Nivonim Hits the Trail: A Hike to Remember at the Quabbin

On the very first day of this kayitz (summer), Edat HaNivonim headed out to the Quabbin Reservoir for a four-mile round trip hike that set the tone for everything this kayitz (summer) is going to be. The trail was green and lush (all that rain from last week did us a real favor) and the sun was warm overhead as Nivonim made their way along the shoreline, through the trees, over the rocks, and up toward the summit. 

At the top of the mountain, with the sweeping panoramic beauty of the Quabbin Reservoir stretching out behind them, the chanichim (campers) gathered for a much anticipated tradition, the Clipboard Ceremony. 

One by one, each Nivonimer was presented with their very own clipboard. It’s a simple object, but it carries a lot of weight. This isn’t just a clipboard – it’s a symbol of the transformation each chanich (camper) will undergo this kayitz (summer) into leaders of the machaneh (camp). 

Over the next 8 weeks, these clipboards will be used as Nivonimers work as minis (CITs) with younger campers, running peulot tzrif (bunk activities) and peulot edah (unit activities), and of course plans Yom Sport for the entire machaneh (camp).  

Two summers from now, we hope those same clipboards will come back to camp with them when they join our tzevet (staff) for real. 

Standing on that mountain, surrounded by the reservoir and the open sky, it was hard not to feel the significance of the moment. These are chanichim (campers) we have seen grow up at this camp, kayitz (summer) after kayitz (summer). Now they’re stepping forward as leaders and role models of our community. 

The trail was beautiful. The day was warm. And Nivonim? They are ready. 

Welcome to your summer, Nivonim. Clipboards in hand, let’s get to work.