August 18, 2010

The busses left bright and early this morning and are already on the road. The luggage truck and busses should be arriving at Oakridge in front of Zellers between 11:30-12:00. The busses are packed with juice boxes and granola bars and bus survival kits that include crossword puzzles and mazes etc. We are also featuring Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for our youngest campers! Each bus has 1-2 staff members supervising the campers, although something tells me they may be sleeping for the ride home!

Thank you all again, see you next summer :)

Liza

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August 17, 2010

Shalom Chaverim!

Well, the time has finally come to say good-bye.

Tonight’s final banquet was incredible, and the theme was Around the World! The SITs worked very hard to pull off an amazing night. They transformed the chadar into a global extravaganza with pictures from all over the world, filled with suitcases and hanging globes. The outside of the chadar was turned into an airplane and I was the Pilot! The SIT staff were the flights attendants and they prepared everyone before entering the chadar.

We had a delicious dinner and ice cream with fresh fruit, chocolate sauce and sprinkles for dessert. Afterwards we gathered in the orchard where some of our staff handed out awards for the end of the summer. The A dock, U dock and Y dock all have awards as well as the kochot and SIT leadership awards to mention a few. Then our SIT historians and valedictorians read a few speeches summing up their experience at camp for everyone.

We then gathered on the hill for our “in flight movie”, also known as the end of the summer slide show. Then we met for our final mifkad and ended with a camp-wide dance! I know many of the campers wont want to sleep tonight, because when they wake up in the morning they will have to say good-bye to this place they have been calling home all summer long (or maybe just for 5 days for those Giborim campers).

Tomorrow morning the bus will hit the road bright and early and your precious campers will arrive at Oakridge between 11:30-12. For those of you picking up your children at camp, please be here at 7:30 am. Lost and Found items can be picked up at the office. Only items that are labeled with names will be kept.

Thank you to all my staff for all their hard work this summer. I couldn’t have done it without them, and your children would not have had such an amazing experience without their loving counselors. I could not have done it alone without the help of my management team and my head staff. Thank you to all of them for their hard work and efforts. And to all of my campers, thank you for an amazing second session 2010 ( and both session for those SITS). I have watched each of you grow this summer before my eyes. Many of you tried waterskiing or wakeboarding for the first time. Many of you completed swimming levels. Some of you performed a special talents which takes so much courage in front of everyone. I’ve seen you smiling around camp, laughing at programs, and sadly, I’ve seen a few tears as you all prepare to say good bye.

Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you all next summer!!!

Liza

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August 16, 2010

***PLEASE NOTE***

The SIT formal took place this evening and there is a separate day of just formal pictures that have been added. We’ve dated them AUGUST 20 as we do not want this to conflict with tomorrow’s pictures. These pictures are exclusively from the SIT formal. If you are unfamiliar with what the SIT formal is, please read on…

Well, it is hard to believe but tomorrow is the last day of camp!! We’ve come a long way and the time has finally come for the summer to come to a close.

Last night the Giborim campers had a “make your counselor ugly” contest followed by a night swim. The Hatikvah campers had a program called “Hatikvah high” where they got to attend various school classes including baking class and science class. Kochot went on a pirate adventure! They created their very own pirate flag and all went for a night kayak near skull caves. The SITs continued to work on the final banquet that will be revealed tomorrow.

Today, the heat was in full force and the sun was shining bright. All the campers were enjoying cooling off in the lake, and of course enjoying a refreshing popsicle in the afternoon. Tonight, the Giborim campers had a murder mystery program. They had to find who murdered Libin (one of our U-dock heads). They went around different stations and interviewed various staff on camp to find any evidence and solve the crime. In the end, he was “murdered” by Alex Kahn (the Y-dock head). Once they solved the murder mystery they all had ice cream sundaes topped with smarties, caramel and chocolate sauce, and food colouring to add a special touch!

The Hatikvah campers had boys and girls night. The girls had oatmeal masks, painted their nails, played a few games, tie-dyed pillow cases and finished with a night swim just for the gals! The boys played soccer, some other games and finished with a special snack!

The kochot campers played a life-size game of monopoly. They created a large board and each took turns going into the game to try and win.

And tonight, was a very special event, the SIT formal! The SIT staff worked very hard to decorate the chadar into an elegant restaurant. They completely transformed it using lights, candles, disco balls, mirrors and white flower arrangements. The SITs had a special meal prepared for them by our chef Mike Tyler. They were picked up by a car from their site and driven to the orchard where they had a VIP, SIT only party with appetizers of samosas, spring rolls, cheesey sticks and veggies and dip. Their meal included a variety of salads including tomato and boccocini or ceaser salad. Then a main dish of pasta with a variety of sauces and for dessert home made cheesecake. They were given out awards and watched a slide show specially made for their unit. There were definitely a few tears, and I know it is hard for many of the SIT’s to believe that their camper days are gone and the next time they return to Hatikvah will be as staff.

Tomorrow will be another hot day, filled with docks and of course packing! I know they won’t be as organized as they were when they came, and they may have lost a sock or two, but they will have some time tomorrow to get themselves organized. And of course, tomorrow night will be the much-anticipated Final Banquet! The SITs have worked so hard to put everything together. I can’t wait for their hard work to pay off.

I will update you again tomorrow, and add the newest pictures. Here’s to an amazing last day of camp!

Liza

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August 14, 2010

I can`t believe it, the last shabbat at camp has come and gone. And what a Shabbat we had! We all gathered on the hill for prayers and welcomed our new Giborim campers. A first shabbat for them, but a last for our SIT campers. The SITs led the prayers and displayed their leadership skills. Afterwards we enjoyed a Shabbat meal and finished with Shira in the orchard. We then went to watch the SIT oneg (play) that they performed for camp. It is so clear that the SITs have grown into an amazing chevra. They have gone from friends, to family in 2 incredible months. They will be enjoying their SIT formal on Monday night, a special event put on by the SIT staff with a special dinner and dance just for the SITS.

This morning we had a restful sleep in, before meeting again for Saturday morning prayers. Afterwards some campers went down to A-dock for a free swim while the others had a Shababt Peulah. They wrote letters to go into the western wall and lucky for us we have two Israeli`s on our staff. They have agreed to take the notes back with them to be placed into the wall. Meanwhile, the Giborim campers had a toilet paper fashion show! It was a great morning and a sunny afternoon filled with docks!

This evening we had our BBQ and this week`s theme was high school stereotypes. The kids were so creative and dressed up as jocks, nerds, cheerleaders, goths and even `ginas`. Then we had our Camp Carnival. We rented 3 bouncers, one was a pirate ship with different compartments to bounce. One was giant slide where the kids would climb up and slide down and the third was a rat race inflatable. We also had fortune telling, magic tricks, tattoos, basketball shooting and of course, popcorn! It was a great carnival and the kids and staff all had a blast!

Afterwards we all met again in the mifkad site for havdallah. We gathered in a circle to sing and finish Shabbat before starting up again for the upcoming week.

Tomorrow we will return to regular scheduling and make sure that we fill these last days of camp with lots of laughter, splashes, popsicles, skiing, sailing, boat rides, night maneuvers, bunk parties and anything else we can to give these campers the best summer yet and memories to last them a lifetime!

