Wednesday 6th August

 After wake up, we had our final 'Rabbi Time', which concluded all we had learnt about Davneing (praying) during camp. We then had our final breakfast together on Tribe Summer Camp, the participants were really lively and it was so lovely to see how they had bonded as a group over the past ten days.

Following breakfast we gathered round and the head of camp personally thanked each leader for all the efforts they put in to making camp so wonderful. Everyone clapped loudly as the leaders were praised for their hard work.  It was really wonderful to see how the camp came together to thank their leaders.

The coaches were boarded and we headed home, all of us so excited to see our families.

Arriving at Toys R' Us we jumped off the coaches and ran to greet our parent (later than expected).

On behalf of the Tribe Team, we apologize for the late arrival back. Additionally we thank you for your constant support and cooperation. We loved having your children with us and we hope to see each and every participant next year.

The Tribe Team

Tuesday 5th August

Tisha B'Av is always an extremely moving and inspiring day at Tribe Summer Camp. We had a variety of programmes for Tisha B'Av. In the morning, after shacharit (morning prayers), we read some kinnot (sad poems), followed by a Challenge programme where participants wrote letters to soldiers on the front line. It was inspiring to see how heartfelt and thoughtful their messages were, having spent the past week at camp learning about Israel. 

Following this, they were shown a BBC documentary about the destruction of the Second Temple, which the group found very interesting, and brought the events to life. 

There was a lengthy free time for Tisha B'Av, so participants could rest, before a session with Rabbi Shaw, where they were given the opportunity to ask him all sorts of question, about Tisha B'Av and Judaism in general. 

After mincha (afternoon prayers), everyone watched the film 'A Hero In Heaven', about the lone American soldier Michael Levin, who was tragically killed in fighting during the Second Lebanon War. An extremely moving film that sparked mature and meaningful discussions following the viewing. 

This was followed by the 'I'm a Survivor' activity, where half the camp site built a structure out of paper cubes designed by the participants and the other half learnt a song. They both performed to each other, showing off their work. The building was subsequently burnt but the song remained - showing how physical objects can be destroyed, no matter how important, but songs, culture and traditions never die.  

The fast went out and everyone enjoyed a filling dinner and the day ended with a talent show. The participants were given time to prepare for the show and then the whole camp came together to watch the performances. There were a range of talents displayed, including dancing, singing, stand-up comedy and more. It was a wonderful way to end camp. 

This will be the final blog, the kids will be able to tell you all about camp in their own words! 

Until next year,

The Tribe Team

Monday 4th August

A slightly later wake up today but a busy day ahead. Our usual routine with 'Rabbi Time' and breakfast led to the penultimate Challenge of the week. Having had a lot of fun during Challenge, the Madrichim noticed how through the different activities and discussions the groups had bonded and become a close unit.

To mark the 100th anniversary of World War One, the leaders decided to run a Tekkes (ceremony) for WW1 Jewish graves. The participants gathered round and listened as different things were read out, it was a moving and inspiring experience and was a fitting lead to the start of Tisha B'Av (the Fast of Av).

Before the fast the participants were told about what the fast commemorates and different prohibitions of the fast. It is an annual fast day in Judaism which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jews from the Israel. It also commemorates many other tragedies including the Roman massacre of over 100,000 Jews at Betar in 132 CE and the Holocaust.

We had a large pre fast dinner and then met for the reading of Megillat Eicha, read on Tisha B'Av.

Today was a considerably more serious day at Tribe Summer Camp, the participants were extremely mature and listened carefully, sharing thoughts and feelings throughout. Today a truly moving day at camp and everyone went to bed exhausted as ever.

Until tomorrow,

The Tribe Team

Friday 1st August, Saturday 2nd August, Sunday 3rd August

Friday 1st August

After an early wake up, followed by 'Rabbi Time', the participants had breakfast and we began OLYMPICS DAY!!!

