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 photography, 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 apriority 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).
