BOG WAR!

Today seemed like a regular day in camp with all the schedules showing nothing out of the norm, so why did the staff seem so busy? The mystery was revealed after the 3rd activity was switched for a KIWI all-star game. Then the head counselors made an announcement about a missing Walkie-Talkie or something, the culprit was non-other than BOG WAR!

Sophisticated security cameras caught the "thief"

The theme for this year’s Bog War is “CHITAS WAR”

After splitting up the teams and meeting our Lt. generals taught us our awesome team chants, it was time for us to meet our generals. Starting off with General Levi (Pekar) telling us about the importance of Chumash. Next the general for the team of Tehilim – General Eli (Lowbenstein) – explained the importance and the power of Tehilim. Lastly but definitely not least the general from the team of Tanya – Beso a.k.a. Mendel (Blesofsky) explained the importance of Tanya.

The three generals. From left: Beso, Eli, and Levi

We started off with a smashing Mincha and continued with immense energy Supper and then headed to the shul for the best scavengers (skits) ever! After six crazy scavengers, the campers headed up to the hill for bed, excited for another day of BOG WAR!!!

(Contrary to popular belief, BOG actually stands for Brown, Red, and Gray, not Blue, Orange, and Green.)

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BMD – Fire and Ice!!!

By Yehuda “No ‘H'” Fenton

This has been an incredible 24 hours here at BMD! Beginning right after breakfast, we rushed off to the buses for an amazing trip. Ahead of us lay skating, bonfires and a bivouac. Just further proof of how unmitigatedly awesome BMD is.

After an exciting bus ride, we arrived at an incredible ice-skating rink. We had just enough time to stop for lunch and then we hit the ice. Gliding along on professional figure skating skates, the bochurim careened around corners at breakneck speeds, skidding to a halt with perfect hockey stops. They skated to chassidishe music, some of the campers playing with a hockey puck, others merely weaving around the other skaters. It was a wonderful beginning to the bivouac.

We then headed over to the camp grounds. After Mincha, BMD was split into two camps and the collection of wood began. Traversing the forest, the campers returned with twigs, brush, and branches and piles of wood quickly accumulated. After the obligatory tree was brought to the campsite, construction of the bonfire began. Teams of staff worked tirelessly until both campsites had massive pyres built.

Before the fires could be lit, the bochurim were led to an exquisite barbeque, with hotdogs and chicken cutlets. After the meal was done, we all headed back to the campsite to daven maariv. Once we davened it was time to light the bonfires.

Although we can’t confirm whether or not the fires were lit with a single match or not, we can guarantee that within minutes two enormous conflagrations lit the night sky. With the roaring fires ablaze (and all the campers at a safe distance) everyone sat back to roast marshmallows, sing niggunim, and listen to stories of the Baal Shem Tov late into the night.

The next morning we awoke to mikva in a nearby river, an inspiring shachris under the open sky, and a lavish breakfast to rejuvenate from the trip. After breakfast, it was time to head back, ready for more phenomenal times at BMD.

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BIVOUAC!!!

As the shul filled with campers and staff alike there was an excitement in the air…….the campers were told someone had taken material from the arts and crafts… but that turned into a BOG WAR breakout. After all the teams were split up it was time for the generals… Chesky, Shmuly and Beso led the camp in the twelve psukim. When they were about to begin their pep talk, all the staff jumped out from behind the curtain and off the stage for a…….BIVOUAC (OVERNIGHT)!!!!

All the campers and counselors headed to their bunks to prepare their tents, flashlights, sleeping bags, bug spray and marshmallows, then returned to the shul for Mincha.

Once we arrived at the beautiful Never Sink Camping Grounds, the campers started to stretch out and play in the open area.

After we started to unpack and set up our tents, collect wood, and just hang out! Thank you to our dear survival director Yossi Serebryansky for showing us how to make a proper Teepee for our GIANT and SAFE bonfires!

With our counselors toiling over the grills to make us delicious supper we sang and ate and had the best bivouac ever!

Photos by Leivik

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