By Zander Abrams

Almost half of a Herzl day is spent on chugim. It’s a time for counselors to become teachers. Campers are able to try their hands at four different activities. Chugim vary each session. Some chugim stay around for more summer than others and so it’s easy to forget about true classics. I’ve been at Herzl for going on 13 summers this is what I think were the best Chugim of that time.

5. Harry Potter
Led by Gabe Tarshish and Joey Jaffe, this brought the magic of Hogwarts to Herzl. Combining ruach and magic creates a powerful chug. You’d spend each day learning spells and making wands. If you want to get in some exercise, a game of quidditch is just for you.

4. Skol Vikes
This chug was offered the last time the Vikings were as good as they are today.  A young wide receiver from Marshall was emerging on the NFL stage and this chug was able to start to get us excited for the regular season. Lead by Michael Schachtman and Zach Puchtel, Skol Vikes was able to integrate the Vikings into our camp life by putting Vikings moves into the ‘Kiss Kiss’ dance and reminding camp to stay hydrated after the Corey Stringer incident.

3. Random Acts of Kindness
RAOK gives campers an opportunity to give back to camp by trying to brighten up everyone’s day. During RAOK, campers make cards thanking staff for their hard work and hang them in their cabins. They put up signs all around the chadar reminding everyone to wash their hands before they eat. I’ve even had a get-well card sent to me in the marp by the members of Random Acts of Kindness chug.

2. Campfire Cooking
As if we don’t eat enough at Herzl, enter a chug all about cooking. This chug is not offered every session, but when it is I make a point of swinging by once a week or so. Kids learn the skills they’ll need for cooking dinner for their whole program for when they’re in Kadimah on the canoe trip. Kids learn skills that won’t just be applicable to camp but during warm summer day for their whole lives!

1. Biking
Led by the legendary Ross Leder, and offered during the summer of 2006, campers got to tour the backwoods of Herzl. They were able to see areas of camp that not even the most senior staff had been to. Biking through the woods with the wind going through your hair, it’s no doubt that this chug was the most in demand to switch into that summer. Biking Chug wasn’t limited to riding for the sake of riding, but consisted of racing tournaments, capture the flag, and scavenger hunts. Ross Leder also stressed the importance of taking care of bikes by dedicating part of his lesson plans to bike maintenance and safety.

Honorable Mentions:  World League, Sailing, Comedy Sports, Israeli Scouts, Shore Sports, Fishing, and Amanute