Nivonim Takes on Niagara!

Adat ha-Nivonim has returned from an incredible three-day trip to Niagara Falls!!  Tzevet Nivonim & Riki Wiederhorn share this report:

Three days. Two states. One soaking wet boat ride nobody will forget. Nivonim hit the road this week for a trip to Niagara Falls, and it delivered exactly the kind of chaos and beauty you hope for. 

Day 1: A Warm-Up Hike and an Even Warmer Welcome 

We rolled out of camp under perfect blue skies and made our first stop at John Boyd Thatcher State Park for a picnic lunch. Then it was straight into a two-mile hike along the gorge and down the Indian Ladder Trail, waterfalls, green cliffs, shady woods, the works. The perfect warm up act for the main event. 

From there, on to Syracuse, our home base for the next two nights. We were very lucky to score a last-minute invite to the Israeli Scouts Caravan tour at the Syracuse JCC. We walked in and turned the energy all the way up, singing and dancing and bringing the Ramah ruach (spirit). 

Big thanks to Temple Adat Yeshurun of Syracuse for hosting us, and to Jeff and Abby Scheer and their crew of volunteers for making sure the food was hot, and ready.  

Day 2: Sun, Thunder, and the Maid of the Mist 

Early start, questionable forecast, unstoppable spirits. We headed for Niagara Falls with storm clouds threatening but hopes for a great day! 

And then, a camp miracle! As we pulled up to the Cave of the Winds, the clouds parted and the sun came out (for a bit) 

Just as we reached the visitor’s center near the Maid of the Mist, the sky opened up and put on an amazing thunder and lightning show. 45 minutes later, still pouring, we figured we were about to get soaked by a waterfall anyway, so we might as well get on the boat. 

Best decision we made all trip. Rain from above, spray from the falls, campers singing at the top of their lungs, completely drenched and completely thrilled. More than a few kids said they’d never experienced anything like it. Neither had we, honestly. 

Day 3: Beach Day, No Notes 

We closed things out at Grafton State Park with a picnic lunch, some soccer, volleyball, spike ball, and plenty of time in the lake to shake off two days of travel. Then it was back to camp, arriving in time to get ready for Tisha B’Av. 

Hiking, dancing, downpours, and a boat ride for the ages.  It’s all just part of the incredible Nivonim experience.