Talk soon,

Liza

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August 12, 2010

Last night was a great night of programming! The remaining kochavim campers had a dock dessert and an evening filled with boat rides, games and ice cream. Meanwhile, the chalutzim and gesher campers played “Hatikvah Bachelorette”. They had some single “ladies” (male staff dressed up) that were all competing to win another staff member’s heart. They had to dress up the counselors and do their make-up, write a song, create a dance and a talent. In the end the “ladies” performed everything that the campers made up for them and one of them was chosen to win the bachelor’s heart! The kids had a blast and an evening of laughs.

The kochot campers walked to the nearby kaloya park across the lake from camp. They had a calm, relaxing evening listening to music, playing a few games and having some snacks in the park.

The SIT campers had their version of blind date. They were paired into couples, and rotated to a variety of stations all over camp. They went for evening canoe rides, played games and even made rings for each other in the A&C. It was a very fun program that the campers loved. Once their program was finished they all met to work on their upcoming banquet. They only have a few days left now and I have no doubt they will do an outstanding job.

Today the sun was brightly shining as the campers rotated to the various docks. There was a warm breeze in the air perfect for sailing down at the u-dock and it was a great day for skiing as well. Meanwhile, many campers are still working to complete their swimming levels down at the a-dock.

Tonight, the Hatikvah campers had a “trip to the movies”. We made our very own theatre at camp, complete with a projector screen and movie style popcorn. Tonight’s feature was Toy Story 3! The kochot campers got dressed up in crazy colors and costumes and went out for a fun night of bowling. Our SIT campers had another night of working on banquet. They had some pizza, some music and a great night of painting murals, creating centerpieces and planning the amazing final banquet!

Tomorrow will be the last Shabbat at camp. The SIT campers will present their oneg Shabbat (play) before we finish up with our last dance.

Hard to believe how quickly the time flies by!!

Talk soon,

Liza

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August 11, 2010

Boker Tov!

The bus with our two week campers left this morning at 7am sharp! We were sad to say goodbye but we know that there is always next year -summer 2011.

Have a sunny day,

Liza

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August 10, 2010

The last two days have been great and the staff and campers alike-enjoyed yom chan. Our young campers loved having the SITs stay in the cabins with them and I know our staff loved having a few extra hands around. Last night the SITs planned the evening programs. For the kochavim campers the SITS made a program called “school’s in session”. There were a few rotations of different classes for the campers to attend. There was science class where they made “ooblik” (a mix of cornstarch and water), and they had home economics where they baked something. They also received report cards and then finished with a “school” dance.

Meanwhile the chalutzim program was called “chalutzim challenge”. They had a few obstacles to overcome before claiming their prize of ice cream sundaes. And the gesher campers played a version of Hatikvah Survivor. It was a great night and the SITs had a lot fun planning and executing their hard work and getting to see how much effort goes into program planning from the staff.

This morning the kochot campers returned from their canoe trip. They were all smiles when they got off the bus. They endured a little bit of rain but all and all they had a great time and memories to last a lifetime.

Tomorrow the SITs will return to their unit and regular programming and focus on banquet prep. Also, it is hard to believe but our kochavim and 2-week campers will be leaving tomorrow morning. We are sad to see them go but we know that they had a great time and can’t wait to see them return next summer. They will be returning on the bus with a few of our staff as well as a mini-booklet to keep them busy on the bus. It has a crossword puzzle and a few things written by each cabin. They will also be wearing their new camp shirts.

However, there are a few kochavim campers that have decided to stay for the third week. They will get to join the chalutzim units for docks and evening programs. They will also get a chance to have some extra fun on camp baking cookies, going for boat rides and having some extra time down at the docks. Now we will have a quick rest for 2 days before gearing up for the newest and youngest campers to arrive – giborim! They will arrive on Friday and be at camp for 5 fun-filled days, which will end with the rest of the campers at final banquet!

Looking forward to their arrival, until then,

Liza

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August 8, 2010

Since the end of Maccabiah it feels great to have returned to a regular schedule. Last night’s talent show was a wonderful event! I was so amazed by the talent on this camp; the campers really surpassed my expectations! We have so many dancers and singers, instrument players and even a juggler! It was a great way for each camper and even a few staff members to showcase their individual talents and the night closed with a beautiful song written by the female SIT campers summing up their summer experience so far at camp!

Early this morning, the kochot campers woke up to load onto the bus before heading to Dee Lake and Beaver Lake for their 2-night canoe trip. They were all very excited and I know they will have so much fun sleeping under the stars and relaxing with a bit of quiet in the wilderness away from camp. They will return on Tuesday and I will update you once they are back and hopefully have captured a few moments in pictures to add to the website.

This afternoon the SIT campers and their chalutzim buddies had a board game showdown. They went through different rotations and played a variety of games in teams with their buddies. And our gesher campers enjoyed a big water fight to keep cool.

This evening the kochavim campers had a fun program where they baked “candy pizzas’. The crusts were made for them but they each got to decorate the pizzas with chocolate sauce, chocolate bars and a variety of candy and then ate the pizza while watching Toy Story 3. 

The chalutzim and gesher campers took part in a program called “Hanukkah Race”. They went to a few different stations to complete the race. One station was the oil race where they had to transfer water from one bowl to another with a spoon and another station had an obstacle course. The third station was learning and doing the popcorn dance followed by name that tune. They also had a latke-eating contest with their hands tied behind their back, singing Hanukkah songs and coloring menorahs.

Once the race was completed they all gathered in the chadar for a special snack.

The SIT campers had a bit of relaxing evening as they have started to work on the final banquet. Final banquet takes place on the last night of camp when we throw a big themed party and the staff dress up in characters that coincide with the theme. They have started working on it now so that it will be extra spectacular by the end of the session. The theme is a surprise that will be revealed on the last night!!

Tomorrow will also be the second round of Yom Chan for the SIT campers. Like last session the SIT campers will be placed into cabins and at docks to shadow the staff to learn and understand what it means to be a counselor at camp. They have had a few childcare sessions and are very eager and excited for the 2-day program. It is a great learning opportunity for campers and staff alike. And this session I will even have a SIT camper shadow me as camp director!!

Looking forward to it! Talk to you all again soon,

Liza

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August 6, 2010

Congratulations to all the teams for all their hard work. The last two days have been absolutely fantastic. Campers and staff alike have been working their hardest on all sorts of competitions. This morning started off with the spoon on nose competition. Six of our tiniest campers all tried their nose at the contest until only one remained.  After a quick break was the maccabathon. The maccabathon is an epic relay race that includes the entire team and ends with the oh-so popular egg boil. Each team must start a fire, boil water and then boil a hardboiled egg.

Afterwards everyone cooled off with a dock dip before lunch. After lunch was a campwide game of “Libin Says” followed by Tarbut prep. Tarbut is the end of Maccabiah that takes a few hours to prepare. It is when each team presents their plaque, a play and an original song representing their team. And of course, we found time to have a simple Shabbat service where each team assisted in leading the prayers before enjoying a nice meal and presenting their tarbut to the judges.  In the end, all the teams worked very hard and showcased a lot of talent!! Overall, it was a close call but the winning team was………the RED team!!!

Mazel Tov to the captains and all the team members from all three teams. And now we have completed yet another Maccabiah for second session 2010!

