We had an amazing start to Camp Kesher 2018! We opened up on Sunday as sixty-one campers arrived and settled into their cabins. We have campers from throughout the East Coast of the United States, as well as from Israel. This is one of our biggest years ever. Our first Mishkan (chapel) service featured a talented worship team, and an introduction to our theme for the week—“To Life! L’Chaim!” We chose that theme because it is the year 2018. In Hebrew, the number eighteen is special because the Hebrew letters that represent the number spell out, “chai,” the Hebrew word for life. Our speaker, Robert Walter, shared from Genesis that since God is the creator of life, He has a special purpose for our lives. The campers went to bed after a night swim.
Our first full day of camp started with stretching and exercise. After breakfast, we had a time of worship in the Mishkan (chapel), followed by a “Hebrew moment” from Dr. Michael Herts, where he taught a Hebrew song along with the translation. Then our campers were busy with human foosball, the challenge course, and basketball in the morning. After lunch, campers split up into special electives including horseback riding, arts and crafts, improvisation and drama, basketball, boating, rock climbing, and soccer. After the electives, we had camp-wide games followed by free time. This evening, we had more worship time, followed by a great message from Dr. Herts on choosing life. The message included the importance of choosing when we say “yes” or “no” to things and behavior so that we can be pleasing to God in all we do. The evening ended with a night swim. Although the campers were worn out, we all had a great time!
The campers have also started memorizing their daily Bible verses. Every day, all campers memorize the verse and recite it to their counselor. Today’s verse was Deuteronomy 30:19. We are off to a great start. Please pray for us!