On Friday, we celebrated the birthday of the United States with a bang (not literally!)–our inaugural Fourth of July Carnival! The celebration started early as campers headed into t’fillot in their red, white and blue outfits and continued throughout the day. We gathered on the kikar for a picnic lunch as our shirah (songleading) staff led us in an American song sing-a-long, including favorites such as “American Pie,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and more. After lunch we headed over to the sports fields which had been transformed into a giant fairway, complete with games, treats, inflatables and other activities.
One of the most popular booths was the dunk tank. For a donation to tzedakah, campers and staff alike had the chance to douse some of our head staff. Many of our Roshei Aidah (division heads) lined up for the chance to get soaked for charity and we raised $360!
The carnival was unlike anything we’ve seen at camp before. Everyone in camp was busy doing some kind of fun activity. After playing games and winning tickets to the raffle, campers could relax with an ice cream cone as they rode a hayride around camp. For our dance lovers, our dancing staff was leading “American Kikar Dancing” in the middle of the carnival. On the porch of Moadon Tikvah, we had karaoke. Campers had their faces painted with American flags and had their nails done in red, white, and blue. We had a corn roast, snow cones, cotton candy–everything you’d expect at a carnival.
Of course, the most exciting part of the day was the raffle. Campers won tickets by playing games, and they could also buy extra tickets for a donation to tzedakah. Here’s a list of our winners:
Grand Prize: Movie and Ice Cream in Eagle River for the Cabin: Anna R., Shoafim, Cabin 25
1st Prizes: Pe’ulat tzrif (Cabin Activity) in Kopin Staff Center: Josh G., Kochavim, Cabin 1A Slumber Party in the Guest House for the Cabin: Talia D., Garinim, Cabin 20
2nd Prizes: Motor Boat Ride and Picnic Lunch on the Island: Ethan F., Garinim, Cabin 2A Breakfast in Bed for the Cabin: Nita B., Tikvah, Cabin 33
3rd Prizes:
Chef for a Day: Ronen P., Machon, Cabin 11
Spot in the Hanhalah (Senior Leadership Team) Rikudiyah (Dance Festival) Dance: Lisa K., Bogrim, Cabin 27
4th Prizes: University of Conover Jacket: Zakai R., Bogrim, Cabin 9 Ramah Wisconsin Baseball Jersey: Ethan F., Nivonim, Cabin 15, and Isaac L., Solelim, Cabin 4
Todah rabbah to the team of staff who created this amazing carnival! We had a great time and look forward to next year’s celebration!