Tomorrow morning everyone will enjoy a much needed sleep- in to rest before returning to regular schedule. In the evening tomorrow we will be hosting the second session camp wide talent show. Campers from all units will present their talents and let me tell you, these kids have got a lot!! They play instruments, they dance, they sing, they act, we’ve got a camp full of performers!

Talk soon,

Liza

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 August 4, 2010

 Guess what? IT’S MACCABIAH!!!

For those of you parents who don’t know, Maccabiah is a long-standing Camp Hatikvah tradition. It is a 3 day long event that takes leadership, cooperation and organization. The entire camp is divided into three teams, represented by three colours, red, white and blue. This session we’ve based the teams around Israeli food and given the red team falafel, the blue team hummus and the white team pita. Each team will compete in various events including a tug-o-war, capture the flag, track and field events, sports events, swimming and dock events and finally close on the third day with a play that will include a plaque representing each team, a song, a dance and an original cheer.

This session the captains for the teams are:

Red: STAFF: Jake Berzen and Lana Rothman, SITS: Abby Jerroff and Daniel Cohen

Blue: STAFF: Howie Yanofsky and Becky Glotman, SITS: Ben Katz and Shayna Ramano

White: STAFF: Jordan Adler and Lauren Moses, SITS: Isaac Rodin and Lara Rodin

We announced it this evening at mifkad (lowering the flag) with quite a bang. We spoke to our friends at the Lake Country Fire Department and had the team captains arrive on a fire truck dressed as firemen and jump out of the truck to reveal that it is in fact, Maccabiah.

This evening we complete our first event, and many camper and staff’s favourite competition, the tug-o-war! The teams are split into their respective age group/unit sub teams and compete in a series of tugs. It was filled with cheering and laughing and of course, a bit of grunting, groaning and intensity while pulling the rope. In the end the blue team won in a very close call and took the lead for Maccabiah.

Afterwards the kochot and SIT campers took part in a game of “mingle”. To play, each camper walks around the room waiting for the judge to call out “atom ___” which will be any number, and then they must cluster into a group of whatever number has been called. For example, if atom 4 was called, they must all gather into groups of 4 and whichever camper is not in a group is then eliminated until there is only one camper left. The Red team was the winner of the game.

Tomorrows events will include the wakeboarding competition, egg toss, capture the flag, and the oh-so important paddle hold. It will also include the U-dock and A-dock events as well as the sports and track and field events. The evening will wind down with the kochot and SIT dance-a-thon.

Looking forward to another great day, I will update the next blog with the winning team. GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYONE!!!

Liza

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August 2, 2010

 I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend, I know we did here at camp, although it seems like everyday is the weekend for us!

Last night we had a lot of fun. The kochot campers were taken to H20 Water Park in Kelowna and they loved it. The SIT campers program was called “marketing madness”. They were placed into groups and told to market ice cream. They had to create slogans, t-shorts, posters and a song and then present their product in front of an audience. In the end, they all enjoyed eating the ice creams sundaes that they were trying to sell. Meanwhile, the Hatikvah campers all played a big game of bingo followed by a dance. And our youngest kochavim campers snuggled into sleeping bags for a slumber party. It was a great night but we did have a bit of rain, however the sun greeted us again this morning.

We were up and running with regular dock periods. Kids are getting up on skis for the first time, canoeing, kayaking and we’ve had a warm breeze in the air, perfect for sailing. At the U-dock we`ve purchased a ski trainer. It is an inflatable floatie that simulates the action of skiing to prepare young campers how to get up on skiis!

Tonight, the SIT campers had a Hawaiian dock dinner at U-dock. They had a luau, played volleyball, and of course went waterskiing. The Kochot campers had a program called “the quest for glory”. It was a series of different stations all around camp, where they had a race to complete the various tasks. Some of tasks included wrapping a camper completely in toilet paper, shooting a basketball blindfolded, scoring a hockey puck from the other side of the field or eating something “gross”. They all had a great time on this amazing race. The Hatikvah campers all took part in a variety of different staff initiation programs. The campers must answer trivia questions and then based on their winnings, they can pick a counselor that they want to initiate. Our lucky, yet unfortunate staff were covered in ketchup, mustard, whipping cream or had eggs cracked on their heads just to mention a few of the initiation rituals we have here at camp.

 Tomorrow the Kochavim campers will have their dock dinner and the Kochot and SIT campers will take part in a program called “cross the line”. It is a thought-provoking program where campers will be challenged and encouraged to have discussion based on a variety of controversial subjects. It is a great program and will give our SIT campers a chance to display some of their leadership skills. Speaking of SIT leadership, each week 4 at a time, our SITs have been volunteering at a local soup kitchen in Vernon. The campers help to prepare food and serve meals. They have all been great in participating in the soup kitchen program.

 Looking forward to another sunny day tomorrow. Until then,

 Liza

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August 1, 2010

JUST A REMINDER: I know that you are all anxiously awaiting mail from your campers, but please be aware that they arrived at camp on Thursday, and on Friday the mail went out. Saturday, Sunday and Monday are holidays and/or weekend days so regular mail will commence again on Tuesday­. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at liza@camphatikvah.com.

Thanks, talk to you soon,

Liza

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July 31, 2010

Shabbat Shalom! What a great Saturday we had at camp today.  Everyone enjoyed some cinnamon buns for breakfast before we met on the hill for Saturday morning prayers. Afterwards the Hatikvah campers all headed down to A-dock for a free swim. We bought a bunch of new floaties for the dock that the kids tested out today and loved! Meanwhile, the kochot and SIT campers took part in a Shabbat Peulah where they created arts and crafts simulating the artist market in Tel Aviv. They made different types of jewellery and decorated hamsas. Then the campers switched and the SITs and kochot kids headed down for a free swim and the Hatikvah campers enjoyed their ``trip`` to Tel Aviv. For the rest of the afternoon the campers enjoyed their various docks, going sailing, skiing, canoeing and kayaking.

Later, we all gathered in the sports field for our Saturday night BBQ. It was a backwards theme and everyone got dressed up all mixed up and backward. To finish off the evening we had a campwide program of Amazing Race.  The campers went on another ``trip`` around the world. This time they headed to Japan where they made sushi, they went salsa dancing in Brazil, built the pyramids of egypt and had boat rides in Thailand. They also ate watermelon in Israel, pizza in Italy and then we wrapped up the night with Havdallah and the video of the week.

A great end to Shabbat and we are really starting to feel like our second session campers are getting into the swing of things. Tomorrow we will return to regular scheduling and split into unit for evening programs. I will update you next time on the programs, but until then please enjoy more pictures in the photo gallery. I love seeing all the smiling faces down at the docks and around camp, hope you feel the same!

Talk to you soon,

Liza

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July 29, 2010

The first day of second session has started! All the campers arrived safe and sound today and were welcomed by the staff and the SIT campers who were anxiously awaiting their arrival. Each camper was greeted with a smile and I think the SIT campers were most excited to meet the newest campers who they will be sharing second session with. Don`t let me forget to mention to all you SIT parents, that last night we took all the SITs to H20 waterpark in Kelowna. It is an indoor waterpark with slides, surfing and inner tubing. It was a surprise for the SITs who were still a bit disappointed after not going to the Atlantis slides after their canoe trip and they had a blast!

