take on any river, trail, mountain, or road, and they reach new heights both physically and mentally. They learn that they can practice their Judaism in new and unusual places (canoers will tell you that T’fifloat is the best way to pray). They embrace the opportunity to get away from electronics and other material possessions, while they soak in the teva (nature) that surrounds them. Most importantly, the chanichim conquer their fears and they do so with the support of friends and madrichim (counselors).

This last week, I have seen our chanichim take on yet another tiyul with even more excitement, strength, and ambition. The chanichim bring an incredible energy with them when they return from tiyul, making our time in camp even more special. As we end our third week at camp, I am proud of how far our chanichim have come and I can’t wait to see what happens when they return from the final tiyul next week!