Giving Thanks
November 25, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Top 10 Lists.
By Aiden Pink
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s definitely in my personal top three, along with Chanukah and Bikkurim. Actually, now that i think about it, Thanksgiving and Bikkurim have a lot in common: great food, exciting sports, and long periods without noise (due to Silent Lunch or a tryptophan-induced “food coma”). Many families have a Thanksgiving tradition where they share what they are thankful for in the past year. Not one to break from tradition, here is my personal, Herzl-inspired list.
I am thankful for:
- Herzl Camp’s great full-time staff. Anne, Drea, Holly, and Gary have done an amazing job mixing the “classic” and the new, creating a one-of-a-kind environment that has shaped the lives of hundreds of kids from around the world.
- The fact it always rains [Director's Note: It never rains at Machane Herzl, it only heavy dews!"] when Kadimah comes back from the canoe trip.
- The absolutely incredible new facilities. The new tzrifim are great, with lots of open space, air conditioning fans, and comfy beds for both madrichim and campers. The Kfarim have been great for facilitating programming, and the new Haks are big and clean. And the benches on the Mercaz now have backs, perhaps the most underrated improvement of the whole process! It truly is incredible, and if you haven’t yet, now is a great opportunity to contribute by donating to the Here’s to Dear Old Herzl Capital Campaign.
- The delicious, healthy, Kosher food prepared with care by Andy and Myron. The kitchen staff are really nice to campers, Ozrim, and counselors alike, something that I am told was an issue in years past … *cough*Brandon*cough*.
- The fact Herzl Camp can boast among its alumni, Grammy winner Bob Dylan, Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas L. Friedman, Emmy nominee Eddy Kitsis (whose movie TRON Legacy comes out December 17th) [Director's Note: And was one of the genius writers that brought us LOST!], World Junior Ultimate Championship gold medalist Josh Klane, and future Oscar winner Jason Shapiro.
- The unsung heroes who make Machaneh run every single day – the volunteer doctors and nurses in the Marp, not to mention Dale and the maintenance crew.
- Rosemary’s Facebook page. You can friend her here. [Director's Note: The more friends she has, the longer she will haunt...]
I am thankful that I was a Herzl camper, Ozo, and Madrich. What are you thankful for?