Camp Na'aleh Blog

11/6: New York Rabin Memorial Event

2011-10-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Join us in commemorating and honoring the life of Yitzhak Rabin at the Manhattan JCC for our New York Rabin Memorial Event. Together with our fellow youth movement, Hashomer Hatzair, we will be learning about the man and his values and how both relate to contemporary social movements.

At 4:00 there will be an exciting peulah (discussion activity) for kids dealing with the themes of democracy and social justice in the context of Rabin's life and death. At 6:00, there will be a tekes (ceremony) commemorating Rabin that is open to kids, parents, alumni, and anyone else interested.

RSVP as soon as possible! You can RSVP for the event by calling us at 818-915-4934 or emailing us at NYC@habonimdror.org!

10/24: Local Shabbat Dinners

2011-10-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 24, many of our families gathered at various locations throughout the NY-area to chit chat and chow down for our Local Shabbat Dinners ken event. It was a blast! With smiles abound, we started out reciting the brachot all together before indulging in some delicious home cooking. After we were done eating, the chanichim (kids) and the parents split off from one another, the chanichim participating in a peula (discussion activity) about Shabbat and community run by their madrichim (counselors), and the parents conversing with each other and some ma'apilim (more experienced madrichim) about the ken. All in all, it was a great way to spend some quality time together as one happy Na'aleh family.

MACHANEH BEGINS!

2011-06-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

Machaneh Na'aleh, summer of 2011 begins tomorrow!

The Final Countdown (29)

2011-06-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

We're finally here -- June! What does this mean? Only 29 more days until camp, obviously. What can you do to prepare? For starters, make yourself a packing list and start organizing. Don't forget to put your name on every piece of clothing you bring; as much as we all love the annual clothing auction, things would be a lot easier if things were easily identifiable. But if that's too much trouble, the least you could do is let yourself get a little excited for the coming summer.

In any case, what you've been doing is probably more productive than what I've been doing, because the last hour or so of my life has been occupied by the song "The Final Countdown" (how fitting), which I've been listening to on repeat...

Spring Seminar/Work Weekend

2011-04-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Get pumped for the best weekend ever

May 20-
The bus will be picking people up at FIT (27th street between 7th and 8th avenues) at 4:00pm, and the Palisades Mall Park & Ride (1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994) between 5:30 and 6:00pm. We hope to arrive at camp around 9:00pm and dinner will be served upon arrival.

May 22-
Bus will be leaving from camp at 12:00pm. We should arrive back at the Palisades around 3:00 PM, and we should arrive back at FIT around 4:30 PM. We will send an email to confirm the time of the bus's departure.

Other modes of transportation may be available for you. If you have any questions or concerns, email or call any member of tzevet, or Elliot directly. We want to do anything we can to help as many kids experience Machaneh this weekend so don't hesitate to ask for help!

Spring Seminar is a great time to embrace the spring with your kvutsa and the rest of the people from machaneh that you don't get to see a lot during the year. Plan ahead and sign up soon! Just like all other ken events, you are more than welcome to bring your friends who have never been to Naaleh before!

LES Extravaganza Pictures

2011-04-10T17:28:00.001-07:00

Lower East Side Extravaganza APRIL 10, 2011

2011-04-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

We will be meeting at Noah's Ark Deli (399 Grand Street, btwn Suffolk St and Clinton St) at 1:00 pm for a delicious lunch to start our adventure. (It is suggested that chanichim bring $15 for this part of the event)

At 2:00 PM we will be leaving the deli to continue in our journey!
We will end our tour at 4:30 at Foley Square (by the intersection of Centre St and Pearl St).

Bring your friends, like always!

2011-03-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE!

NA'ALEH SPRING SEMINAR
AND WORK WEEKEND

FRIDAY MAY 20 - SUNDAY MAY 22

Details and Registration Coming Soon

Purim Party Pictures

2011-03-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic time at our annual Purim Party on Sunday March 20, 2011!

Purim Party & Tikkun Olam- March 20

2011-03-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Our next event will be our Purim Party and Tikkun Olam Project. They will both take place on Sunday, March 20th.