The new campers were also all smiles when they arrived and met their counsellors. After the campers unpacked into their respective cabins we all met for a bite of lunch and had grilled cheese sandwiches. To cool off from the scorching heat, the campers got a chance to jump in the lake for their dock testing. Most of the testing is complete. The testing ensures that each camper had some swimming ability and is safe to swim in the lake. We also make sure that they are boat safe. Tomorrow the rest of the testing will be completed. In the afternoon everyone gathered in the orchard for popsicle fun before heading back to the other docks.

For dinner we had hamburgers and fries before meeting in the Ulam for Opening night! All of the staff have created songs and dances to introduce themselves and their units to the new campers. Even the SIT campers got involved. Its a great opportunity for the new campers to see who all their staff will be for the next 3 weeks.

Tomorrow will be our first Shabbat of second session. We will do our usual Shabbat routine with prayers on the hill while the sun sets and a delicious dinner of matzah ball soup, chicken and challah. Afterwards we are going to have a sing-a-long and teach the campers some camp classic favourite songs before we start our israeli dancing. And then of couse the Friday night dance that the campers all look forward to. Followed by a Saturday morning sleep-in.  Can`t wait for another relaxing weekend with our new second session family for the rest of the summer! Until then, enjoy the pictures. I have included pictures of each cabin on today`s photo gallery and will update again tomorrow.

Talk soon,

Liza

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July 27, 2010

Check out the new pictures today from the SIT - parent visitors day!!! No waterslides for the SIT campers today, we had a change of plans. Instead the parents came to camp for a day of skiing, and a nice family dinner. It was so nice to have you all here, and now we are ready to move into second session. I will update you again once our new campers arrive.

Liza

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July 24, 2010

Can you believe it? The last night of camp! Today the sun was blazing while the kids were packing up all their stuff to go home to their mommies and daddies who are missing them. We made sure they had a few dock dips and a few last attempts at waterskiing or wakeboarding before packing everything up.

 Tonight we celebrated with final banquet and the theme was CANDY!!! Our staff worked very hard to create a beautiful party for the kids. The evening started off with hors d’oeuvrs and appetizers in the orchard while taking pictures of the staff who were all dressed up in costumes of different candies. The chadar was completely transformed into a candy heaven for dinner. We had tortellini and garlic bread and for dessert there were candy apples! We also completed the evening with cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and two chocolate fountains. It was definitely a final banquet meal to remember. Afterwards all the campers gathered on the hill for an awards ceremony. All three of the docks handed out various awards, a few other awards from other areas of camp as well as the kochot leadership award which this session was awarded to Morris Berger-Poll and Rachel Kahn. Once the awards were handed out all the campers gathered for the last dance of the summer. The music was playing late into the night so the kids could dance out all their energy before going to bed.

Then we gathered for one final mifkad (flag raising/lowering), last one of the session.

 I doubt the kids will want to sleep at all but we will do our best but you will likely have some sleepy heads arriving off the bus tomorrow morning.

 It has been an absolutely amazing first session. I have seen some incredible things. Campers getting up on skis for the first time or scoring their first touchdowns. I’ve been so impressed each time I watch these kids get up to perform in a talent show, or in an oneg. Thank you to my staff for all their hard work and thank you all for a fabulous session. Look forward to seeing you all again next summer.

 And now we move into second session. Looking forward to a new set of smiling facing arriving to camp on July 29. See you all soon!!!!

 Until then,

Liza

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June 22, 2010

 The Bills defend their championship in overtime 56-49 beating the Dolphins in an eventful finale. It was a great game and everyone loved watching it. We had slushies and popcorn on the sidelines and some great fans cheering on their favourite teams. Mitchell Rothman was named MVP before the Paul Myers HFL cup was handed over to the winning team.

 A fantastic way to end off the session before we have our last Shabbat tomorrow night followed by final banquet on Saturday night. Tomorrow morning, the SIT campers and their staff will leave early in the morning to drive to the Shuswaps where they will begin their 5-day long canoe trip. They are all very excited to spend the session break in the wilderness. It is a great time for them to bond as a unit and come back even stronger for second session.

 Final banquet preparations are well under way. The theme is a surprise that will be revealed to the campers on the last night, but I can tell you it is going to be great!

 Tomorrow will be the last regular day before Saturday rolls around and the campers will have to start packing. We are making sure all the campers get one last period down at all the docks and a chance to go skiing, or wakeboarding or complete their respective swimming levels. Its unbelievable when kids who haven’t gone skiing all summer try for the first time and get up to go around the lake. Then we will wind down with the last Shabbat of the session. This week the kochot campers are putting on their oneg Shabbat (play) for the camp to enjoy. Can’t wait to see it, I know we’ve got some enormous talent in the kochot unit.

 We will wish the SITs farewell and a safe journey on the canoe trip. And look forward to the pictures and stories from their adventure. And can’t wait to reveal the theme of final banquet and update you with the pictures.

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July 20, 2010

 Today was the first day of Yom chan, which is when the SIT campers are placed into cabins and at docks to shadow the staff for 2 days to understand what it means to be a counselor at camp hatikvah. The SITs woke up early in the morning to meet their cabins and go to breakfast with them to get to know the other campers. The SITs remained with the cabins for the entire day and they planned the evening program for the respective units that they are helping out in. One of the programs they planned was called “Hatikvah Rally” which included a variety of tasks that the campers completed in a race. Some of the tasks involved pictures that have to be taken around camp like, a picture with a lifeguard shirt or a picture of all the team members in canoe. They also had to make a music video, find flip-flops that are every colour of the rainbow or find a heart shaped rock on the beach. Another program planned by the SITs was called “Survivor Hatikvah” which was also a variety of survivor like tasks that they completed. The SIT’s had a lot of fun and put a lot of effort into planning these programs for the younger campers. It is a great opportunity for the SIT campers to develop and enhance their leadership skills as well as learning about childcare, programming and gaining some independence.

 Tonight, the Kochot senior campers are headed to Scandia for a round of mini-golf while Kochot junior spent the evening at Kaloya Park across the lake, playing games, singing with a guitar and relaxing.

 In HFL news, the Bills tied the Dolphins 35-35 and the Saints beat the Jets 49-0. Only one more day and 3 games left before the big HFL Super bowl game.  It will be a game to remember.

 Looking forward to the game and I’ll be sure to put up some pictures!

Until then,

Liza

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Ju ne 18, 2010

 We still have one more week left and we will do everything to make sure it is the very best way to end the session. Last night’s Carnival was a great success! We brought in a few bouncy-type apparatuses including a rat race maze, a gladiator figh ting game, and a climbing obstacle course. We also had a few stations including fortune telling, temporary tattoos, hair wraps, magic tricks, musical chairs and of course food! We had slushies and popcorn and mini chocolate bars. The kids and staf f alike had a great time!

