A Jewish Journey in Novosibirsk, Russia
Ages: 11 – 13

Moses and the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, but in Siberia's capital city of Novosibirsk, campers covered a lot of ground in just one week. Each day, campers focused on different topics primarily connected to Biblical themes. Campers were definitely on the road to self discovery in the unique setting of camp.

Day 1: Campers scouted out the territory and got to know one another.

Day 2: On the road again...campers shared their thoughts and feelings through letters and stories.

Swapping stories is a special part of camp.

Nadia shares her thoughts with the group.

Day 3: The third day in camp focused on Jewish legends and fairytales. Each camper was given a hero and had to help their hero in solving problems and realizing goals.

The campers were divided into small groups; each group presented a different legend or fairytale.

Day 4: Still on the road...campers were encouraged to ask questions and seek answers.

A group activity which teaches the value of asking questions.

Day 5: In Judaism, a desire to change oneself and the world around is viewed in a positive light. Campers studied about the upcoming holiday of Sukkot and that a sukkah symbolizes a temporary house of dwelling or being.

Campers learned about the Sukkot holiday.

Day 6: Shabbat...A time to rest and reflect on the week of camp that was and the week to come.

Shabbat is a time for rest and reflection.

Day 7: The road back home...packing up all the great camp experiences and taking them home.

Campers have some more fun before going home.

Ilya Anfalov, 11 years old

"My name is Ilya Anfalov and I am 11 years old. I live in Novosibirsk and this is my 4th time in camp. I had a lot of fun at camp this year. I really liked all the activities: Shabbat, the film about Israel, the workshops, the sports, just everything! I'm so grateful to my mother for sending me to this camp."

Luba Toporovskaja, 12 years old

"I'm Luba Toporovskaja and I am 12 years old and come from Omsk which is a city in the southwest of Siberia. This is my third summer at camp and I really love it. During the year I attend Sunday School in Omsk and this coming year I also want to start going to Shabbat services at our club."

July 21 – 28, 2009