Afternoon Activities (Peulot)

Campers spend the afternoons rotating between different activities every day. In fact, our programming staff arranges the schedule to guarantee every camper tries every program. One day they’ll learn Israeli dancing, another they’ll hit the archery range; one day they’ll make pots in Ceramics, and another they’ll soar down the zip line at the ropes course. The Peulot period offers a buffet of fun programs, each in convenient single serving size! 

But campers won’t be sampling alone. Our mornings focus on exploring campers’ personal interests, but the afternoons are designed to build a community. Not as large as the whole camp but bigger than the bunk, we’re talking about building our Aidot— i.e. our units or age groups, including both girls and boys.

Educational Peulot

The other major part of the afternoon is the educational Peulah. Every Aidah is given a specific topic or theme related to Israel and Judaism, which they experience through Peulot (activities) two or three times per week. But don’t think desks and chalkboards—this is camp we’re talking about! Our youngest kids learn through play, enjoying scavenger hunts, performances, and quiz shows. As campers get older, the programming becomes more mature, slowly introducing more challenging topics and experiential learning.

Some Peulot highlights include:

Ofarim Wedding: Demonstrating what they’ve learned about the Jewish life-cycle in their Peulah, our youngest campers invite the camp to a mock Jewish wedding ceremony that they’ve prepared where each camper has a role vital to the wedding experience. (Who knew that learning could be so adorable!)

Chalutzim Kosher Hunt: After learning about kashrut, the Chalutzim campers have an outing to the supermarket where they are tasked with finding food with various kosher symbols on them. After this scavenger hunt through the grocery store, the campers are able to buy certain select items for a party later that night!

Tsofim Fair: After spending their summer learning all about Israeli culture, it’s time for our incoming fifth graders to share the wealth! All younger campers are invited to enjoy stations dedicated to different facets of Israeli society, enjoying the opportunity to learn from older kids! They also may do some cow milking at the “kibbutz”, get henna designs at the “Yemenite Wedding”, and enhance their camouflage skills with some “Israeli soldiers”!

Kesher’s Tikkun Olam Shabbat: Impassioned seventh graders present charities of their choice to the camp, each trying to persuade their peers why their organization is the most worthy. Based on their arguments, CYJers decide where to contribute the real tzedakkah they brought with them to camp, giving real-world significance to Kesher’s efforts!

Bogrim Army Day: This is a full day’s programming meant to simulate the experience of an IDF soldier. They learn about ethics in the Israeli military, participate in drills, and even speak with real Israeli soldiers. These kids put their will and their bodies through some of the hardest challenges of their young lives, but the program’s conclusion makes it all worth it. In an emotional ceremony, the Bogrim are recognized for completing their basic training. Campers who demonstrate the most resolve, courage, and teamwork, will receive badges of honor, souvenirs that they treasure for years to come.