 Today, to cool off from the heat we started to have unit water fights. And of course our usual dock periods. The SIT campers are having a few extra periods scheduled down at the Y-dock to practice their canoeing skills for their upcoming canoe trip between the sessions. I know they will all be great paddlers by the time they leave for the trip. Speaking of the SITs, tonight they went to see the movie “Inception” at the theatre as a reward for their hard work and leadership throughout the session. The kochot campers had a “Boys & Girls night” which ended with a late night swim. The Hatikvah campers program was called “Hatikvah High”. They all dressed up as various high school stereotypes, like the jocks, the cheerleaders or the nerds and went to different classes. In art class they made book marks, in gym class exercised, in chemistry class they made ooblik (cornstarch and water), in English class they had a spelling bee and in cooking class they made delicious ice cream sandwiches. Who would have thought they would have so much fun going to “school” in the summer!

 Tomorrow, our Gesher 2 campers will be leaving on their 1-day overnight. They will walk to a nearby campsite on Woods Lake for a relaxing evening under the stars. To make it even better for them, we will be bringing over the ski boats to have a ski/wakeboard evening for the kids at the campsite. They will also enjoy hot dogs, chips and the quintessential overnight treat -  smores!

 In HFL news, the Bills beat the Saints today in a very exciting game that came down to the last 10 seconds. The playoffs will be starting soon. Can’t wait for the final game in front of the whole camp in a few days! Go teams!!

Talk soon,

Liza

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July 16, 2010

Shabbat Shalom!!!

Can you believe it is Friday once again, and that we only have about a week left of camp? Time really does fly when you are having fun! Last night the Chalutzim campers had an evening program with their SIT buddies. The girls had a spa night where they had facials, painted their nails, ate nachos and had a bit of girl talk. Meanwhile, the boys were playing poker! The SIT’s and chalutzim campers loved having their buddies there with them for an evening program. In kochot, the campers had a “make your counselor ugly contest”. This program was done in the SIT unit previously and since it was such a success the kochot campers wanted their turn to dress up their staff. The Gesher 1 campers had a “cabin night” with their staff and the boys headed down to the sports field to play some soccer and basketball. The gesher 1 girls hung out in their cabin and also had a bit of girl’s night. They made cabin bracelets and played games and had a bunk party. The gesher 2 campers headed down to the u-dock for their dock dinner. They had to play “survivor” first to find out who went waterskiing first! They played a bunch of different challenges and then in the end they all ended up in the water to cool off.

 Just before lunch today the kochot 2 campers returned from their overnight. They all came off the bus full of smiles and great stories to tell from their camping experience. They lucked out with great weather and we are glad to have them back. Now our whole family is together again!

 Tonight we had our traditional Shabbat dinner followed by the Hatikvah Oneg (play) that the campers put on. The play was a spin off of the movie “click” and again many of our talented campers had a chance to show off their skills through acting, dancing and arts  & crafts. Once the play was finished we had a camp-wide dance that the kids look forward to each week.

 Tomorrow morning we are starting off with an early morning HFL game during the Saturday morning sleep in before prayers. It will be the Redskins vs. the Dolphins. Can’t wait to see who wins that one. After prayers there is a free swim period down at the A-dock for the Kochot and SIT campers while the Hatikvah campers will work on a program creating their own version of an Israeli flag. Then the units switch and the Hatikvah campers will head down for a free swim while the kochot/SIT campers will be watching a movie from the Jewish Agency and having a discussion based on what they watch.

 Not only is tomorrow night the Carnival night (thanks to this beautiful weather), but also the twin BBQ!! Can’t wait!

 Talk again soon,

Liza

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July 14, 2010

Well, as a welcome change from the heat we`ve been experiencing we encountered a bit of rainy weather yesterday. Due to the weather change we had to do a bit of re-arranging and change our Carnival night to a camp-wide talent show. All the campers gathered and performed a variety of talents. We had singing, dancing, acting, lip-syncing, comedy acts, magic tricks and even a twin-off! I was kvelling as I watched each camper get up to perform and am so impressed with the amount of talent on camp! Afterwards we finished off with a camp-wide dance and then all headed up to the chadar for some f ruit punch and orange slushies from our new slurpee machine. And of course followed with some bunk parties which are up and running and the kids are loving them!

At the crack of dawn, our kochot senior campers woke up for an early breakfast before loading up onto a bus and heading over to Dee lake for their canoe trip overnight. Luckily for the senior kochot campers they will have better weather than the junior campers endured on their overnight. In our most recent update from them they are relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, eating great food and loving the freedom of the wilderness. And as we all know, a true highlight of the overnight is sleeping under the stars which are so clear without the glare of city lights. They will return on Friday just in time for Shabbat.

Meanwhile, back at camp the kochot junior campers enjoyed a dock dinner of hamburgers and fries down at the U-dock. They were hanging out, playing volleyball and getting a chance to go waterskiing or wakeboarding. Our youngest hatikvah campers had a great program tonight called Hanukkah Race. They had to race through different stations which included colouring in menorahs, wrapping presents, spinning dreidels, learning the popcorn dance, setting a hanukkah table and completing an obstacle course. The program finished with a dance party and eating sufganyot (jelly filled donuts). Who says you can`t celebrate Hanukkah in the summer time!

Tonight`s program for the SIT campers was called Costume Revenge when they get a chance to dress up their counsellors as somebody ugly and crazy and then have a contest to see who looks the worst. A bit of a spin on your basic beauty contest. The SIT campers have also decided to start helping with the Hatikvah chugs as an opportunity to be leaders and work together as a unit. Tomorrow is the first day that they will be scheduled with the staff to help out and get involved with the younger campers.

It is hard to believe the session is half-way through. So many great things have happened and there is still so much more to look forward to. Talk to you again on Shabbat!

Always,

Liza

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July 12, 2010

 VIVA ESPANA!!!! Yesterday we had a camp-wide program where we set up a TV with popcorn and a lunch buffet so that anyone who was interested could gather round and watch the FIFA world cup final. Everyone was cheering and celebrated as Spain won and then proceeded to head down to our own sports field for some HFL fun. The Saints played the Redskins and the Redskins won 2-1 in the last play of the game. Today was a tie between the 49ers and the Jets. Tomorrow will be the Dolphins and the Bills. Can’t wait to see who wins.

 Last night the Chalutzim campers headed down to the U-dock for a Luau dock dinner. They enjoyed their dinner on the beach, made fruit-loop necklaces, wore Hawaiian lays, put on temporary tattoos and of course, boat rides! The Gesher campers took part in a program of Iron Chef- Banana Challenge. They had to make cookie variations with a secret ingredient of Bananas!  Kochot campers had Erev Air Band where they created various bands and had to perform their songs in front of an audience instead of their originally planned “casino night”. Meanwhile, the SITS partook in a more serious program called “Movie clips” where they watched clips from movies including “American History X”, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”, “Tarzan”, “Blindside” and “The Breakfast Club”. Afterwards they were asked a variety of questions to spark conversation and it did! They really got into the program and had a lot of insightful comments about what they had watched, or previously experienced.

 Tonight the Hatikvah campers program was “A trip to Israel”, where they went to different rotations. The rotations included the western wall where they wrote notes and put them in the wall, learning different Hebrew slang words, learning Israeli dancing, story telling, IDF training, coloring Hamsas and what would a trip to Israel be without food!! There was a station with Israeli salad and Israeli tea. The kids really had a lot of fun. The Kochot campers had a dock dinner and enjoyed playing volleyball and waterskiing. The SIT campers had their turn at Iron chef and the secret ingredient was chocolate syrup. They made a variety of cookies and cakes and lots of whipped cream!!