Purim Party
Children of all ages are invited to come perform an improv Purim spiel, eat hamentashen, and participate in a costume fashion show. This event has been a staple of the New York ken, and this year promises to be even more fun than years pas
Time: 1:30-3:00pm
Bring: $5 per child, costumes, and your friends from outside of Na'aleh!

Tikkun Olam
After the Purim Party, we will be partnering with DOROT, a volunteer corps committed to helping homebound seniors, to bring mishloach manot (Purim gift baskets) to senior citizens across New York City.

DOROT only has space for 15 children to help deliver Mishloach Manot, and

only children who are 12 and older can participate.

We will be filling spaces on a first come, first serve basis.

Please bring a metro card if you will be participating in this part of the event

Ken Na'aleh is continuously looking for opportunities to engage in community service and we hope future projects will accommodate more chanichim.

RSVP: NYC@habonimdror.org

SAVE THE DATE- On April 4, 2011 we will be having a Lower East Side Extravaganza

Pizza Party- Sunday March 6

2011-03-07T12:45:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, March 6, chanichim explored the different countries and time periods that exist within the different rooms of the central office to see how disabled people are treated in different societies. After their journey, we all sat down to eat pizza and talk about how we can help the disabled people living in our society.

SAVE THE DATE- March 20 we will be having a Purim Party that involves the Tikum Olam we discussed on Sunday. Further information will be posted shortly.

UPCOMING Ken Event to the MET!

2011-02-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of your children spending all of vacation in front of the TV? Are you at a loss for ways to get them out of the house? Look no further than Ken Na'aleh! On Wednesday, February 23rd from 2:00-4:00 PM we will be going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Instead of wasting away in front of a screen, your children will experience cultures from around the world at one of the greatest museums in the city!

We will be meeting at 1:30 PM in front of main entrance to the museum and going in at 2:00 PM. Admission for students is a $10 suggested donation, but we'll leave it to each family to decide what they are comfortable giving to the museum. Admission for children under 12 is free.

This event is a great opportunity for new families to get a sense of what Na'aleh is all about as we explore one of the coolest places in New York. We encourage children to bring their friends so they can share in this amazing experience.

Haiti Fundraiser Success

2010-02-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

The Habonim for Haiti ken was a great success! 19 people showed up and we raised $300! The money is being donated to the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), a Jewish organization that works to help developing countries and has had relations with Haiti since before the earthquake. We had a great peulah where we discussed our responsibility as Jews and as Habonim Dror to help the people of Haiti as best we can. After the peulah we had a wonderful musicale/medurah where we sang songs and performed acts.

Habonim Helps Haiti

2010-01-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Join Ken Naaleh and friends for a fundraiser to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Sunday January 31 ken Na'aleh is hosting a musicale/midura coffee house. All proceeds will go towards relief efforts in Haiti. Great refreshments will be served!!. If you have an act please contact someone from MADAOWTZ 09 (what up what up). BRING YOUR FRIENDS and if you want your family members are also welcome. Don't forget to bring some cash!

When: Sunday January 31 from 3pm to 6pm

Where: Town and Village Synagogue at 334 East 14th Street, New York

Spring seminar is around the corner - sign up today!

2009-05-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

The second ever Ken Boston event!

2009-04-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Hope your passover was meaningful and fun.

After a very successful Shabbat dinner two weeks ago, our Bostonian affiliate is taking the next step and having its second-ever Ken event on Sunday, 4.26: a Boston Tea Party at the Boston Common! In that sunny afternoon, we will explore our history and dig in more into this new community we create, which is the Boston Ken. It starts at 2pm, and we will finish by around 4pm. The drop-off and pick-up point is the crossing of Tremont street and Park street, right by the T station. Light snacks (and tea!) will be served. You can find more about it on our Facebook event page, or call me for any question at 646-509-4961.

And for the New Yorkers among us, get ready for our fancy Shabbat dinner next Friday! On May the 1st, at 6pm, the Radwells will kindly host us for a traditionally-Na'aleh Shabbat celebration, followed by a potluck dinner, followed by a Peulah. The address is 20 Plaza Street, Brooklyn, 11238, and all the details are on their way to your email inboxes.

Photos from the Purim party

2009-03-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

All costumes were great, but you have to admire those Habo-Tubbies!

