Winter Camp
WINTER CAMP 2008/2009 FLASHBACKS
For some camp started in September (yes 3 months before camp!), making sure the building is sufficient for our needs, sorting out the outings, arranging the food, visiting the campsite (even though it was a last minute visit), and many other plans appropriate for the perfect week with the perfect staff and ideal boys.
SUNDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2008
Rafis in America waiting in anticipation as to whats going to happen! The program says the boys are due to come in soon, there is so much to do, its not normal! The madreeechim and helpers have been there the whole shabbos preparing for this very moment to come! Nussi and Ashi have gone down to meet the boys and make sure everything is ok, Yankele is there sorting everything out (few for bein hasdorim in kollel!).
MEANWHILE 201 MILES AWAY
Dov and the Abensons kindly assisted in tying the suitcases as the minibus driver is already having a field day (shame he didnt come to camp!).
BACK AT CAMP
Shmuel is ensuring that the finer details are being finalised (the chaverim sign etc.), supper is almost ready (thanks to the kitchen) and the table for the final Chanukah lecht has been set up in anticipation (Michael, where are you?).
BACK IN LONDON
Obviously no room for luggage (didnt you boys know camp is only 1 week?) But we can fit everything else into Nussis car (surely!). All the forms are now complete, parents have bid the final tearful farewells as the coach rolls off to an awe inspiring, action packed week BOYS LITTLE DID YOU KNOW WHAT WAS TO COME!
The plan was, for everyone to light their menorahs at the same time and then be divided into their respective rooms, but of course the Mancs turned up over 4 hours late so the programme had to carry on without them (what a driver). The menorahs were lit, Maariv was davened, supper was eaten and the boys went to unpack. The gym and sports hall were opened to start off camp with a great activity (sorry to the boys from Manchester but the excitement was the ride to camp!) and ended with lights out (apologies but youve got many more nights to come!) by the way you guys were all flat out by 1 a.m ON A CAMP NIGHT???
MONDAY 29TH DECEMBER 2008
TODAYS ACTIVITY: FULL DAY HIKE
The day started off like a normal camp day, but little did they know what they were in for. After shachris, breakfast and shiur, the tuck shop opened the boys needed their survival kit for todays action packed activity. The day, designed for everyone to gel together and get to know each other they are going to subject themselves to the great outdoors for a full day!!!
Reluctantly everyone left camp in their own directions, not knowing what to expect, and heres what happened
Ashi and Yoni decided the hike is not the same without a trip to the local. Fire station. Sergeant John Stewart met the group with anticipation (it's not every day you get a bunch of Jewish boys at the Norfolk Fire Station!!!). The tour began with a view of the fire engines inside and out! Moving through the station they were shown the wreckage training zone. They bid their farewells to the firemen who handed them a steering wheel after heavy negotiations. The trip ended off with a nice visit to the local Tesco!!!
Over to Naftoli and Moshe. Naftoli is notorious for a BBQ during the hike (trust me, I have experience with this). Unfortunately he didnt have Avi to run out and get the BBQ for him this year (and keddasia didnt have any hot dogs either) so instead a controlled bonfire was started trained by the local fire station. The first attempt was not so successful with only a spark here and there, so the group moved on. Eventually, they noticed a pillar of smoke in the distance and like a magnet were attracted to it!!! Behold a burning bush, (calm down Shloime its only fire!) Naftoli & Moshe executed the opportunity to have a kumzits round the fire and what a success it was!
So where were Ahron, Shaya, Avi and their group in all this? They decided to go for a short hike to the local woods where they divided their group into 2 and competed in making an outdoor house protecting against rain etc. Shaya wasnt as successful in his house, but Ahron (with true Israeli engineering) managed to build the house that was impenetrable by external forces well done.
Meanwhile, a few miles away, Eli & Yosef heard some gunfire they felt like they were in the middle of Iraq, not sure what to do, PROTECT THE BOYS was their first impression, calling frantically on the radio only to find out that Joe, the local farmer was scaring away the pigeons from his crop due to the recession a scarecrow was not an option Sorry Eli & Yosef (& Shaya!) maybe next time you can really be heroes!