 The Kochot Junior campers are having a great time on their overnight. It is raining but thankfully they called us from our new satellite phone and everything is great! (Thank you to our donors) They will return tomorrow before the kochot senior campers get ready for their overnight.

 Tomorrow night is Carnival night, don’t tell anybody!!!

 Until next time,

Liza

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 July 10, 2010

Happy Israel Day!!!!!

For a fun Saturday program we decided today was Israel day and that all the regular scheduled periods would have an ``Israeli Twist.`` Insteadof just having a U-dock perdiod, the kids are enjoying a trip to the beach in Tel-Aviv where they can relax, eat watermelon, play volleyball, and enjoy the sun. At the Y-dock they are experiencing a Dead Sea mud spa vacation. Again, they can relax, have a mud bath and cool off with a milkshake. We also constructed a Bedouin tent where they will make fresh pita on an open fire and enjoy listening to music. At the A&C (arts and crafts) the kids are making mezuzah and hamsa decorations and finally in the sports field they are playing soccer, other field games and sun tanning. And what would Israel day be without eating Falafel and borekas! It was a fabulous, sunnyn day and really made it feel like we were in Israel because of the heat!

Afterwards, we had our usual Saturday evning BBQ and this week`s theme was ``dress to impress-for a wedding.`` The evening program was a camp-wide activity where the ampers were divded into different groups all to help prepare and get ready for (fictional) wedding of two of our staff members. Different groups were responsible for helping to decorate the cake, decorate the car, plan the wedding and help the bride and groom get ready. In the end, everyone gathered around for the wedding, which was really fun and ended off with a big dance. Since the weather has been so hot, we have been cooling off in the evevning with nighttime dock dips. The kids (and staff) love jumping into the lake in the cool hours before retiring to bed.

Tomorrow we will return to a regular schedule and pick up where we left off with the HFL and I will update you again soon with the most recent HFL scores. Also, tomorrow afternoon the Kochot Junior campers are leaving on their 2-day canoe trip to Dee lake and Beaver lake. Meanwhile, the Kochot Senior campers will have `casino night.`` The Hatikvah campers program will be ``Iron Chef`` and the SIT campers have a program called ``Movie Clips.`` It is a great program to get them thinking about global issues, where they will watch clips and then have group discussions about what they have viewed. Great programs for all the units!

Talk to you all again soon,

Liza.

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July 8, 2010

It was a real scorcher today! The sun was really blazing which was perfect for the last, fun-filled day of Maccabiah. The morning started off with the ever-favourite competition, the spoon on nose! Followed by the oh-so important Maccabathon. The Maccabathon is an epic relay race that has become synonymous with Maccabiah. It requires teamwork and coordination through all the events which all comes to a close at the egg boil. 2 staff and 2 cam pers from each team must start a fire and boil and egg and whichever team can boil an egg fasted wins the entire Maccabathon! Then we cooled off with a dock dip before lunch. All afternoon the teams has tarbut prep where they worked on their respective plays, dance, song, plaque and jugband. This evening each team presented their tarbut before the judges in a final attempt to showcase all their hardwork throught the 3-day long competition.

In a really tight race, this year`s winner of Maccabiah first session 2010 was..............THE RED TEAM!!!!

Congratulations to all the teams for their hardwork and determination. Tomorrow morning everyone will have a much needed sleep in as we then return to the regular camp schedule. Looking forward to a relaxing shabbat at camp tomorrow followed by Israel day on Saturday. I will write with more updates then.

Until next time,

Liza

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July 6, 2010

Well, a lot has happened in 2 days!!! The sun has finally come out and it really feels like camp should. With the weather improvements everything just seems brighter. Sailing at the u-dock with a cool breeze, or swimming lessons at the A! In HFL news, the Bills tied the Redskins 5-all and 49ers beat the Saints in tight game of 5-4. But everything has been put on hold for the next few days, can you guess why? Because…..

IT’S MACCABIAH!!!!!!!!!!!! We announced it at lunch today and everyone was so surprised. For those of you who don’t know, Maccabiah is a 3 day, camp wide challenge when the entire camp is dived into 3 teams; red, white and blue. For three days the teams will compete in a variety of challenges including sports, drama, tug-of-war, waterfront sports, art, dancing and music. This year the teams represent the three main symbols that create the state of Israel. The crest of Israel featuring a dove, olive branch and menorah represents the first team. The second team is the anthem, Hatikvah and the third team is the flag of Israel. Maccabiah is a great way to showcase Judaism and Zionism while displaying camp spirit!

This years captains are:

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RED TEAM

Staff: Alana Lowenstein and Jake Martin

SITS: Jordi Lutsky and Jacob Pawer

Kochot: Skyla Wayrnen and Danny Greenberg

BLUE TEAM

Staff: Victoria Murphy and Cobi Zimmerman

SITS: Arlo Sporn and Zavi Moses

Kochot: Isabelle Glotman and Aiden Raff

WHITE TEAM

Staff: Danielle Finestone and Daniel Seifer

SITS: Ben Zlotnik and Ariela Sirlin

Kochot: Jed Shiff and Shoshana Nider

Tonight each team had their opening ceremony where they explained their mascot and what they represent. We played a camp wide game of “Libin says” – a take-off of the classic “Simon says”, followed by everyone’s favourite, tug-o-war! The night ended with a staff poker game and we have another fun filled day tomorrow including capture the flag, dock events, track and field, dance-a-thon and the head staff’s favourite – the silent dinner! Next blog I will update you on which team wins! Until then, enjoy the photos and cheer for your favourite team!

Liza

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July 4, 2010

Shalom Chaverim!

Well, it`s hard to believe it is July 4 because the weather is a tad unseasonal! However, a little rain can never stop us from having fun here at Camp Hatikvah. We ran our regular dock periods this morning and had a few skiers and wakeboarders in the lake, swimming lessons and fun in kayaks and canoes but then it started to drizzle. But don`t worry, that didn`t stop us from starting the first HFL game of the season! Everyone came out in their rain gear to cheer on and support the teams. The Dolphins beat the Jets 21-7 in the much anticipated season opener! Afterwards everyone warmed up with some hot chocolate and had a relaxing afternoon in the rain. Chugs are up and running- for those of you who don`t know, chugs are specialized electives picked by the kids that run throughout the summer. They include basketball, soccer, hockey, baking, food/fun/fitness, guitar, theatre sports and many more.

Since it was a rainy night, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity for a movie night. We have been using the new popcorn machine so it really feels like we are at the theatre! Everyone was cozy and warm and enjoyed the night at the movies! And don`t forget about bunk parties!! We are off to a great start and the kids love having them. It is a great opportunity for them to bond as a cabin/tent as well as with their staff.

Tomorrow the forecast looks like we are going to be getting the sunshine that we have all been waiting for. It is going to be sunny and in the high 20s to low 30s, can`t wait for our good old friend mr. sun to come shine down on us!

Talk Soon,

Liza

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July 3, 2010

****PLEASE NOTE**** There was a slight mix up with the pictures, the photos from July 2 are on the website for July 3 and July 3 pictures are on July 2. Sorry for any inconvenience or confusion, we hope to have no more problems and hope you are all enjoying the photos!!