Bowling-Purim party this Sunday

2009-03-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

This Sunday, 3.8, our Ken event will be the unprecedented Na'aleh's super-awesome-fun Purim bowling party! It'll be held between 3pm to 5pm, at the Leisuretime Bowl on 625 8th avenue, between W40th and W41st streets. Counselors will be picking up kids from the exit of Port Authority bus terminal and subway station at 8th avenue and W42nd street and will walk with them to the bowling place. The party is 15$ per child, and it includes everything - admission to the bowling place, shoes rental and snacks. If you have two or more siblings coming, or you need financial aid, let us know and we might be able to give you a discount. And most important - costumes are mandatory!

So we hope to see everyone with us.

By the way - the Tu Bishvat Seder we had was great. Thanks for everyone who participated and/or helped (thanks Nina!).

2009-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:00

Hello campers and parents!

Here are the details for the Tu Bishvat seder next week:

The event is on Sunday, February the 8th, from 4pm to 7pm. It's gonna take place in Town and Village synagogue, 334 E 14th street, between 1st and 2nd avenues, in Manhattan. Because of our expenses, we ask every participant to contribute 10$ for the food and the room.

The program is gonna be wonderful - we're gonna celebrate the Jewish holiday of the trees and earth in our own Habo way. There will be singing, talking, and a plenty of dry fruits! You're all invited, and other friends and families are invited also.

Hope to see you all, and Shabbat Shalom!
Amit

Operation Cast Lead

2009-01-16T13:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Na'aleh family - Chanichim, families, staff and board!

For 21 days now, Israel is executing a massive military operation in the Gaza strip, called Operation Cast Lead. It began after the 6 months ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas, who controls the Gaza strip, had expired.

Should Na'aleh, or at least its staff (Tzevet), express an unambiguous statement that support or object this operation?

We've been struggling with this question for a while now. An answer we've come to is that education is not about dictating answers, but rather about asking questions together. We believe that in Camp, and in the Eizor throughout the year, we educate in light of certain values - the love and support of Israel; the striving for peaceful resolutions rather than violent ones; the equality of the value of human, with all the moral principles that comes from it - the obligation to work for a just and human world. We trust in every camper (Chanich or Chanicha) to form her/his own opinion on the conflict, which we hope that will come from those values, and out of a profound and free examination. And based on those values, we expect a moral stand towards the current operation. But not one that's dictated by sweeping statements that are black and white. Instead, a complex stand, that takes into account Israel's right to defend its civilians, plus the horrors and senselessness of war, and one that's not blinded by the unshakable "justice" of one extremeness or the other would be optimum.

We wish we could examine now, all of us together, the questions that have been raised in us all. We will do so, the next time we meet. But the war will not wait for our next Ken event, so until then, even if we can't do it in a form of a Peulah or a conversation, we urge you: examine reality profoundly, and after forming an opinion - act. Do what you feel is right. Protest, express an opinion, join a group, do any form of non-violent activism that you can. It is not our role to supply you with quick answers, but as soon as you can answer yourself, you're obligated to action. We do, however, feel that it's our role to give you some channels in which you can act:

These sites provide the opportunity to support the IDF soldiers or the people of southern Israel:
http://www.hagshama.org.il/sderot/default.asp
http://www.stogether.org/
http://www.jnf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sderot

J-Street is a pro-Israel, pro-peace Jewish organization that calls for, and acts for, an immediate ceasefire:
http://www.jstreet.org/

Btselem is the Israeli center for human rights, and it provides information on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip:
http://www.btselem.org/English/

The IDF spokesperson has a You-Tube channel, in which it posts information on the operation, including information on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip and some exclusive documentations of Hamas' acts:
http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk

These sites are trying to facilitate and promote dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians:
http://gnblog.com/
http://www.commongroundnews.org/about.php?lan=he

This is an article about a joint, Israeli-Palestinian petition to stop the operation:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3646184,00.html

With hope for better times to come
Shabbat Shalom
Aleh V'Hagshem

Avi (Rosh Eizor)
Jessie (Rosh Machaneh)
Amit (Shaliach)

Shabbat dinner pictuers!

