Danya’s Shabbat Message – Week 2: The Moments That Shape Us
Have you ever had one of those moments that feels deeply familiar – like déjà vu, but in a meaningful way? I have many moments like that at camp. And earlier this week, I had one of themost vivid yet when I visited the Habonim group out at Tevaland.
What is Tevaland? A little background for you –
When I was a camper, every cabin was scheduled for an overnight trip away from camp. We’d pack up a van with tents, food, cooking gear, and all the essentials and then leave camp to head to a campsite that felt so far away. I did everything I could think of to get out of it. I prayed for a downpour. I pretended to be sick, so I could stay at the Marp (health center) – that never worked.
It was impossible to get out of the scheduled overnight, and never once did it heavy dew on my cabin’s scheduled night.
I didn’t understand why we had to go camping when I was already at camp. Wasn’t I “roughing it” in Tzrif 11? Why did I need to sleep on the ground when I had a perfectly suitable bunk bed in my cabin?
And, of course, I now look back on the Teva experiences with a much different perspective. It’s funny how the things we resist most as kids often become the most meaningful memories. These experiences play a part in shaping us and pushing us to grow – and eventually, teach us that we can do hard things and we should be proud of ourselves for doing so.
At some point many years ago, someone realized that Herzl had plenty of room for Tevas at camp, and the idea for Tevaland came to be. We didn’t need to pack up a van and schlep campers and all the gear to a campsite far away. We had plenty of dedicated space tucked away on camp property for campers to have an outdoor camping experience without ever leaving the grounds.
Fast forward to 2024 – it had been a few years since the space was being used for overnights. It had become overgrown, rundown, and somewhat forgotten. That is, until last summer when our incredible B’yachad campers stepped up. Thanks to their hard work and determination, Tevaland is now a clean and refreshed space for groups to experience another aspect of living outdoors.
We’re easing back into the Teva experience this summer: Haatid and Amudim will participate in an “undernight” – a night of s’mores, bonfire, songs, and outdoor fun before heading back to their cabins to sleep.
Habonim campers will experience a complete overnight experience – from dinner to breakfast and everything in between.
So, back to that déjà vu moment.
As soon as I stepped into Tevaland, it all became familiar. The scene I witnessed could’ve been from any Herzl era. I saw six campers gathered around a picnic table, fully locked into a new card game their Ozo was teaching them. I watched for nearly 10 minutes, and not a single one looked away from the game. A few steps away, another group was learning how to pitch a tent. Our fantastic trippers, who came all the way from South Africa, demonstrated first, and the campers tried next. As the campers attempted to set up their tents, they were laughing in a way that you only do when you’re with your friends and don’t have a care in the world. I loved it.
I walked around talking to the campers and staff and kept making comments like “Isn’t it the best out here?” and “How awesome is this?” or “This is exactly what we wanted it to be like out here.” Maybe next session I’ll grab a sleeping bag and stay the night. Actually, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I’ve had plenty of Teva experiences as a Herzl camper, the undernight will do just fine.
The end of 1st session is just days away, and it really highlights how quickly the summer comes and goes. This session has been excellent – not even the goofy weather made a difference. We’re so grateful to be at camp together, celebrating Shabbat and making the most of the last few days of the session. Thank you for trusting us with your children. We know they are the most important people in your lives, and they are incredibly important to us, too.
Wishing you a peaceful and delightful Shabbat.
-danya
Senior Director of Camp & Culture