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July 2, 2010

Shabbat Shalom!!!

Well, it has only been 2 days of camp but we have already become a family! This morning the sun came out just in time for shabbat and we have started to get into the swing of things. Now that dock testing is complete the kids are into their regular periods down at the docks, as well as A&C and Sports. Another thing that is off to a great start is the HFL (Hatikvah Football League). The tryouts took place and all the campers have been drafted to their respective teams. Can`t wait for the first game to take place, I will keep you updated as they progress!

Here is a list of the teams:

Dolphins: Mitchell Rothman, Arlo Sporn, Josh Weidman, Ben Zlotnik, Ari Havusha, Adam Klein, Marco Flores, Adam Goldsmith, Danny Kraut, Elliot Layne COACHES: Josh Stiller, Daniel Frankel, Daniel Raff, Shane Golden

Jets: Isaac Rodin, Jordan Borditsky, Matt Borditsky, Jacob Pawer, Noah Cape, Hartley Witten, Benjamin Segal, Aiden Raff, Leo Paperny, Eitan Nifco COACHES: Jake Sandler, Sammy Mendelson, Nathan Ross, Alon Valdman

Redskins: Oren Balshin, Shane Rozen-Delman, Arieh Dales, Mikey Lutsky, Elias Ergas, Benny Pullver, Adam Segal, Morris Berger-Poll, Teddy Hector, Ofir Karpel COACHES: Alex Epstein, Shay Segal, Jonathan Segal

49ers: Michael Fishman, Max Chark, Danny Greenberg, Ira Adilman, Eli Arnstein, Simon Manouvakov, Max Klein, Ben Katz, Matt Stuber, Ariel Sebban COACHES: Ben Molotsky, Micah Joffe, Julien Amar

Saints: Daniel Stiller, Adam Clark, Benny Freidman, Daniel Cohen, Ari Sky, Ben Cape, Jayden Bloom, Sam Sirlin, Jestin Weber, David Libin COACHES: Jake Martin, Amanda Hayes-Watson, Daniel Korsunsky

Bills: Alex Wollner, Matthew Stein, Aaron Drooks, Kai Balin, Jacob Klein, Adam Cohen, Max Hector, Elan Chark, Solly Lazar COACHES: Daniel Seifer, Jordan Adler, Howie Yanofsky, Cobi Zimmerman

After a great day filled with activities, we all gathered aound to relax and enjoy shabbat together. All of camp was on the hill for shabbat prayers as well as singing some camp favourite songs including fruit basket, david melech yisrael and shalom alaynu. Afterwards we had a quiet shabbat dinner of delicious matzah ball soup and chicken and followed with cookies for dessert - a Rozen-Delman family recipe that I was happy to share as I watched all the kids enjoying the cookies. Once we finished our meal, we headed down to watch a the friday night oneg (play) which this week was put on by the staff. It was a wonderful performance and the kids loved it! Then we all got up and did some israeli dancing. Everyone was really into the dancing, working up a sweat and laughing and having a great time. It was a really nice shabbat and a great way to end the week, as well as a fabulous way to start the summer.

Tomorrow morning we have our usual Saturday morning sleep in with cinnamon buns and a great, weekend schedule. And of course our Saturday night BBQ and this week`s theme is superheroes!! Can`t wait to see those pictures!

Talk to you all soon,

Liza

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July 1, 2010

Happy Canada Day!

Just one quick note in regards to the photo gallery; The pictures for June 30 were uploaded after midnight so they went onto the page for July 1. This has now been resolved and the pictures for June 30 are up on the right day (which include pictures of all the campers in their cabins/tents) and the pictures for July 1 are also up. Hope you are enjoying them!

Another great day at camp, the kids finished off all their dock testing and the evening program tonight was initiation for all the respective units. All is well, I will update the blog again tomorrow!!

Until then,

Liza

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June 30, 2010

It was a cool, breezy morning but as the busses rolled up the sun came out and warmed everything up, but not as much as the smiling faces coming off of those busses! All the children arrived safe and sound and were greeted by singing staff who were so excited to finally meet their campers for the summer. Some new, but most returning were equally as thrilled. Naturally on the first day of camp you are bound to run into a few unexpected twists and turns, and today was no exception! Unfortunately, our luggage bus literally hit a bump in the road and broke down in Merritt and was 5 hours late to arrive at camp. Many campers were without their bags for a little while but it allowed everyone to relax and enjoy being at camp without the stress of unpacking. Once the bags arrived they quickly grabbed their bathing suits and jumped in the lake and we completed a few dock tests. Tomorrow we will continue with dock testing so that everyone will be water safe and ready for swimming, skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking and canoeing!

After dinner the evening program was Opening Night when all the staff put on a performance welcoming each unit to camp and introducing themselves. The theme was musicals, so each unit wrote a song to a variety of musicals including Grease, Lion King and Joseph and the technicolour dreamcoat. It was a great evening program! Afterwards, the Chalutzim campers headed down to U dock for a boat ride, Gesher had cabin activities, and Kochot and SITS had a big bonfire under the stars.

Now all the campers are tucked in, warm and cozy in their beds, anticipating tomorrow`s activies!

Lyla Tov,

Liza

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June 29, 2010

ONE MORE SLEEP!!!!!!!

Please make sure that you register online for a user password for our photo gallery. Don`t leave it until the last minute because I know you`ll want to see the pictures of your beautiful, smiling children on the website. Here is what you can expect for communication this summer:

-Photos will be uploaded and ready for your veiwing by midnight each day. PLEASE NOTE: Your child may not be photographed every day but we will do our best to make sure everyone has their time to shine in the photo gallery.

-The blog will be updated every second day

-The menu is on a 2 week rotation and is already posted on the website

-Mail is very important to your camper and to us so please ensure you are writing regularly to your camper.

Please remember care packages are welcomed of the NO-FOOD variety! Get creative, send magazines,crafts,games,pictures and things that can be shared.

I will let you knwo when all of my campers have arrived safe and sound. Here`s to an amazing summer!

Behatzlaha,

Liza

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June 25 2010

It's a beautiful, sunny and hot day in Oyama and our first and second year staff have arrived. Our family is almost complete, just waiting for all our smiling campers to arrive!

All the first and second year staff have already been in the water completing their dock testing, but also cooling off from the blazing sun. They have gone through a programming session planning fun activities and programs for first session. They will also complete their first aid training and integrity/sensitivity training in the upcoming days.

Of course we are still having fun while learning and training, testing out the new boats and playing a big game of capture the flag!

As a bonding experience we are all going to have Shabbat together and enjoy a traditional shabbas meal along with a quiet and simple shabbat service followed by a bonfire. A great way to welcome the staff and begin our pre-camp for the next few days.

Check out the pictures of the staff getting ready for you....

6 SLEEPS UNTIL CAMP!!!! See you soon,

Liza

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 June 23 2010

ONE WEEK UNTIL CAMP!!!!!!

We are so excited for you all to get here. The head staff have arrived and are hard at work making sure camp is ready for your arrival. First, I`m sure you are all wondering about the new boats, and let me tell you, they are GREAT! The water is still a little chilly but we have been skiing and wakeboarding and the boats are incredible , can`t wait for you all to get a turn behind the boats when you are at the U-dock for a refreshing ride around the lake! The docks are ready and complete with new sand, feels like we are at the beach!

