Campers build their own 'Master Town' in Riga, Latvia
Ages: 17- 25

In the second session of camp in Riga, the student - age campers were busy building what their counselors had dubbed 'Master Town'. The campers were given their own space at camp which they were responsible for arranging, both in physical terms and in relationship to the other campers and staff. The campers worked intensively with many different types of materials which helped them create their own physical world based around their thoughts and feelings.

The main theme of the camp was called "Man and Land.' The theme was constantly evolving and deepening, much in the same way an individual grows and passes through different stages of development.

Campers listening to a lecture on Jewish and Israeli symbols.

One of the most exciting activities was the Beit Midrash – Na'ase ve Nishma program. Campers and counselor, alike, participated in small group study sessions and lectures. Together they discussed the relevance of the Ten Commandments in the modern world and the relevance the commandments held for them and for their Jewish communities.

Campers studying together in the Beit Midrash (Study Center) program.

"My name is Ira Bocharova and I come from Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. This was my first camp experience. This was the first time I understood the central role that Jewish history and my family's own story play in my life. In the beginning of camp, it was difficult fo me to participate in some of the discussions especially with the counselors who were more knowlegeable than me on certain subjects. By the end of camp, however, I felt that I also had formed my own opinions on aspects of Jewish history, traditions, and moral codes. It was an intellectual and emotional journey filled with much excitement."

Ira Bocharova, 19 years old from Talinn, Estonia.

"I am Marina Geht from Riga. This was not my first camp and two years ago I participated in the Birthright Program in Israel. Jewish life is an integral part of my life and I try to participate in all of the Jewish Agency seminars, projects, and camps because it is very interesting to me. My favorite part of camp is meeting up with the counselors and hearing lectures on different topics. It's a great opportunity to discuss Jewish themes, and to study something new, and to share my feelings and thoughts with the others. I look forward to participating in camp next summer, and continue with the student activities throughout the year. I hope to keep in touch with my old friends and meet new ones from all over the world."

Marina Geht, 18 years old from Riga, Latvia.

Talina Nehamkina, 17 years old from Vilnus, Lithuania.

"Hello, my name is Talina Nehamkina from Vilnus, the capital city of Lithuania. This was my first time at camp. Unfortunately, we don't have a youth club in our city and the summer camp and some other student seminars are the only opportunity for me to meet my friends, and to study about my People. Judaism is very important to me. The fact that I am Jewish allows me not to get lost in the multinational population of my city and gives me a sense of belonging to the Jewish nation."

Camp was a joyful experience for one and all.

August 13 – 17, 2009