2008-12-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from our sweet Shabbat dinner that we had two weeks ago at the Millers' in Riverdale. Thank you, Dena, Beth and Mark for your hospitality! And thanks everyone who brought food or helped organizing. See you all at the Hanukkah party!

Na'aleh Hanukkah party is coming soon

2008-12-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

After the great Shabbat dinner we had that other day (pictures are on the way), the next event we're having is our Hannukah party on Dec. the 23rd, from 7pm to 8:30pm.

We'll start the evening with some snacks and Sufganiut (those jelly-filled donuts), and menorah lighting, and then continue with a special Hannukah Peulah for kids and parents separated.

It's gonna take place in the Habonim-Dror central office, at 114 w26th street, between 6th and 7th avenues, in Manhattan. Our offices are accessible to subway by the 1 train to 28th street station, or the R & W trains to 28th street, or even the F & V trains to 23rd street. Parking is not always allowed in our street, (and in general is very complicated) so you can use some of the parking lots in the area if you're coming by car.

The party will cost 5$ per participant, to cover expenses.

We hope to see you all there!

Photos from Na'aleh on ice!

2008-11-25T08:08:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone

So, we had that ice skating session last week that was great fun. I'm not much of a skater but some of you guys really showed some superb skills at the rink... Here are some photos from that day. We have a lot more on our Facebook group.

Don't forget we have another event coming soon... next Friday, Dec. 5th, we're all gonna sit together and have a fabulous Shabbat dinner, Na'aleh style! Mark it in your calenders, more details are on the way.

NA'ALEH ON ICE is this Sunday!

2008-11-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Oh my god, this is gonna be so fun...

2008-11-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

Beth Miller, the mother of Dena Miller, sent me this article about the meaning of Jewish camping, published on the Philadelphia Jewish Voice. I thought it would be interesting to read. The writer is a member of the board of Habonim-Dror's Camp Galil, our Pennsylvanian fellow, and I think it gives a good perspective about why are we in this community of Jewish camping.

http://www.pjvoice.com/v33/33800parenting.aspx

If you find an article, or a piece, or even write something you like, and you want to post it here, we'll gladly do it, just send it to shaliach@naaleh.org and we'll make sure it goes on-line.

More events coming up

2008-10-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Open your planners and write it all down - our next Ken event will be an epic scavenger hunt in the museum of jewish heritage. While the kids are running around, the parents will discuss and learn some more about our movement, Habonim-Dror, and our camp, and what are we actually doing all the time.

That is an excellent opportunity to bring new parents and friends that you want to introduce Na'aleh to. So if you find introducing new families to Na'aleh important (which you do), you should make some phone calls for your neighbors, friends and cousins and get them all to come on October 26th!

The details are all here:

And while your at it, here are the dates for the rest of our events this semester:

Gmar Chatimah Tova everyone!

Photos from Fall Seminar!

2008-10-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

Just before the celebration of the new year, we headed towards Ottsville, PA, where we had a weekend of joy with our friends from Camp Galil. Although we we're little, we had some good times, camp-style, with Shabbat dinner, Rikud, Chugim, Musicale, Havdala and a crazy party to conclude. We also had a great Peulah, dealt with how we take our way of living from camp and realizing it in our daily life.

A great weekend indeed, in here are the proofs:

Photos from our first ken

2008-09-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were there and for those who were not - here are some pictures from our wonderful, laid-back picnic that we had that warm Sunday, about a week ago.

Celebrating our new year of activities, we gathered together - Chanichim (children), Madrichim (counselors), parents, and everyone who's a part of our Na'aleh community and had lunch in the open air in the great lawn of central park. The food section featured (as you can see) mostly snacks and sweets - the best and most nutritious kind of lunch. While the kids were playing ball games, participating in drama games and running around with the Madrichim, the parents and some of our staff had a talk about the camp and the Ken activities and raised ideas about running it and recruitment of new campers to our family.

Some snacks, sunny weather and some great people - what more can you hope for from a Sunday afternoon? We all wish it would be a good opening for a successful year.

If you have some more pictures you want to share - you can upload it to our facebook page or e-mail it to us and we'll post it here.

We also remind everyone that Fall seminar is this weekend and if you haven't signed-up yet, do it ASAP!