There is a new, clean and bright coat of yellow paint on the ulam to match the blazing oyama sun. New table tops in the chadar, as well as a fresh coat of paint inside as well as in the kitchen. We are cleaner and brighter and better than ever!

Thank you to all our donors, we love our new popcorn machine, board games, hand sanitizing stations, skiis, wakeboards, lifejackets, camping stoves, megaphones, pool deck containers, lanterns, portable benches, boom box and speakers, and walkie talkies. Without all of you, our camp wouldnt be as fabulous and we are forever greatful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

In a few days the rest of our junior staff will be arriving and our staff team will be complete. Then all we need is for all the campers to arrive so we can be one big happy family for the summer.

Check out the pictures on the website of our headstaff getting ready.

See you in a week!!

Liza

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 May 30.2010

Can you believe it?  CAMP IS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY!!!

We are all getting very excited for the upcoming summer and we are starting it off with a bang! There are a lot of new and exciting items that will be making this summer the best one yet. Here is a list of some of the things you can all look forward to:

- We are leasing a new X14 Mastercraft

- A Speedster 200 donated to us from Max Mintzberg

- 95 New life jackets

- 8 Hand sanitization stands

- 36 New flags for HFL flag football

- 4 Megaphones (for dock safety)

- A brand new Nikon D5000 camera and lense

- Brand new boom box and "tailgate" speaker sound system

- New satelite phone to be used on canoe trips

-Folding benches for the fields and sidelines

-Shade tents for the field and/or docks

Can't wait to get to camp and start using all of these fun and exciting new additions to camp!

Also, please remember that you can still call the office 604.263.1200 to pre-order a bunk party for your child's cabin. Bunk parties usually take place at night, but sometimes after lunch and are shared amongst the entire cabin. And don't worry, we don't just buy candy for the bunk parties, we try to have a variety of bunk party options including small toys, games, arts & crafts, cookies or even ice cream! It's a great time for the kids and lets them bond with the other children in their cabin as well as their staff. A bunk party can be purchased for $36 (for about 6 children) or $72 (for 12 or more children). The deadline for ordering bunk parties is June 25 for first session and July 26 for second session.

Our Managers and Headstaff begin arriving as early as June 18 followed by our Senior and Junior staff the following week for pre-camp training. We have a lot of great returning staff as well as a bunch of new and enthusiastic first year staff. During pre-camp training our staff undergo sensitivity training, first aid, program planning and much more in preperation for the campers. We will anxiously be awaiting the arrival of our first session campers on June 30! Looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces arrive off the bus.

See you all very soon,

Liza

Did you know that Camp Hatikvah is in the final development phase of creating a new program for Grade 10 and Grade 11 campers. The program is scheduled to run from August 4 -August 18, 2010. How great would it be to go back to camp and hang out at the docks, (waterski, wakeboard, sail) learn more about childcare, be given added responssibility, create programs and just have fun! The deadline for intersted participants is April 30th.

Please contact me directly and let me know if you are interestd and/or would like further information.

How many sleeps till camp...75!!!!!!!!!!!

The Winner is the....
CONGRATULATIONS OSTEN FAMILY!!!!!!!!

Dear Camp Hatikvah Families,
All Hatikvah Families that are registered before Friday, February 12, will be eligible for a chance to win One Night Accommodations at the ‘Rosedale on Robson Suites Hotel’ and 4 ‘Vancouver Canucks Hockey Tickets’ for the San Jose game on March 18th; estimated value is $675. The draw for this exciting prize will take place on Monday, February 15th and the lucky winner will be notified by phone as well as email; you can also check here - my blog J
We are very busy in Camp Hatikvah Land and registration is booming. Spots are filling fast so please avoid the disappointment and if you have not already registered, please bring your forms into the office ASAP!
Please Note: Very Important!
Any registrations received after April 30th will be subject to the HST. This will result in a 7% increase on your camp fees.

Camp
"Good Times Forever"
Held January 21, 2010
 
THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR WISH LIST COME TRUE
Andrew Abramowich & Jill Diamond, Aren Altman, Chris Andison & Stacey Silber, Alan & Alyssa Arnstein, David & Tamar Bakonyi, Donna Cantor, Randy & Chana Charach, Brian & Jen Chelin, Esther Chetner, Charter Bus Lines, William Clark & Danna Marks, Leslie & Larraine Cohen, Sidney & Sally Coleman, Collins Barrow, Hillary & Rob Cooper, Gary & Jackie Morris, Alex & Jodi Cristall, Lorne & Sylvia Cristall, Arnon & Allison Dachner, Craig & Carrie Diamond, Alfonso & Lori Ergas, Marcos Ergas, Ron Ezekiel & Shelly Perlman, Dean Fader, Harvey & Randa Field, Brad Freedman & Pam Wolfman, Mitch Freedman, Allen & Sherry Gaerber, Morry & Leana Gaeber, Elliott & Alison Geskin, Jeff & Sari Glasner, Barry & Lauri Glotman, Geoff & Myriam Glotman, Martin & Esther Glotman, Ben & Nancy Goldberg, Gordon Food Services, Lara Greenstein, Marni Greenwald, Ebba Grey, Claudio & Lori Guincher, Sam Gutman & Belinda McIntosh, Harper Grey LLP, Rob & Sue Hector, Holly Hornstein, Adam Stern & Debbie Jacobson, Mark & Alana James, Saul & Sheryl Kahn, Joel Kallner, Mark & Susie Kierszenblat, Jeff & Wendi Klein,  Dalya Klein, Ron Kline & Ruth Buckwold, Rob & Elana Lancit, Elliot & Megan Laskin, Gary Lenett & Karen Ergas, Roy & Sigal Matthews, Ken & Debra Miller, Norman & Sandra Miller, Robert & Andrea Mohr, Lorne & Raechelle Paperny, David Paperny & Audrey Mehler, Josh Pekarsky & Marla Guralnick, Alan Peretz & Lianne Hayes, Eric & Robyn Peter, Cliff Pipke & Dayna Wosk, Neil & Michelle Pollock, Daniel & Dale Porte, David Porte & Debbie Setton, Brent Pullan, Michelle Pullan, Doug Pulver & Lana Marks Pulver, Samantha Reay, Hindy Ratner, Greg Rodin & Andria Paul Rodin, Rosedale On Robson, Jeff Ross & Reisa Schwartzman, Jeff & Marcia Rothman, Nathan & Sarah Schaffer, Dan Scuka, Gary & Nanci Segal, Zev & Elaine Shafran, Adam Shafron & Kai-Ling Eng, Joel & Tammy Shapiro, Ari Shiff & Carla van Messel, Jason & Jill Shore, Joel Silverman & Elaine Grobman, Frank Sirlin, David Sky & Nancy Putterman, Jodi Sprackman, Jeremy Thal, Gerald & Marni Tritt, Paul Williams & Louise Krivel, Garry & Lis Zlotnik, Mark & Lauri Zlotnik.
 
Many thanks,
Danna Marks, President
Camp Hatikvah Foundation
Hatikvah Fundraiser