Finally Shmuli & Yaakov they had the big boys of camp, they were not going to be scared by no gunshots, they all had their hoods, and were ready to go out and have a good time like the hike is meant to be! They wondered for miles, took it easy and spent many hours occupying themselves in a chilled fashion like true mancs!
Once everyone returned to camp, mincha was davened and they sat down to a scrumptious warm meal to get the circulation going again. Maariv was davened as everyone filtered into the barn for night activity.
NIGHT ACTIVITY: DAVIDS SPECIAL
It was planned weeks before camp that on the first official night of camp, one of the madrichim would take responsibility for Monday nights activity. David Mendelsohn, the man of the hour took full responsibility for the activity, and what a plan he had! It all started with a little balloon game. The idea was to split everyone up into teams, tie a balloon to each persons leg and the other teams had to pop everyone elses balloons for points. The more points you got, the more armour you get for the next half the activity (thatll get your brains racing what can we possibly doing that would need that level of protection!) balloons were popping as the madrichim were trying to see just how many points the teams are getting.
The end half of the programme was almost here as the supply of balloons ran low. The trick (in groups of course) was to drop an egg from a certain height without it breaking. The more points you obtained from the balloons, the more items you got to protect your egg (including foam, bubble wrap and the good old Tesco value tissues!).
Just before everyone was dismissed, they were divided into groups for tomorrows mystery activity (hmmm I wonder what this could be!).
After an extremely eventful day, everyone just managed to make it to their rooms where they collapsed (with their clothes on)! A perfect end to the first full day of camp.
TUESDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2008
TODAYS ACTIVITY: GO KARTING
Oh No, Rafi's back with a bang (when did he get back, surely he wasnt here when I went to bed!), its only 6.30 and modeh ani is ringing in our ears! its camp, why is shachris so early? Whats going on? but obviously the pull of a great outing dominating the day did it for them and shachris is oversubscribed.
Shachris was followed by a serious spread for breakfast and the boys then filled the coaches to be whisked off to Red Lodge Karting Centre, boys dont worry, shiur prepared by our esteemed camp Rov (R Betsalel Schijveschuurder (hope I spelt it right)) is still to come you arent getting away without learning Torah at this camp!
In the usual orderly fashion, the boys lined up in their pre-determined teams, but this was obviously not good enough for the go-karting staff and a quick re-shuffle occurred. Luckily the track and karts were bigger and better then last year so the boys didnt mind a little re-shuffle as long as it didnt jeopardize their track time.
The teams had to sign their life away one by one (thanks Yankele for being everyone under 18's guardian). Once everyone was signed up, they were kitted out and briefed in the conference room (almost sounds professional). The weather was gorgeous perfect to just pop round for your every day activity a whizz around a 1,200 metre track in go karts that go faster then you can ever imagine (but dont tell your parents theyd never let!).
Mincha was davened at go karting. The trip home was uneventful and after a hard day on the tracks, and it being the second day of camp, can you believe there is still so much more to come! You ain't seen nothing yet.
On return to camp there was shiur, Maariv (in that order, shkoiyach Naftoli) and supper where the birthday cake of our esteemed Executive Director was proudly presented (thanks to the Bambergers!). The night activity was announced for everyone to enjoy followed by lights out.
NIGHT ACTIVITY: GYM & SWIM
WEDNESDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2008
TODAYS ACTIVITY: TUBING & SKIING NORFOLK SKI CLUB
Boruch Hashem camp has started - the boys get a lie-in, shachris is only at 7.30 boy oh boy if they thought yesterdays activity was something special then camp can only get better! It used to be that go karting was the highlight of camp, and it still was, but todays activity hopefully will top anything winter camp has ever entertained.
Shachris was invigorating with the usual fantastic turn out followed by the Camp Rov's moredik words of Halacha. Breakfast had to be rushed as this wonderful outing awaited. But what is this outing he talks so much of????
The boys board the coaches, raring to go, to where? To THE NORFOLK SKI CLUB!!! Thats right, founded in 1972 the Norfolk Ski is the largest run ski centre in the country, and who said Chaverim dont do skiing camp!
