Wednesday 6th August

After wake up, we had our final 'Rabbi Time', where we concluded all we had learnt about Davening (praying) during camp. We then had our final breakfast on Tribe Summer Camp, although everyone was tired, there was a buzzing atmosphere.

After breakfast we gathered round and the head of camp personally thanked each leader for all the efforts they put in to making camp so wonderful. Everyone clapped loudly as the leaders were praised for their hard work.   It was truly amazing to see how the camp came together to thank their leaders, it was clear how the whole camp had bonded so well over the past ten days.

The coaches were boarded and we headed home, all of us so excited to see our families.

Arriving at Toys R' Us we jumped off the coaches and ran to greet our parent (later than expected).

On behalf of the Tribe Team, we apologize for the late arrival back. Additionally we thank you for your constant support and cooperation. We loved having your children with us and we hope to see each and every participant next year.

The Tribe Team

Tuesday 5th August

Tisha B'Av is always an extremely moving and inspiring day at Tribe Summer Camp. We had a variety of programmes for Tisha B'Av. In the morning, after shacharit (morning prayers), we read some kinnot (sad poems), followed by a Challenge programme where participants wrote letters to soldiers on the front line. It was inspiring to see how heartfelt and thoughtful their messages were, having spent the past week at camp learning about Israel. 

Following this, they were shown a BBC documentary about the destruction of the Second Temple, which the group found very interesting, and brought the events to life. 

There was a lengthy free time for Tisha B'Av, so participants could rest, before a session with Rabbi Shaw, where they were given the opportunity to ask him all sorts of question, about Tisha B'Av and Judaism in general. 

After mincha (afternoon prayers), everyone watched the film 'A Hero In Heaven', about the lone American soldier Michael Levin, who was tragically killed in fighting during the Second Lebanon War. An extremely moving film that sparked mature and meaningful discussions following the viewing. 

This was followed by the 'I'm a Survivor' activity, where half the camp site built a structure out of paper cubes designed by the participants and the other half learnt a song. They both performed to each other, showing off their work. The building was subsequently burnt but the song remained - showing how physical objects can be destroyed, no matter how important, but songs, culture and traditions never die.  

The fast went out and everyone enjoyed a filling dinner and the day ended with a talent show. The participants were given time to prepare for the show and then the whole camp came together to watch the performances. There were a range of talents displayed, including dancing, singing, stand-up comedy and more. It was a wonderful way to end camp. 

This will be the final blog, the kids will be able to tell you all about camp in their own words! 

Until next year,

The Tribe Team

Monday 4th August

A slightly later wake up today but a busy day ahead. Our usual routine with 'Rabbi Time' and breakfast led to the penultimate Challenge of the week. Having had a lot of fun during Challenge, the Madrichim noticed how through the different activities and discussions the groups had bonded and become a close unit.


To mark the 100th anniversary of World War One, the leaders decided to run a Tekkes (ceremony) for WW1 Jewish graves. The participants gathered round and listened as different things were read out, it was a moving and inspiring experience and was a fitting lead to the start of Tisha B'Av (the Fast of Av).

The tone of camp became more upbeat during the latter part of the afternoon. The leaders explained to the participants theIsrael Shuk (market) activity, the leaders created a camp Shuk where the participants came round to different stalls and stations and brought a variety of things. A lot of fun was had by all, as the camp successfully copied the hustle and bustle of the Shuk.

Before the fast the participants were told about what the fast commemorates and different prohibitions of the fast. It is an annual fast day in Judaism which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jews from the Israel. It also commemorates many other tragedies including the Roman massacre of over 100,000 Jews at Betar in 132 CE and the Holocaust.

We had a large pre-fast dinner and then met for the reading of Megillat Eicha, read on Tisha B'Av.

Today was a considerably more serious day at Tribe SummerCamp, the participants were extremely mature and listened carefully, sharing thoughts and feelings throughout. Today a truly moving day at camp and everyone went to bed exhausted as ever.

Until tomorrow,

The Tribe Team

Friday 1st August, Saturday 2nd August, Sunday 3rd August

Friday 1^st August

A slightly earlier wake up today so that we can get lots done before we welcome Shabbat on camp. Following ‘Rabbi Time’ and breakfast, we spent the morning on a tiyul (short hike). As ever, the atmosphere was wonderful with singing and laughing heard across the fields. Lunch was followed by Mincha (afternoon prayers).

Challenge 4; during this hour participants discussed and gained an understanding of the geography of Israel and asked very interesting questions on this important topic. Madrichim saw how the participants really got involved in this session.

The pre–Shabbat programme takes place every Tribe Summer Camp. This is an opportunity for the madrichim to prepare the participants for an exciting, atmospheric Shabbat ahead.  Participants are told how they are expected to dress and behave over Shabbat, and are then told about the format for the upcoming day together.

iClub took place and participants tried out different activities.

After clearing the site, everyone had time to prepare themselves for Shabbat. We welcomed Shabbat with a beautiful service, which involved plenty of singing and dancing. On a spiritual high from the evening service the group headed to dinner where there was plenty more singing and a delicious Shabbat meal. This was followed by more eating and more singing at the oneg. An oneg provides the opportunity to sing, play games and relax among friends on Friday night after dinner.

Shabbat 2^nd August

Shabbat on camp is always a relaxing day. Morning services are held, followed by a kiddush with cakes, biscuits and drinks. The Rabbis then ran a programme on the parsha (Torah portion), where the groups learnt about what we read in shul that morning. This was followed by lunch and an extended free time, where the participants were able to chat to their leaders and each other, and have a rest.

