This summer is big. How big is it, you ask? We have over 600 campers coming to Camp Kalsman for the first time ever! Our Gimmel (third) session opened today with 205 campers. By the time we close in two short weeks (after a spectacular clope, of course), Gimmel will have seen 237 campers. That’s a lot of campers! In fact, 237 is the most campers we’ve ever had in a session at Camp Kalsman.

This is our biggest session ever, and it’s already gearing up to be a great one. After their parents dropped them off, the cabins played games to get to know each other. Some played gaga, some played improv games, but every camper knew their cabinmates’ names before it was time for lunch. Lunch was grilled cheese and tomato soup, as is tradition. Our dining hall fits lots of campers and staff, as you can see!

After lunch, we learned the Mishlachat dance. Our Mishlachat are our awesome Israeli staff members! They choreographed a dance at the beginning of the summer that they lead for the campers after lunch every day. Think you can learn the dance? Sway like a palm tree with the Mishlachat:

Swim tests and shower hour followed lunch (according to multiple reports, the pool “felt sooooooo good today!”). After dinner (spaghetti, garlic bread, and steamed veggies), our campers split into their units for evening programs.

Coogarim and Dubim learned Israeli dancing in preperation for Shabbat. After dinner every Friday night, we sing and dance in an extended shira, or song session, then move in to Israeli dancing. Each unit has its own dance, which they lead for the camp every Friday. Our Gimmel Coogarim and Dubim campers picked the dances right up and are ready for Shabbat!

Our Nesharim campers created two cool art projects – hamsas and dream catchers. They designed their own intricate hamsas on ShrinkyDink plastic and carefully selected yarn colors to catch their dreams.

Our Kesher counselors invented an innovative program using garbage bags and sloppy materials. The end result? A closer unit! Because what would bring almost 60 teenagers together better than wearing garbage bag dresses and playing with shaving cream in the dining hall? (Answer: nothing.)

Today was an amazing day, and we can’t wait for tomorrow!