Fall seminar is coming

2008-09-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

After a great first Ken event in Central Park last Sunday (pictures are on the way) we're heading towards our next get-together: Fall Seminar!

Held in Camp Galil, Ottsville, PA, Fall Seminar is a chance to see all the friends from camp (and from Camp Galil as well) and experience a camp-like weekend with Shabbat dinner, rikud, chugim, musicale, Havdala and so on.

It's scheduled for the weekend of Sep. 26 to 28. Pick-up and drop-off will be from the Habonim Dror Central Office on 114 West 26th Street, in Manhattan. Fall seminar costs $100 for the first child in the family and $80 for each additional child.

You can download the registration form you need to complete:
https://www.yousendit.com/download/bVlEZGVRUzhYSHhMWEE9PQ

Once you're done, send it to me by e-mail to shaliach@naaleh.org or fax it to the office at 212-929-3459, and just bring a check to the pick-up on Friday.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone there, so sign up now!

For details or any questions you have, call 646-509-4961

Yours,

Amit Rivlin,
Shaliach
Habonim Dror North America

September Ken Events and Fall Seminar

2008-09-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Na'aleh family!

As you all know, after two years Ron Alter is finishing his position in Camp Na'aleh and moving to Camp Galil. I'm replacing him as the Na'aleh Shaliach and will work closely with Samantha, the Rashei Eizor Avi and Noey and the Madrichim on running the camp and the Ken events. I'm really thrilled to be here and entering the Na'aleh community. I know that Ron has done an incredible job taking Na'aleh forward and it's a great privilege for me to continue in his place. I would like to wish him success at Camp Galil.

A bit about myself: I'm 23 years old. I was born and raised in Jerusalem and my family now lives in a small town called Mazkeret Batya. I've been a Chanich and a Madrich in HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (the Israeli sister-movement of Habonim-Dror) for many years, and after graduating high-school I joined a Kvutzah, living a communal life and working for the movement. I started off my army service as a combat soldier in the Nachal (an infantry unit). Afterward, I continued as an officer in the education corps, where I was in charge of running community projects in under-privileged ares in the south of Israel. I came to Habonim-Dror because I see in the movement's values a big part of my identity and I want to be a part of this Israeli-Diaspora partnership that tries to create a just, cooperative Jewish society.

This summer we had a very successful season, with 95 Chanichim and Chanichot in our new camp near Sidney; it is huge and dreamy and already feels like home. In the past few years, as you might know, Na'aleh is in growth and we provide the meaningful Na'aleh experience to more and more kids every year. Furthermore, our Ken activities, the events we have throughout the year, is a strong experience that allows Chanichim and Chanichot to continue being a part of the movement and carry on the Na'aleh spirit and values off-summer also. Though, we still have a lot ahead of us in our attempt of becoming a significant aspect in the lives of as many kids as we can. In order to achieve that, we'll have to work together, all of us, camp directors, Madrichim, board members, parents and campers, in order to bring Na'aleh to every Jewish kid in the area.

We want to build a network of educational institutions that share our vision. Places where Na'aleh's spirit fits in: schools, JCCs, congregations, federations and other Jewish communities; places where we can work to promote the camp and the Ken activities. We need your help to get to those places. So if you know places like these, or other parents who might be interested in sending their kids to Na'aleh, contact us so we can partner with them.

I'm really looking forward to working with all of you in growing Na'aleh and continuing its success as a significant and meaningful place to our families. I thank you so much for your dedication to camp. Please, feel free to contact me with any question or thought you might have.

Reminder: our first Ken event is Sunday, Sep. 14th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the great lawn in Central Park. We'll meet at the entrance to the park from the crossing of W86th street and Central Park West street, near the 86th street subway station, and then we'll walk together to the spot. While the kids are enjoying the activity, we'll have a short meeting of the parents also, and we'll appreciate your attendance. Also keep in mind that the next event is fall seminar, in Sep. 26-28. A separate flyer will be sent to each event later on.Thanks a lot and let us all have a great year together!

Amit-- Amit Rivlin
Israel Shaliach (Emissary)
Camp Na'aleh Habonim-Dror North America

Test Entry for Blog

2008-08-04T09:57:00.001-07:00

Test Entry for Blog