There is always time for iClub on Tribe summer camp - we had a Shabbat friendly range of activities and then headed to our 5^th Challenge of camp. Today during Challenge we discussed Israeli society. The leaders taught their participants about the different types of Israelis and Jewish people found in Israel.  It was amazing to observe how passionate about Israel the participants had become. Shabbat continued with fun games and Seudah Shlishit (the third Shabbat meal). This was followed by Havdalah, a really uplifting way to end Shabbat on Tribe Summer camp as well as a real bonding experience, as participants gathered around the candle, spices and wine together. 

When Shabbat went out the leaders explained the fun evening activity, ‘Capture the Flag’. This is where the participants are split into teams and each group given a flag. Everyone has a tag and the aim is to take each other’s tags and then capture the other groups' flags. Everyone had a laugh as they ran around the field capturing the tags. This event was a great end to a truly wonderful Shabbat on  Tribe Summer Camp.

Sunday 3^rd August

A fairly early start, as there are so many things to do today. Kicking off the day with ‘Rabbi Time’ and then breakfast, leading on to Challenge number 6, where we discussed Israeli culture, from the hustle and bustle of the Shuk (market) on a Friday morning to the Kibbutz culture, to the spirituality found in the Old City in Jerusalem. This led on nicely to the string activity, where each participant was blindfolded and led around the campsite holding on to a string which surrounded the site. They used their other four senses to experience Israel.

In the afternoon the participants were able to unleash their creativity and imagination, during Israeli Apprentice. They were told how Israel are the creators and inventors of many amazing products and technology. Following this, they were asked to invent a new product on behalf of Israel, the project was apprentice style and there was a winning team chosen.

In the evening we summed up the day and then enjoyed Casino Night on camp.

Have a great week,

The Tribe Team

Thursday 31st July

After ‘Rabbi Time’ and breakfast, the group jumped on the coaches which were headed to Bellewarde Park, one of the biggest theme parks in the whole of Europe. The atmosphere on the coach was amazing with participants laughing, chatting and singing together as they looked forward to the day ahead of them.  

As we pulled up to the theme park car park, gasps were heard as the group saw the size of the rides. For the more daring, they were soon to dive into the splash of Niagra and face the breath-taking hurricane ride.

For those less fond of rides, they were able to enjoy dozens of other attractions and the surroundoing nature. Bellewarde is home to lions, tigers, monkeys and elephants, we all enjoyed looking at these wonderful animals.

In light of the current, tragic, events in Israel and Gaza, when we got back, both camps came together and joined a global movement to say the Shema at 7 pm Israel time. This idea had quickly spread across the world and had thousands upon thousands of Jews uniting in prayer in support of the State of Israel and it's brave soldiers. Although we obviously wish we needn't have rallied together to do this, it was an extremely poignant moment for all the Chanichim and Madrichim, and will no doubt be a memorable moment for everyone.

This was followed by dinner and then the third Challenge of the week, the theme of this was ‘The Hebrew Language’ participants practiced words and learnt about the origin of the Hebrew language,

as well as it’s speedy progression.

Tonight the activity was a bonfire, we all gathered round and watched the captivating flames, gaining warmth from the fire and the atmosphere.

It was clear to see how even though it was only day 3 of camp, the group had bonded so nicely.

See you tomorrow.

The Tribe Team.

Wednesday 30th July

Having had a great nights’ sleep, the group woke up ready to start their second day in Belgium.

The day began with Rabbi Time, followed by breakfast. After this the group took their packed lunches and headed from Peace Village to an adventure park. The group spent the day enjoying many different activities; for example, archery, rafting, high ropes and team building exercises. There was an activity for everyone and there wasn’t a moment when a participant wasn’t having a blast! The enthusiasm was amazing as the participants tried activities they had never done before. Everyone had a wonderful time and we all returned to the campsite feeling exhausted but great!

It was amazing watching the participants as they arrived back at the campsite, although they had only been on camp for two days,  they approached the site as if it were their second home.

After our second iClub, the group were ready for the evening activity. Tonight was ‘Supper Quiz Night’ there were various rounds including sports and film.

Following this, everyone went to their Challenge groups where they spent time discussing the establishment of the State of Israel. They learnt about Ben Gurion and the Hall of Independence and discussed the build up to the establishment, as well as the 1948 war that followed.

After summing up the day at ‘Sikum Ha Yom’ the participants headed to bed, after what had been a fantastic day at Tribe Summer Camp. 

See you tomorrow for plenty more fun.

The Tribe Team

Tuesday 29th July

The first day in Belgium began with wake-up and then ‘Rabbi Time’. ‘Rabbi Time’ is something unique to Tribe Summer camp, where the Rabbi runs an explanatory Shacharit (morning prayer service), this is an opportunity for the participants to learn about the importance of prayer, thanking G-d,

After breakfast, the exciting day ahead was revealed. Today at camp is known as ‘Colour War day’. Colour War is where the group are spit into groups, which are each allocated a colour. The groups dress in that colour, make chants for their colour, and take part in different games and activities against the other coloured groups.

Colour War went on for most of the afternoon too and before dinner the participants had their first iClub. iClub is a daily activity run by individual madrichim, each offering a different fun activity, options include arts and crafts, sports, cookery and even meditation.  

After an exhausting day it was time for dinner and then Challenge. Challenge is an extremely unique program, which we value immensely on Tribe Summer Camp.  Each participant is given a group which  they will meet with every day of camp to discuss interesting, engaging and important topics, relating to theme of summer camp. The theme of Summer camp for year 9 and 10 is Israel, soover the next 10 days during Challenge we will be discussing all things Israel including history, culture, politics and demography.

   

To end a wonderful first day at camp, the group had ‘movie night’. Everyone got into comfortable clothing, brought their pillows along and sat round a  big screen to enjoy a film together.

Until tomorrow,

The Tribe Team