Once we arrived at the largest artificial slope in the UK, and the boys recovered from the sight of such a large mountain, everyone was split into three groups. The longer it takes for you to get into groups, the less time youll have on the slopes the boys heard on numerous occasions. Finally, there were three groups Those who could Ski, those who thought they could ski, and those who knew they couldnt ski! In true Chaverim style, no-one could be subjected to excessive amount of free time (more then 5 minutes) so a full back up programme was organised, something that has only appeared at Norfolk Ski for 1 month prior to camp (obviously to test that this activity is safe for our boys) it was the new TUBING!!!
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS
Tubing on snow is a wintertime activity that is similar to sledding. This kind of tubing is almost always performed on a hill or slope, using gravity to propel the rider to the bottom of the grade. The rider often returns to the top of the slope with the tube to repeat the process. The low amount of friction between most tubes and snow allows tubers to reach considerable speeds while riding, especially on steep slopes. Because of the circular shape of snow tubes, controlling the course and speed of a tube while riding on snow is extremely difficult.
BACK TO OUR ACTIVITY
The boys took to the tubes like fish to water, moving higher up the mountain with every chance. Finally, as they get to the top, the older boys like pros merged together a group of 6 tubes pummelling down the mountain like a raging bull (BOYS DONT FORGET THE BRAKES!!!). Unfortunately for those that didnt quite get the hang of the brakes, they quickly discovered the force of gravity once they went through the protecting barriers, to hit a solid wall OUCH!!! The madreechim of course thought they were quite good and a few laughs were had when everyone witnessed otherwise.
On the other side of the mountain, lets not forget about those who could and thought they could ski! I must admit there was some skill out there (not bad Yaakov & Shmuli for first timers!). And those who thought you could ski those instructors really showed you! better luck next year (no hint intended, Chaverim reserves the right to withdraw this statement at any time).
The gear was packed away, and the coaches were loaded to return back to camp for Mincha, shiur a bit of free time and Maariv. Supper was served and the night activity was to take place in the Barn! Wow, just about time to catch my breath.
NIGHT ACTIVITY: WWS
Hello and welcome to Wacky and Wild Stuff, brought to you by Chaverim Winter Camp 2008, and tonight, your host and mine Getzel Chabinya!
The night consisted of 7 thought-out, intense activities allowing each member of camp (even those who didnt want to get involved) to get involved.
It all started with Watermelon. Which of the 6 contestants could finish their watermelon first? (no cutlery, just get stuck in!) only one condition the watermelon had to be finished to the core all in! The mess was cleared, and the next activity was announced:
Please could we have a representative of each group for the Babylonian Cup Tower! Who could have the highest tower standing, when the minute is up? Discussion was had as to the best way to do this, our winner managed a 4 row tower! Congratulations.
Activity 3 was introduced with 5 oranges, a plastic knife and a clear plastic cup per contestant. The challenge, should they choose to accept it, was to have the most amount of orange juice in their cup! Congratulations to Matty (after a few disqualifications for cheating!).
The night moved on to a drinking competition who can drink the warmest 15p Tesco Value mineral water? Needless to say, most of the 2 litre bottles were still half full, ready for the next activity (not impressed boys)
Apple bobbing! Thats right, mini apples, lots of water and a bowl what a challenge! Yankele being too scared to partake himself got the boys to nominate Rafi to get involved although the winner was Pinches.
The penultimate activity was wrapping up their partner in toilet paper Well done Chaim for the best technique ever seen! And for the grand finale the DANCE COMPETITION (thats right Yitzi coming in for another year). In order to win this one, the 3 judges (members our esteemed senior staff) had to vote based on 1) Yeshivish 2) Heimish & 3) Most Charismatic dancer. There were several rounds between the boys and madrichim. But it was getting so late, it was time again for bed, WHAT A WONDERFUL, TIRING DAY!!!
THURSDAY 1ST JANUARY 2009
TODAYS ACTIVITY: FOOTBALL COMPETITION / BOWLING
Todays activity was bowling and because camp was so intense up until now, its about time shachris was a little later! But this also allowed us to have a longer shiur right after breakfast (BH).
