Summer Camp

Summer Camp (Machaneh Kayitz) 2010

Session 1: July 4 – July 18

Session 2: July 20–August 8

Session 1 & 2: July 4 – August 8

Visitor’s Day: Sunday, July 25

Download the Camper Registration Form

Download the Madatz (Counselor-in-Training) Registration Form

Tochnit/Program

Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa offers a truly unique, vibrant and educational Jewish camping experience for children aged 9 to 17. Based on the five pillars of the Habonim Dror Youth Movement principles: Judaism, Zionism, Socialism, Social Justice and Self Actualization, the program integrates progressive Judaism with the Labor Zionist value of Communalism. The program is the most important and unique aspect of Camp Gilboa (as it is at all other Movement camps). We encourage you to contact us about the program so that we may explain more in person, or visit our Philosophy page.

Gilboa is unique! Campers become active participants in the various programs in a truly unique camping tradition. Inspired by the ideals and lifestyle of Israeli kibbutzim, Gilboa is a place where children work, play, sing, laugh, share and grow together in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental and healthy environment. See the Seder Ha'Yom (Daily Schedule).

Campers are divided into boys and girls groups according to their age. Counselors live with their groups in their bunks.

Gilboa campers enjoy a full range of guided recreational and sports activities in a non-competitive and supportive atmosphere.

Outdoor Activities

Activities include swimming, canoeing, hiking, scouting, soccer, basketball, softball and a lot more. Overnight hikes provide an opportunity for cooperation and create a special and unique group experience.

Informal Learning Environment

Learning is woven into the fabric of the camp experience. At Gilboa, creative activities and informal discussions about a variety of topics - Jewish history, social justice, Zionism, Israel, Jewish culture - foster a positive view and better understanding of our heritage.

Judaism

Studies show that Jewish camping experiences in childhood greatly increase the chance of a commitment to Judaism as an adult. Camp Gilboa gives children the opportunity to discover and experience the joy of Judaism. Shabbat is the highlight of Gilboa's week. It begins with a Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night followed by a traditional Shabbat meal and loads of singing, and after dinner campers present original plays. The evening ends with spirited Israeli dancing.

On Saturday, campers participate in quiet discussion groups and leisure activities, including storytelling and hiking. Shabbat concludes with a very special Havdalah service followed by a camp fire and talent show.

Ivrit (Hebrew)

Campers learn Hebrew as a living language. Hebrew comes alive through everyday experience-playing basketball, baking chocolate chip cookies, putting on skits. Daily workshops reinforce the exposure to the language (See our Glossary!). Campers also learn traditional Israeli and Hebrew songs.

Avodah (Work)

A vital component of the community building experience at Camp Gilboa is avodah (work). Each morning campers and staff participate in a work project of their own choosing. Projects include gardening, woodworking, cooking and baking, painting murals, and building and maintaining nature trails. Other work projects may surface as the summer progresses and campers come up with their own ideas.

Chugim (Special Interest Clubs)

Activities geared towards the interests of each camper are integral at Gilboa. Sports specialization, life saving courses, boating, drama, arts and crafts, and music, just to mention a few, offer campers a wide variety of self expression opportunties.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our campers is a priority at Gilboa. A health care professional is available 24 hours a day, with a local doctor on call. A fully equipped infirmary is also maintained. Laundry service is provided on a regular basis, and all camp facilities are cleaned daily. Staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross and at least one staff member is a licensed EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).