Olympics day was divided into two parts, full of outdoor fun activities and competitions. Between the two parts we had lunch, to refuel, mincha (afternoon prayers) and our third Challenge programme. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Olympics day - it was a real pleasure to be able to spend the day outside, in beautiful weather. There was something for everyone, with less competitive sports, team games, loads of chants and poster-making.

After four days on the campsite and loads of (often messy) activities, it had begun to look a little worse for wear, so, as is traditional on a Friday afternoon, everyone pitched in for a site clean-up. Having prepared the campsite for Shabbat, it was time to prepare ourselves! Dressed up in clean Shabbat clothes, the participants had the opportunity to take loads of pre-Shabbat photographs with all their new friends.

We welcomed Shabbat with a beautiful service, which involved plenty of singing and even some dancing! On a spiritual high from the evening service the group headed to dinner where there was plenty more singing and a delicious Shabbat meal. This was followed by more eating and more singing at the oneg. An oneg provides the opportunity to sing, play games and relax among friends on Friday night after dinner.

Shabbat 2^nd August

Shabbat on camp is always a relaxing day. Morning services are held, followed by a kiddush with cakes, biscuits and drinks. After Mussaf (the additional Shabbat service), the group had their fourth Challenge. This was followed by lunch and an extended free time, where the participants were able to chat to their leaders and each other, and have a rest.

After Seudah (the third meal of Shabbat) we had Havdalah (the closing ceremony of Shabbat), this was a really uplifting way to end Shabbat on Tribe Summer Camp as well as a real bonding experience, as participants gathered around the candle, spices and wine together.

After Shabbat the participants had time to change into comfortable clothing, in readiness for the 'Wide Game' - always a highlight of Tribe Summer Camp. They were split into teams and had to complete tasks all around the campsite. The energy was wonderful and, exhausted from all the running around, they had a great nights' sleep.

Sunday 3rd August

After breakfast, the exciting day ahead was revealed. Today at camp is known as ‘Colour War day’. Colour War is where the group are spit into groups, which are each allocated a colour. The groups dress in that colour, make chants for their colour, and take part in different games and activities against the other coloured groups. All the participants got fully into the spirit of their colour, and there was a friendly competitiveness throughout the whole activity - everyone had such a great time!

After some camp painting, all the participants, madrichim and the senior heads of camp came together for a full camp photo - something to remember the camp by, and bring back memories in years' time of all the fun.

The participants had some free time, plus a bit of cleaning up to do, before a packed evening of fun programmes. They began with a supper quiz, with loads of rounds on things like pop culture, sports, music, Israel, Judaism, geography, all accompanied by delicious food. Post-dinner, the participants had loads of fun at 'Casino Night'. We decked out a room with fun casino games like roulette and blackjack, each table manned by a madrich or madricha dressed up in smart clothes. The participants got so involved, aiming to win the most chips.

Until tomorrow,

The Tribe Team

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Thursday 31st July

After ‘Rabbi Time’ and breakfast, the group jumped on the coaches which were headed to Bellewarde Park, one of the biggest theme parks in the whole of Europe. The atmosphere on the coach was amazing with participants laughing, chatting and singing together as they looked forward to the day ahead of them.  

As we pulled up to the theme park car park, gasps were heard as the group saw the size of the rides. For the more daring, they were soon to dive into the splash of Niagra and face the breath-taking hurricane ride.

For those less fond of rides, they were able to enjoy dozens of other attractions and the surroundoing nature. Bellewarde is home to lions, tigers, monkeys and elephants, we all enjoyed looking at these wonderful animals.

In light of the current, tragic, events in Israel and Gaza, when we got back, both camps came together and joined a global movement to say the Shema at 7 pm Israel time. This idea had quickly spread across the world and had thousands upon thousands of Jews uniting in prayer in support of the State of Israel and it's brave soldiers. Although we obviously wish we needn't have rallied together to do this, it was an extremely poignant moment for all the Chanichim and Madrichim, and will no doubt be a memorable moment for everyone.

