Summer Experience: Machal at Camp Stone

Ella Goldstein

From the hiking, the portaging, and many mosquito bites, Machal at Camp Stone was definitely “in-tents.” Machal stands for “Machane Chalutzim” which translates to “camp pioneers,” and the idea of being a pioneer is the basis for the Machal program. Through many strenuous, meaningful, and challenging activities, Machal truly teaches the campers about the true meaning of a community and communal responsibility. 

In Bnei Akiva, every grade is classified as a Shevet, and when entering 10th grade, the shevet gets named. This year, our shevet was named “Shevet Dorot” or “generations.” We learned about what it means to keep a Jewish community alive and thriving, about what it takes to be a member of a Jewish community, and about how to pass that down to future Dorot. Besides for a few exceptions due to severe weather, every weekday we were sleeping outside and far away from camp, which meant no showers until Friday. “Kima” or wake up, was typically around 6:00 am and quickly followed by Shacharit. After Shacharit comes “Shreakfast” (pronounced SHREK-fist), one of my personal favorite parts of the day. Shreakfast is a mixture of shiur (learning with a counselor and a group of campers) and breakfast. Next, we got ready for the day’s adventure, put on lots of sunscreen, and made our sandwiches (yum, I know). Then, it was off to our activity, which could be hiking or tubing in the Alleganhy, or canoeing in Algonquin National Park, Ontario, while being viciously attacked by mosquitoes. After finishing our journey, we would set up camp for the night, change into comfortable clothing, and daven Mincha. When it was time for dinner, we got a fine selection of gourmet food every night: hotdogs. I can honestly say that it will take at least three years before I will be ready to eat another one.

 So you’re probably thinking “wow, that sounds awful, why are you paying for this?”, but the answer is simple. Nothing compares to the lifelong bonds with friends from all over America and Israel. Nothing compares to the everlasting memories and insane stories that campers take away. Nothing compares to the strong values of community, Judaism, and responsibility that are built throughout the summer. Nothing compares to Machal.