Shemesh Day Camp Rocks!
Written by Movement for Reform Judaism Thursday, 01 September 2011
RSY-Netzer piloted its Shemesh Day Camp this August. With 50 young kids singing the songs, playing the games and generally having fun at the Sternberg Centre, RSY-Netzer has once again created a magical event for young people.
Over the past few years RSY-Netzer has been challenged by the ever increasing numbers of wonderful leaders wanting to lead on Shemesh. So the Movement Workers created new ways for RSY-netzer leaders to be involved – leading on a Israeli camp in Karmiel, leading on a Reform camp in the States, and Day Camp.
Nine of RSY-Netzer's finest leaders volunteered for the job. Led by Kim Copitch and Gideon Golstein, the team turned the Beit Limmud at the Sternberg Centre into a play room and by the last day the very happy campers had created a small community of their own, and recreated the week for parents.
Jude Williams, Director of the Youth Department says: "I think it was at about 1pm on Wednesday that week when I realised that Day Camp was so special. Leonie, a fabulous year 5 participant from Alyth and a few of the other girls walked over to a large group of kids finishing their lunch and said 'We are going to play fruit salad outside, do you all want to come and join us?' She’d become a madricha (leader). Modelling what she had seen the leaders do for the previous two days, she took on the role with ease. Lots of them became leaders in fact. It was exactly what being in a youth movement is all about. It’s not creating a fun environment; it’s about creating your own fun environment, your own community. It’s about leading, being an active participant; it’s about young people empowering young people."
Kim Copitch, RSY-Netzer Movement Worker commented after the event; "I knew it was a good idea, but the reality was unbelievable. The atmosphere on Friday afternoon as the kids sang the camp song was amazing. I can’t believe we didn’t think to do this before. Even the parents got into the spirit and everyone said it was amazing."
RSY-Netzer day camp was a great success. Not only because it was a sell out, not only because the kids had the most fun all summer. But also because they all got a taste of the youth movement.
So what now? Well RSY-Netzer will be repeating Shemesh Day Camp next summer in North London; and is also thinking about taking Shemesh Day Camp north! Keep an eye out for more information at the RSY-Netzer website.
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