The thrid week of camp was chock full of activities, celebrations, and improvised weather. Gesher hosted a fantastic 4th of July Carnival, campers competed against Pinmere and there were out of camp trips for the first time since 2019. As the session nears its end campers and staff are soaking up the last bits of first session making the most of the days that remain. 

Emmet A in Chavurah 2 noticed that three day trip to New York helped bring the bunk closer to one another, and Alex L in K’far 1 enjoyed making friends during their 2 day Baltimore trip outside of camp. The Baltimore aquarium was one of many highlights from the trip K’far; which was so successful that when asked to share his thorn Gabe G from K’far 2 said it was, “basically nothing.”

Rather than visit some of America’s finest cities the Junior camp units had the chance to explore the very best amusement parks. Carmel, Sharon and Kineret went to Dorney while Arava and Galil visited Hershey. Campers went on rollercoasters and waterslides; ate funnel cake, Chickie and Petes, and Dippin’ Dots; while connecting with new counselors and peers in their trip day groups. For Jaye W in Carmel 1 it was the her, “favorite part of the weeke ven though it rained,” and Samara F in Arava 5, “really enjoyed going on all the rides at Hershey Park.”

Beyond the obvious amazement inspired by Trip Days and Carnevials campers found joy in the little things. Alexander J in Carmel 4’s, “favorite moment [of the week] was eating marshmallows around the campfire in a group with everyone,” and Stella S in Galil 3 delighted in Shabbat song session so much that her “cheeks hurt from smiling so much.”

As week 3 comes to a close the Harlam community finally feels established for Emily M in Arava 3 it is a place in which she does not feel, “pressured to fit in,” and has become a true second home for Charlie C in Gesher. Many are not ready to leave their home away from home just yet, they want to remain at camp in a magical state of bliss surrounded by their closest friends. Addy M in Arava 3 encapsulated one of the best parts about camp, “bonding with people who we normally wouldn’t bond with and mak[ing] new friends.”