East Camp 2023
Hebrew
By Hannah R.
Age: 14
Tribe: Issachar
“Shalom, ma nish ma?” or “Hey, what’s up?” Hebrew class with Howdy, a counselor, is so much fun.
Learning Hebrew is a way for campers to connect to their Jewish roots and explore the wonders of
language. With Howdy, class flies by and we learn so much. We listen to videos, take notes, share
stories, and learn fun new phrases. Some of us already know some Hebrew, while others are completely
new to the language. But it doesn’t matter, everyone gets something out of the lessons. Hebrew class is
a place where we can share our Jewish traditions and feel connected to our roots. From earning points
for our tribe by learning the Hebrew alphabet (the alephbet), learning the Hebrew language is a great
tradition at camp. Come and join our camp family and connect to your language roots.
Signing off,
Hannah
Chaya Interviews Popcorn
Meora Interviews Howdy
Meal Time
Naomi W.
Age: 13
Tribe: Issachar
Jews love good food, so imagine when there’s a lot of Jews (camp) how much we love good food. Here
at Camp Gilgal food and meal times are often the highlight for campers. Many wonderous events
happen during meals for example one of the many events are: mail call, when to earn your mail you
have to sing as loud as your vocal chords allow, volunteering to say the blessings and getting the glory of
getting food first, and now . . . the best part of all . . . meal time, where the hopes are high! And the
competition off the charts. The banging! So basically, the banging is when the first tribe that’s done
gorging themselves on the absolutely delicious food and their table is spotless, your entire cabin does a
rhythmic beating, on the table. And now what you’ve all been waiting for. The food call! Since I’m
technically not allowed to write a ten page paper which is such a bummer since I know you guys want to
have more of my amazing writing skills I’ll only talk about my absolutely fav meal ever . . . drumroll
please . . . the cooked to perfection chicken with a hint of spice, and the cheesy goodness of the mac
and cheese, the flavors bursting in my mouth melting my taste buds. Chow.
Gilad Interviews Zimmy
Interviewing Skidoo
Yael R.
Age: 7
Tribe: Reuben
My name is Yael and today I’m writing about Skidoo. She is one of the people who makes camp
happen. Right now, I am going to ask Skidoo a few questions about herself to get to know her
better. First, she told me what her job is here at Camp Gilgal and she said: “My job is to plan the
program and lifeguard at the pool!” Skidoo is a good lifeguard and I found out that her favorite
color is pink. Next, I asked Skidoo about food. Her favorite is cucumber avocado rolls. Skidoo
has been coming to camp for 14 years. That’s a long time! She said the funniest thing that ever
happened to her was that when she was 7, just like me, it was storming outside, and her tribe
went puddle jumping!! Skidoo’s favorite game at camp is milling games. I also asked her
whether she liked Fob (flat on bunk) more or pool time. Skidoo said this question was hard for
her to answer because she loves pool time, but then afterward she needs FOB to rest. My final
question to Skidoo was, why can’t we have s’mores every night? She said, “We do have S’mores
every night, she’s right here! But if you’re talking about the food it’s because the campers
would NEVER SLEEP!!” And that’s what I learned about Skidoo!
Tribes that Rock Great Vibes
By Netanya B.
Tribe: Issachar
Age: 13
Friends are like Birthday presents, fun and exciting, especially when they are a surprise. Camp Gilgal
adds the joy to camping by separating the campers into tribes. In these tribes, the campers bond
together better than other camp experiences. The team is picked before camp and is a surprise until
arrival. These different tribes compete in activities together against other tribes. They learn to worship
together through God’s word and enjoy other’s company. With every passing day the individual people
in each tribe spend all their available time together. The tribes can earn points towards their tribe
points, which then at the end of camp, the tribes’ hard work pays off and they have a chance to win the
reward of the best tribe of the year!
Out of my personal experience, I am part of (obviously the best tribe), Issachar! The other 2 tribe chose
their tribe names from the 12 tribes of Israel. My teammates bonded together very quickly through
laughter and similarities. We were from different states, but with the wise decisions of our wonderful
counselor we all loved the company of the other. Camp Gilgal brings friends together so they can learn
God’s word. I love Camp Gilgal, and you should come enjoy their wonderful camp with me!
Until we meet again,
Netanya
Eliora Interviews Onyx
Pool Time!
By Netanya B.
Tribe: Issachar
Age: 13
Get ready to jump! Splash!! One large part of Camp Gilgal is the fun that happens in the pool. The pool is
a very exciting part of the day. The afternoon is very hot at camp and after a long day of activities, the
cold water is a warm (or should I say cool) welcome.
“MARCO” “POLO!” Then comes the games altogether. All the campers love to play games especially
when it involves everyone.
Along with a great time at the pool, Camp Gilgal has a buddy system. Before the campers enter the pool
they have o pick a “buddy” which means another person who will be with you in the pool. This buddy
part then is checked every 15 minutes. The lifeguard’s assistant checks if everybody has their partner.
There also is a swim test that the campers have to try. This determines how strong you are at swimming.
With this test, all the kids can feel safe along with the lifeguard who knows what point the kids can come
to. Altogether the pool at camp is very fun with both safety and games.
See you soon,
Netanya