Background - Kefiada & Partnership 2000

Kefiada is an English speaking day camp in Israel in your Partnership 2000 region. The campers are from the local Israeli region and you are the counselors from the partnered Diaspora community.

Kefiada assists Israeli children living in the Negev and Galilee of Israel to master basic English language skills in a camp setting while enjoying creative and fun camp activities! Very similar to the kinds of camp experiences you participated in the USA, but this time the campers mother tongue is Hebrew.

English and the skills you can help teach will be essential to these children as they begin to compete and interact in today's world. In addition, Kefiada is one of the best "People- to- People" programs, strengthening the living bridge between you and your Partnership 2000 region.

Are there specific supplies that I can bring to the camp?

Many Federations organize bringing supplies as a group. These range from arts and crafts supplies, sports items to prizes, educational materials (books) to paraphernalia from your city. Last year's volunteers found that all of the supplies they brought to the Kefiada were very helpful. Many wish they had brought more.

It is very important that you bring paraphernalia from your home community. One example is bringing pendants of your city's teams. Bring postcards of your city, maps pictures, etc. anything that shows the campers where you come from is a guaranteed success.

What should I pack?

You know the drill - hat, sunscreen… It will be hot during the day and might be cool in the evening. Bring camp clothing, sport shoes, light jacket, bathing suit, towels, cosmetics, shower shoes, and modest dress for Shabbat. The sun is very strong during the day, it is best to have your shoulders covered.

• BE SURE TO BRING ALL MEDICATIONS -ENOUGH FOR YOUR ENTIRE STAY. IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES BRING YOUR MEDS. IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA BRING YOUR VENTILATOR. IF YOU HAVE HAD MILD ALLERGIES OR ASTHMA IN THE PAST, BRING MEDICATION, JUST IN CASE, CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENT CAN BRING ON A FLARE UP. IN MOST CASES A PRESCRPTION FROM HOME WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZED HERE.

Accomodations before camp starts

Prior to the start of camp, you will have the opportunity to settle in with your host family, apt, absorption center, or Kibbutz.

Where will I be living?

Most volunteers live with an Israeli host family in their local region. In most cases there will be at least one member of the family that speaks English. In other regions, an apartments or rooms are rented for the Kefiada volunteers in the City, on a kibbutz, or in an absorption center. In this case, Kefiada volunteers also have an adopted Israeli family in the local region.

The family provides most meals and a place to sleep (often your own room.) Israelis are known for their tremendous hospitality, but expect cultural differences. For example, Israelis eat vegetables, cheese products, bread products and sometimes cereal for breakfast. Dinner (except for Shabbat and holiday) is a light meal usually featuring the same foods as breakfast. But whatever meal you eat, always expect your host family to try and encourage you to eat more. The concept of low fat, low cholesterol has not reached Israel. Set your limits early and stand your ground.

Israelis live in their parents' house often through their mid 20s. Although they are not treated like children in respect to curfews and the opposite sex, mothers still cook and do laundry for their 25 year-old sons and daughters. A mother might want to mother you. Be appreciative, but again set your limits early and stand your ground.

Israelis will always, multiple times in fact, ask you if you want something to drink. They will offer some kind of juice, tea, coffee and sometimes cola. It's a good idea to take them up on their offer, even if you are not thirsty, because it is so hot in the summer. Dehydration happens before you feel it.

Israelis are assertive and they will expect you to be too. If you need something, or don't like something ask. The most powerful people in the country are not the soldiers with guns. They are the old ladies who shove and argue in the grocery store.

These kinds of housing opportunities, afford you the unique experience of living in Israel in an authentic environment, getting to know the people and their children, and contributing first hand to strengthening both the country and the ties that bind Israel and North America.

Before the campers arrive

The staff camp director, Israeli and American counselors will have the opportunity, depending on the camp, from a few days to a week to prepare and plan for the opening of Kefiada.

You will also have a chance to familiarize- know where the clinic is, find out your local e-mail accessibility. (most of the communities offer the volunteers free Internet access time)

How old are the Israeli campers?

Usually the campers are grades 4 -7, both boys and girls. Some camps divide the groups by age and grade, others by English level.

Am I the only counselor in the group?

No. In most camps, the American counselor is joined by an Israeli co-counselor (Madatzim) who has been trained to work in Kefiada. Madatzim are graduates of high school and awaiting entry into the Israeli army (age range 18-22).

Am I in charge of the camp?

No. Kefiada volunteers are group counselors who are responsible for the well being and activities of a group of 12-20 Israeli campers. Every Kefiada is held in and run by the local Community Center or Regional Council in Israel. The camp itself is directed by the local Kefiada Camp Director who is assisted by both the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000 local staff as well as the local Community Center and/or Regional Council staff. In addition, each community is staffed with a Partnership 2000 Living Bridge coordinator who is responsible for the well being and extra-curricular activities of the American volunteers in the region.

What does a typical day at Kefiada look like?

(Please note that this is an example and will vary from region to region.)

7:30 - Arrival to Camp (located at a school, JCC or on a Kibbutz)

8:00 - Camp Day Begins. Camp schedules are based on theme days such as food day, water day, America day, P2K day, animal day, etc. During the day, the activities that you develop are related to the theme including vocabulary words, songs, games, snacks, art and crafts projects, trips, sports, drama, story telling, etc.

1:00 - Camp Day Ends/Lunch/Summary Meetings/Preparation for the Next Days Theme.

4:00 - Free Evening.

During some afternoons and evenings during the summer, the Living Bridge coordinator will plan trips, hikes, site seeing, visits with local Government officials, and interesting experiences. Participation in these activities is required of all Kefiada volunteers.

What's it really like working with Israeli kids?

Israeli kids are much much much different than the American kids you are used to working with.

If you've worked at a day camp in North America before you are probably used to kids respecting you just because you hold the title of counselor. Israeli culture doesn't exactly work that way. You have to earn your students' respect and cooperation.

What is considered disruptive in America may very well be considered perfectly acceptable in Israel.

In Israeli schools teachers allow students to talk out of turn, at once, and while the teachers are talking. If you are creative and fun, but firm, it will work out great!

Also, Israelis sometimes have stereotypes of North Americans. The common ones are that all of us live in the "90210" and "Party of Five" world. Sometimes they might treat you like you're Donna instead of who you are. The easiest way to break those stereotypes is to talk to the kids on their level and talk to them honestly.

Israeli kids don't speak English. While many of the children have some background in English, many have a very difficult time communication in English. There are some camps that have a stringent screening process and only accept children who have some background in English. However, other camps accept all that apply.

To enter University in Israel, students need to know English, and know it well. You are preparing them for their future, and really, underneath the loudness and the curse words, they appreciate that. Also you are giving them attention. Universally, all kids appreciate (deep down) additional attention. In addition, you are also a role model of someone who treats others with respect, listens, tries to be fair, accepts people for who they are, willing to try new experiences, willing to help others, etc. You will both feel rewarded in the end. Fun-Have a good time this summer and they will too!

Shvat 5765 - January 2005