Please listen, when your name gets mentioned so that you can say whether you want to partake in the football or swimming competitions screams Dovid as he goes through the list marking everyone down to participate in the mornings activity. The list was whisked off to be divided into teams and a tournament set up even Fifa couldnt create a tournament so fast well done!
Round 1 of the football tournament officially began, as the roars and screams echoed through the sports hall for several hours, some winners through goals, other winners through the ability to forgo their chance at glory to ensure their friend gets the ball the real winners. The tournament concluded for the day as the coaches arrived. A quick change and off to Number 10 Bowling we went!
The bowling alley was buzzing as the boys changed their shoes and entered their names on the screens some needed bumpers but thats alright because not everyone can be great at bowling, practice makes perfect . 2 games of bowling whizzed by and before we knew it, it was time to go back to camp. Has it really been 3 hours since weve come? Thats unbelievable.
The return to camp was uneventful due to the swift driving of H Semmence & Co (even the mini bus managed what a banger!). Upon arrival mincha was davened followed by supper. The night activity hadnt yet been announced, but rumour had it, it was going to be Just a minute how boring (wow, how wrong can you be?).
Maariv was davened and the boys filtered into the barn FOR THE CONCERT de de dum dum de de day day dum (you know the song, right?)
NIGHT ACTIVITY: CONCERT
Thats right, the time has come Yossi Dunner, Eli Ollech, Motti Cohen - THE CHAVERIM WINTER CAMP CONCERT 2009. After much pomp and ceremony everyone settled in the barn with much anticipation. A 3 piece band, A-class singers (Yossi Dunner and our in house residential tenor SHLOIME REID) and bunch of hyped up boys what more can one ask for?
It started off with a new hit single Vehi Sheomda from Yaakov Shwekey (thats right, camp was prior to the songs release Chaverim you were there to hear it first!) Slowly fading into some heilig niggumin from various bands.
As the evening warmed up, so did the barn, as the water was flowing to replenish the sweat pouring from peoples brows, the concert was now in full swing with the entire camp dancing in unison (we even got a camp circle going!).
A small interval was had by all in order to reinvigorate the energy to enable to have another round of (geshmack) dancing. Even Yossi was drained due to excitement palpitating through the room.
Many hours passed, people were dropping like flowers on a cold winters day! To rejuvenate the situation we decided to get Shloime Reid on the mic. to sing Shloime Gertners Bni Bni. Little did we know, what we were in for. The song was sung in the most beautiful fashion (thank you Shloime, it brought tears to our eyes).
Finally, after everyone was flat out, a short kumzits was had before everyone dragged themselves to their beds and collapsed (of course allowing themselves the time for a quick shower).
FRIDAY 2ND JANUARY 2009
TODAYS ACTIVITY: FOOTBALL & SWIMMING COMPETITION
There was quite a late start to today after such a late night, but yes Yankele, we still got soif zman tefilla. Shachris was followed by Chumash/Rashi seder where the boys were divided between the madrichim and learnt bhislavus for nearly an hour.
After breakfast the boys quickly changed to continue the football competitions and the swimming competition. Its a short day, and shabbos is not too far away but we still managed to allow the finalists to play against the madrichim and although they may have been good, they just werent good enough for our in-house winter champions.
The day flew by and before we knew it, it was time to usher in Shabbos Koidesh. How beautiful everyone dressed in their shabbos finery sitting together in the Beis Hamedresh as the Rov spoke about the beauty of shabbos. With Yaakov davening for the omud, the songs reaching heavenly notes as everyone joined in what better way can one start shabbos?
As the boys filtered into the dining room by group to be seated around the magnificently laid table, as the song flowed from the davening into the seuda. Divrei torah were eloquently said first by madrichim then by 2 of the boys. As the meal was reaching the climax, Shmuel Yosef announced there will be a kumzits taking place half an hour after the meal finishes. Oh my can this get any better??
