Shadows, Swimming, and Singing

By Carly Levine

Hi Family and Friends!

My name is Carly Levine and I am currently in the Avodah Program at camp. What is an Avodah you might ask? The Avodahnikim are not only a group of wild, rambunctious 17-year-olds, but (mainly) former campers in the process of learning the ropes of the staff side of GFC. We’re what you might call “stampers,” campers because we pay to come to camp, but with staff benefits (minus the pay). As part of the program, amongst learning how to manage campers, educating ourselves from a Jewish perspective, and the ever-wonderful bussing after meals routine, Avodahs get the chance to “shadow” admin members.

For this week I chose to shadow the oh-so lovely Emily Andes (a.k.a. blog-queen, twitter-princess, or Facebook-diva). Emily, a former counselor of mine, deals not only with the camp media, but in-session developmental programs, such as the bricks outside the gazebo (want to buy one?).  Today, before playing with the camp puppies, Emily and I went around working on one of her current projects–Holiday Videos–and videotaped campers from all units singing “Sweet As Honey.” After living the life of a true Admin member, meals without kids, breaks in the zula, and afternoons to ourselves, Emily and I checked out tonight’s evening programs–Kohanim and Melachim talent shows. What a treat! Between all the great singing, dancing, and more, we almost didn’t know what to do with ourselves! Check tomorrow for a blog with videos and pictures from tonight!

Bonimers, on the other hand, enjoyed a great program planned by the Avodahs in their unit. This jungle-themed bonanza involved mask-making and a “safari” tour around camp’s perimeter road. It was a blast! Tonight was also Niviim’s trip night, so while the rest of camp was enjoying their evening programs, these campers were splashing around SummerFun USA. What a night! Between slides and rides, talents galore, jungles and more, Emily and I barely had enough energy to make it back to her office! Who knew there was more to camp than just activities and eating? My day as a mini-Emily has been nothing less of eventful, but also one I will never forget!

2 heads are always better than one when it comes to the blog!