By Hannah Teller

Every summer in the unit of Galil, our bunks of 12 and 13 year olds have the opportunity to embark on the Galil Hike. The Galil Hike is a ten mile long journey on the Appalachian trail ending with dinner and an overnight stay at a campground in Worthington State Park. Each bunk’s hike is unique, with different challenges, sing-a-longs, and inside jokes. The experience our campers have on the Galil Hike embodies the midah of nitzachon – pushing through a challenge.

There are moments on the hike where it seems like the backpack is just too heavy, the trail is too steep, and the bug bites are way too itchy. Somehow, each of our Galil campers found a way to push through the challenge and complete their journey. Throughout the journey, Galil campers rely on their bunkmates to pick them up when they fall and inspire them to keep moving forward. Every time they have returned from each hike, our Galil bunks have shared stories of their perseverance and strength. Even those who thought they would never be able to make it all ten miles have proved that with the support of their bunkmates, they could complete their journey.

As a unit head, one of my proudest moments is meeting the school bus of Galil hikers after they have completed their hike. Although there is no shortage of complaints from our returning hikers, I can’t help but smile when hearing all of the details of their journey. After some rest and a warm shower, they have the opportunity to reflect on this incredible accomplishment. Our Galil bunks have proved that with the trust of one another and some hard work, they can push through any challenge. The hike may be tough, but in the end the view is pretty great.

Hannah Teller returned to camp this year to serve as the Galil Unit Head. This is her 12th summer at Camp Harlam. This spring she graduated from the University of Wisconsin.  She will attend Seton Hall University School of Law in the fall.