Camp YavnehCamp Yavneh
July 02, 2015

Leviim Travels to the Highland Center

Author - Camp Yavneh

We last left just before beginning our journey to the Leviim 2015 overnight at the Highland Center, located in the White Mountains. The chanichim (campers) spent three days enjoying various programming put on by the Highland Center staff. On Monday, the day of our arrival, the chanichim were split into six different groups. Each group completed a different hike, either to a waterfall or up a mountain to see a great view. Throughout their hikes, the chanichim learned about the fauna and animals in the area. They loved learning the new information and asked many questions of the guides such as “What do you do if you see a bear?”or “How do you know if a plant is edible or not?”IMG_3032

After their hikes, the chanichim returned to their rooms at the Highland Center to shower and get ready for dinner. We ate a warm dinner of pasta, meatballs, chicken nuggets, and rice. Post dinner, the chanichim enjoyed a bonfire complete with s’mores and singing.

On Tuesday morning, the chanichim woke up bright and early, ready for a fun-filled day of hiking and enjoying more Highland Center programming. The day began with alternative tfillot; the banim (boys) talked about the reasons behind wearing t’fillin, while the banot (girls) did meditation, stretching, and yoga. After breakfast, the chanichim were split into three different groups and rotated through three stations: leave no trace, mapping and compasses, and fire building.

The chanichim learned new skills and new information that they were able to apply to their hikes that afternoon. Again, the chanichim were split into six groups and did the type of hike they had not done the day before. As the day turned into night, the chanichim enjoyed a barbeque dinner. The night culminated in activities planned by the Highland Center where they learned about astronomy.

We woke up Wednesday morning to geshem (rain). After tfillot and breakfast, the chanichim packed up their rooms and boarded the bus to return to camp. Once back at camp, the chanichim enjoyed a pizza lunch and then a relaxing afternoon of birthday ice cream and knock-out. IMG_2918The night continued in a karaoke peulat erev (evening activity) where the chanichim belted out songs, such as “Someone Like You” and “Defying Gravity.”

The evening ended with a rousing rendition of rad hayom (the end of the day song). The chanichim then returned to their tzrifim (bunks) and quickly fell asleep, exhausted from their exciting time at the Highland Center.