July 7, 2026 – Israel Day!
Today brought another cool, overcast, and wonderfully rain-free day—the perfect backdrop for one of our favorite Camp Kesher traditions: Israel Day!
The day began the Camp Kesher way with morning prayer, energizing calisthenics, and a delicious breakfast (the first of three incredible Israeli themed meals) to fuel the adventures ahead. Campers then returned to their cabins for morning devotions, where they continued reflecting on and memorizing Jeremiah 1:5:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
What an incredible truth for our campers to carry with them—that they are known, loved, and called by G-d with purpose!
Our morning Mishkan was filled with excitement and laughter as campers participated in an Israeli blindfolded taste test, tested their knowledge and learned new vocabulary during our daily Hebrew Moment, and jumped to their feet for energetic Power-Up Praise Dancing that had the whole camp moving and celebrating together.
The fun continued as campers headed off to another round of activity rotations, which included adventures on the Challenge Course, Horseback Riding, Riflery, Field Games, Street Hockey, Arts & Crafts, and America the Beautiful, where campers explored the fascinating connections between Christianity, the Bible, and the history of America.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came during worship as we were blessed to be led by worship leaders Shai Sol and Emanuel Roro, both visiting from Israel. Shai, who sings with the band Miqedem, and Emanuel led us into a powerful time of praise as voices rose in both English and Hebrew. Hands were lifted, hearts were open, and G-d’s presence was evident as campers and staff worshiped together as one family in Messiah.
Our evening speaker and Moody student, Jacob Speck, shared an impactful message from Daniel 1:3–21, challenging campers to live boldly for G-d even in a world that doesn’t always share their values.
Just as Daniel and his friends chose faithfulness over compromise in Babylon, campers were encouraged to stand firm in their faith at school, at home, at camp, and wherever G-d leads them. Daniel refused to let the culture around him determine who he would become because he knew that G-d alone was his Judge and that faithfulness to G-d was always worth it.
Jacob challenged every camper with a simple but powerful truth: We must choose to live for Yeshua and set our hearts to follow Him, even if it isn’t easy.
He encouraged campers to ask themselves:
- Will I choose Yeshua when it may be unpopular?
- Will I stand firm when others choose differently?
- Will I surround myself with friends who encourage me to follow G-d more closely?
As Daniel’s story reminds us, God honors faithfulness. When we set our hearts to follow Him, He gives wisdom, opportunities to serve, and the privilege of being used for His purposes.
We wrapped up this unforgettable Israel Day with a spectacular Tel Aviv Pool Party! Israeli praise music filled the air while beach balls, glow sticks, and pool noodles transformed the pool into a celebration of joy, friendship, and camp spirit. Laughter echoed across camp as campers soaked in every last moment of an incredible day.
Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live!
