A Taste of Camp Chi in Israel
About a month ago I returned from Ta’am Yisrael, my second trip to Israel. Ta’am is an 8th grade trip to Israel, where, along with our peers, we get a hands-on immersive Israel experience. This was my second trip to Israel, but my first with my peers, having gone with my family a few years ago. Although on my first trip the Dead Sea was my favorite part, this time my favorite place to visit was definitely Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv was so enjoyable because we were able to explore the city and learn about the culture and land while playing an Amazing Race-type game (also our group won). This trip was so different and so great because I got to be with my friends, while making new ones and reconnecting with old ones.
One thing I loved about the trip was seeing my camp friends, who I typically don’t see throughout the year. Being able to be with the people I am comfortable with allowed me to try so many new things. And now my friendships with the other Chi campers on the trip are even stronger because we made so many new memories together on this trip. When I found out that one of my good friends from camp was going, I wanted to room with him just because I was already comfortable with being with him and knew that we would have an awesome time together. I think this was a great way to get the two of us even closer and I can’t wait to see him again this summer. On the trip, the closest friends you make on the trip are definitely those in your mishpacha (your small group, usually made up of about 6 kids) and those friends along with your mishpacha leader (the staff member for your group) can make the trip so much more enjoyable. I, along with the rest of the mishpacha, are now great friends and still stay in touch.
Ta’am definitely impacted my camp life because I was able to get so much closer to so many of my camp friends, even make new ones and create new memories with everyone on the trip. While this was a community trip and I made so many great friends, having so many familiar faces from camp there, made it super easy for me. I am so excited now for PNW and the chance to travel again with my camp friends and make new memories on our adventure. I also can’t wait to see the other Chi kids from Ta’am and make new memories, while also reminiscing on the amazing things we did in Israel. I would highly suggest all Chi campers try to participate in this great JUF/CJFE program and experience Israel with your peers. And if you are lucky enough to go with your camp friends, you are guaranteed a great time, countless memories and a taste of Camp Chi in Israel.
Guest Blogger, Ethan Siegel is an 8th grader at Daniel Wright middle school and will be having his 5th summer at Chi this year on the Pacific Northwest Adventure trip. Ethan and his family are active at B’nai Tikvah Congregation in Deerfield. In his free time, Ethan enjoys lacrosse, soccer and spending time with his friends.