This was followed by dinner and then the third Challenge of the week, the theme of this was ‘The Hebrew Language’ participants practiced words and learnt about the origin of the Hebrew language,

as well as it’s speedy progression.

Tonight the activity was a bonfire, we all gathered round and watched the captivating flames, gaining warmth from the fire and the atmosphere.

It was clear to see how even though it was only day 3 of camp, the group had bonded so nicely.

See you tomorrow.

The Tribe Team.

Wednesday 30th July

Today we spent the day on the campsite in Belgium. The morning started with ‘Rabbi Time’ and then breakfast.

Today the participants had their first ‘Challenge’ session. Challenge is infamous on Tribe camps, it is a group that participants are given on their first day at camp and go to each day of camp. Different educational topics related to the theme of camp are discussed at Challenge and it is also time for the group to form close relationships with each other and their madrichim (leaders).

The first activity was called Crystal Maze. This involved four different types of challenges in which groups earned crystal balls. The amount of crystal balls they earned had an effect on the amount of components received for the grand challenge. In the grand challenge, each group was given an egg and had to make sure it would not break when dropped from a balcony, loads of fun was had by all. 

The next activity was Dragons Den. This is where the chanichim were given groups and together were asked to invent a new iPhone app and pitch it to the dragons (senior tzevet), the creations were imaginative and entrepreneurial. 

The final activity was the Murder Mystery. In this, the Rosh was "taken to hospital" because someone fed her food she couldn't eat. The participants used clues to work out who fed her this. 

All in all, everyone had a wonderful day at camp. 

See you tomorrow with some photos. 

The Tribe Team

 

Tuesday 29th July

Having had a good nights sleep, the group woke up raring to start their first day in Belgium.  Before breakfast they had their first ‘Rabbi Time’- an explanatory Shacharit (morning prayer service) workshop, which will take place each day of camp with our amazing Tribe Rabbi.

After breakfast, the group took their packed lunches and headed from Peace Village to an outdoor adventure park. The group spent the day enjoying adrenaline-inducing activities including  archery, rafting, high ropes. There was an activity for everyone and there was not a moment where any chanich or chanicha felt bored. The enthusiasm was amazing as people tried things they had never tried before. Everyone had a laugh and left feeling exhilarated from their thrill-seeking day.

It was amazing to see the chanichim as they arrived back at the campsite as if it were their second home, even though they had only spent one night there.

After free time and a delicious dinner, the group enjoyed the evening activity known as ‘iClub’. This is where the participants choose an activity from a range offered by their madrichim, including sports, cookery and arts and crafts.

As energy levels began to catch up with everyone, the camp headed to bed, for another earlyish night after a fantastic first day at camp in Belgium. 

Until tomorrow.

The Tribe Team

Monday 28th July 2014

Never has there been such a buzz as there was on Monday morning as the coaches set off for Tribe Summer camp. Two hours later, as we crossed the Channel, the participants were still heard chatting and laughing. The coach arrived at Peach Village, where we are to be staying for the next 10 days, at 1pm. 

When we arrived, the participants pitched in immediately, helping take the cases off the coach, before following the madrichim (leaders) to an informal meeting with some fun ice breakers. 

The participants listened quietly as the Rosh (head) of camp explained the camp rules, health and safety instructions and who the different people running the camp are. Following this, the dorms were called out and off everyone went to their rooms to unpack and get settled.

There was free time before dinner, another oppportunity for the participants to get to know each other, followed by a practice fire drill and some more free time.

The first dinner on camp was excellent, tasty and nutritious food was served and the atmosphere was fantastic.

The participants were chatting to each other as if they had known each other for years, not just a day. After dinner, we headed for some more icebreakers and ‘getting to know you’ activities.

After an exciting but equally exhausting day, the group were ready to have an early night and go to bed.

Catch us tomorrow for plenty of photos.

The Tribe Team