As in true chaverim style the boys came back to the dining room to a table fit for a rebbes tish with all the right peiros etc. (let's not forget the j20 and rogelach.) The kumzits continued for several hours, to include carlebach, rabbis sons and many niggunim that only peoples parents should remember (the good old days!). Shmuel enlightened the event with a classical story that we will find hard to forget. Shachris was announced for 9.30 (thats the latest its been all camp lekoved shabbos).
SHABBOS KOIDESH 3RD JANUARY 2009
The boys awoke, invigorated from such a spiritually uplifting start to shabbos, not wanting it to end. Shachris was lead by the Rov shlita followed by leining from several of our madrichim and senior staff (thanks Yankele). Musaff was then lead by our Executive Director: Shmuel Yosef which was followed by Kiddush prepared by our kitchen staff (thanks Shragi, Uriel, Benny & Michael) and finally shiur from our camp Rov shlita.
Lunch was called for 12:30 allowing a little time for the boys to digest the shiur. Divrei Torah emanated through the hall as the food was served bravchus. Shmuel continued his story and before we knew it, it was time for the highlight of our shabbos meal the Rov's drosho, in his usual eloquent style, he spoke about the importance of bein odom lechavairo especially in camp.
Once the meal was over, there was time for a small oineg shabbos sleep which everyone was grateful for. Straight from mincha (which was very close to shkia) everyone went into the dinning to wash. Shalosh seudos was great, with song, dance and divrei torah and before long, it was unfortunately time to bid farewell to a wonderful uplifting shabbos.
NIGHT ACTIVITY: MELAVE MALKA & PRIZE GIVING
Motzei shabbos began with a swim and game of football to let some steam off and prepare everyone for the wonderful Guest speaker who was to arrive from the shores of Stamford Hill (HaRav Bibberfeld shlita). Boys sat down to a Melave Malka treated to home made pizza what a treat. Rav Bibberfeld shlita addressed the boys. Camp then benched and the boys were sent to the barn for prize giving.
Shmuel introduced the evening and passed the mic to Rafi (hope you remember what he said he meant it!). Finally, the prizes:
Shaya Grunfeld & Aaron Kaplin Chaim Moses
David Mendlesohn, Dovid Reid & Aaron Luftig Yehuda Ibgui
Eli Sebbag & Yosef Haliwa Sruli Catz
Naftali Last & Moshe Blum Yitzi Ross
Yaakov Tatz & Shmuli Bendahan Yehuda Zev Abenson
Ashi Werjuka & Yoni Cohen Yehuda Jacobs
Best Davenener Akiva Emanuel Lipkin
And finally after much hype and trepidation, the best camper was going to be announced. Who will it be? It cant be one of the guys that just got a prize because they just got a prize. But really, a unanimous decision was made and the boys knew it. The best camper of Winter camp 2008-09 is.
.SHLOIME REID
As he was lifted from the crowd and filtered through the tunnel of madrichim jumping with excitement, he was handed a set of mishne brurah by Shmuel Yosef and R Betsalel Schijveschuurder.
The evening was over and camp was over! It finally hit everyone like an iron bar! One whole week, 24 hours a day spent together, in what was the most awe inspiring week of their lives all over. Gone. Finished. Kaput. Nigmar.
All there was left now was to pack, clean up and bid your farewells, but thats what the last day of camp is for.
SUNDAY 4TH JANUARY 2009
TODAYS ACTIVITY: HOME TIME
Everyones up reluctantly because they know, now that their bags are packed and downstairs, it can only mean one thing home (no more camp)!! Shachris is followed by breakfast. The week has taken its toll on the boys, you can see from their faces that theyve had an unbelievably great time, and it almost seems that they are depressed to leave (understandably so).
As the boys line their suitcases in the car park Manchester by the other building, everyone exchanges their numbers, as the flashes of the cameras will bring back memories of this momentous camp each flash another fond memory.
Shmuel waves his goodbye, as the coaches roll up but where is the Manchester mini-bus? Once the coaches were loaded, we decided to daven mincha and finish camp off on a high.
The boys filled the coaches and as they rolled out of the camp site, the tears rolled down the cheeks of some as they realised this fantastic camp has now ended, and may be the last winter camp they could ever attend!
