Machzor Rishon HCEs!

As we approach the end of Machzor Rishon (First Session) 2026, our madrichim/ot (counselors) plan all sorts of special fun tzrif (bunk) activities, to make these final few days of the session as special as possible!  Our tzevet (staff) like to call these HCEs — “Heightened Camper Experiences”.

Here’s just a taste of the many amazing HCEs that have been happening across the edot this week!

Kochavim: Tzrif 9 had a sneakout that ended with them sleeping in our treehouse, in the woods behind Tzad Bet. They had an amazing time!

Ilanot: Tzrif 25 went on a “trip” after aruchat tzohorayim (lunch) out to the treehouse, where they hung out and had tzrif bonding!

Solelim: This week, several Solelim tzrifim got up early and did morning boating on the agam (boating in the early morning mists is so beautiful) and boker bishul (cooking breakfast together) as a tzrif and had so much fun!

Shoafim: Tzrif 49 had an amazing morning out on the agam as they did morning boating. They loved getting to experience the beauty of the agam before the hustle and bustle of the day started!

Amitzim: For “Yom TV”, inspired by the Phineas and Ferb theme song, we completed a list of 104 things that our Tikvah participants wanted to do before the machzor (session) was over – and then we went and tried to do as many of the things on the list as possible!  This included things like: hitting the “Hit This” target on Tzad Bet; finding Waldo on our Kishroniyah murals; giving Rabbi Gelb a high five; taking a selfie with someone in a golf cart; challenging someone to a thumb war, petting a goat, finding the Tzad Bet agam (see photo below) and so much more!

Magshimim: Tzrif 76 did secret Shabbatagrams! They all drew names out of a hat and then wrote each other Shabbatagrams. A great HCE that helped bond the chanichot together as a group!

Bogrim: Tzrif 58 had a late-night medura (campfire) and slept in the tree house — they had an amazing time, bonding as a tzrif!

Machon: This week, Machon chanichim got the opportunity to be mini “MiNis” (what we call our Nivonim CITs) and lead peulot (program) for all of Tzad Aleph and Amitzim. They ran the programs kindly and enthusiastically, and so successfully!!  It was wonderful to see how this experience left our Machoners feeling fulfilled and excited to step into more leadership roles, at camp and at home.

Nivonim: At aruchat erev (dinner) on Wednesday, the chanichim organized a “Madagascar Rave” party!  The kids had all planned ahead and brought animal onesies from home, and at aruchat erev they all wore their onesies and led a dance party in the middle of the Chadar Ochel for all of Tzad Bet.

There’s lots more fun planned for the final few days of Machzor Rishon!