Session 2 – Day 15: Bikkurim guest!

Hi Herzl Family!

Flag was a little louder – everyone thinks everything is judged…if only we could convince them the “boring” parts of camp (the ones they don’t realize are teaching them awesome life lessons) were being scored all summer…then every camper would have “You’re a grand old flag” and the Hebrew part of the Herzl song memorized in a minute…but we continue to teach, we don’t give up! 

Team meetings after breakfast and I walked by “Bayit Chalanu” (a nice circular bench area with a lovely planter in the middle that our grounds crew keeps flowery and fresh, it’s over by the MerCaz) where the Purple Team Pop Dance crew was introducing themselves “Hi I’m Hannah I’m in Kadima” “I’m Adam from Amudim”…and so on..this is one of the many reasons I love Bikkurim. Kids come together into places where they team up and support each other from all different programs in camp. There are few times where a Ha’atid camper spends a bulk of time with a Kadima camper and work together, whether is cheering, coaching, or (in the case of the Marathon) compete together. It’s the community part of what we do, building and developing a good, conscientious citizen of camp that carries itself back home, we hope.

Well, I started typing this and then I thought, why not have our Asst Rosh Programming (the architect of Bikkurim) tell you the fun details himself. So, for the first time in Ted Talk history…here’s someone else’s words:

Today at Camp was the long-awaited Bikkurim, the camp color war. The campers were split into six different Big-Ten teams: Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois. The camp Ruach could be felt throughout the day, starting nice and early at Breakfast. The team flags flew throughout the Chadar and school chants continued all breakfast. Our five judges sat at the front of the Chadar, carefully watching the strong team spirit and how well they could sing the prayers before and after the meal.

After breakfast and team meetings, our first rotation began. Different teams competed in Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Flag Football, Softball, Kayaking, theater competitions, cake designing, plaque designing, Pop Dance, and more. Our first flag football of the day reflected the energy of the entire day. Many touchdowns were scored in a close games and other counselors and campers aligned the sideline passionately cheering on their friends. Pop Dance teams spread out around camp and excitedly prepared their dance for later in the day. 

Following the first rotation, Michigan claimed an early lead. Their energy matched their success, as they ran through camp singing their School chants and songs. Second rotation brought much of the same energy. A quick rain came through, but that didn’t stop our passionate campers from competing. Illinois found much success in the second rotation, with domination in soccer and basketball games as well as a riveting theater performance for the judges. 

After the second rotation, came the annual silent lunch. Teams entered the Chadar one-by-one and performed a silent “Shtick” performance for the judges. Canoes, George Washington, and silent dancing were all present for these performances. It was clear that the judges were impressed by the creativity and more importantly the silence. A much needed Minucha after lunch allowed the campers to rest before the big Bikkurim afternoon. 

Rotation three brought the same energy in many of the same sports. The plaques started to come together and portrayed school emblems, mascots, and rather large headshots of the judges. Then came time for the famous “Marathon.” This relay consisted of 43 events throughout camp and saw each camper participate in a different event. The relay started with campers blindly trying to find their batons and ended with a rope burn led by the captains.

In my opinion, the rope burn was the highlight of the day as the captains rapidly built their fire while the rest of the camp crowded around, excitedly cheering for their fire to burn the rope. Events like fill the canoe, handstands, and trivia were extremely exciting to watch. Minnesota, the winner of the Marathon, defied all odds. They were one of the last teams to arrive at their fire with the baton but were first to burn their rope, winning the Marathon for an excited Minnesota team. 

A little storm came through around dinner time, but, of course, that coudn’t stop our Ruach. Following dinner, our three full-day events presented their completed work. First the cakes, then the plaques, and of course the highly-anticipated Pop Dance. These well-choreographed dances rocked the Chadar. While I haven’t seen many Bikkurim Pop Dances in my time, there was something truly special about this one. I was extremely impressed by the perfect timing and routines of the dancers. 

After the judges discussed the results of the day and added up scores, it was time for the big moment… the reveal. Rosh Sport, re-enacted a college commitment to choose the winning team. The entire camp anxiously crowded around, hoping their team’s hat would be picked. Surrounded by his family and the judges, Joey slowly narrowed down his options. As it came to the final two, Michigan and Illinois, Joey reached for none other than the University of Michigan… Go Blue! The Michigan team’s cheers erupted throughout the Chadar as they celebrated together. That finished our incredible day and Second Session Bikkurim. As I left the Chadar for the night I could hear campers discussing how excited they were for next Session’s Bikkurim!

That’s all from Herzl Camp, and we are looking forward to another great day tomorrow! Goodnight from Webster.

So there it is. It was an awesome day! So know this…

All is well, safely rest. 

Thanks for sending your kid to Herzl Camp

 ‏לילה טוב

Tommy