SA Youth Movements Advertorial

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Habonim

December is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity for something different, something unique and special, something that will create memories that last a lifetime, something we’ve all come to call home: Habo Machaneh.

We know that there are many alternatives to entertain your children throughout December, but there is only one option if you want your kids to have the opportunity to live a two minutes’ walk from the beach, to experience independence while still being safe, to meet other young Jewish kids from all over the country, to engage with their Jewish identity, to learn about Israel, South Africa and the world, to make lifelong best friends, and to just experience a magical holiday. Habonim Machaneh offers something different. A place to be free, to feel like youth is eternal, to fall in love, to be unburdened by the outside world while working towards bettering it, and an environment that is the perfect fit for every type of South African Jew.

As Rosh Machaneh, I want to assure you that my team and I will continue to work day and night to ensure that מחנה׳18 החולמים is the most magical and unforgettable experience it can possibly be for your kids and our channichim. We want our machaneh to resonate with our members the same way that machanot resonated for us during our time as channichim – a landmark of youth.

For the past 11 years, Habonim Machaneh has been my oasis. It’s the one place where I’ve been able to experience life in a carefree way, and Habonim has given me the confidence, the leadership skills, and the friendships to last a life time.

To explain what I’ve seen Habonim do for the thousands of people who have stepped foot onto the Onrus campsite over the past few decades is almost impossible, but there is a reason why everyone calls it home. Because, although we spend only three weeks of each year there, it’s the place where we feel most comfortable, filled with happiness, and safe to be who we want to be.

Don’t just trust me, but the thousands and thousands of Habonim chaverim who have travelled to Onrus in December, that you will not regret attending Habonim Machaneh this year for one second. No other holiday, whether it be Cape Town, Plett, Europe, or any other camp, can guarantee that for three weeks straight, you will be having fun in the safest possible environment. That for three weeks you will not feel bored or like you’re missing out on being somewhere else. Because when you are at Habonim Machaneh, there isn’t anywhere else you’d rather be. And when the day is done, and it’s time to get onto the buses to return back to reality, you will find yourself counting down the days until December 2019.

If you would like to get hold of me to discuss any issues or questions relating to machaneh, don’t hesitate to email me at jess@habo.org.za, or call me at our offices, on 011 7867046.

Bnei Akiva

The best thing about the year flying by so fast is that Bnei Akiva Machaneh is just around the corner! The feeling is in the air, and everyone is talking about it. We are world renowned for our incredible machaneh, and this year we are truly taking it to the next level.

There is no better way to spend a summer holiday than at Bnei Akiva Machaneh. We bring more than a thousand people to an environment that is safe, enriching, and most of all … fun. The beach, tiyulim, chugim, inspiring tochniot, and non-stop action are all happening at Machaneh Ivri Anochi. Not only will our chanichim and madrichim leave machaneh inspired and fulfilled, they will also have had the most incredible three-week holiday with their friends.

What to expect on machaneh:

•             Opportunities to meet new people from all over the country, and to develop lifelong friendships.

•             Rest, relaxation, and recreation in a fun and social environment. Time to learn about your Judaism and Eretz Yisrael.

•             A beautiful private beach with professional lifeguards.

•             An unbelievable tiyul in the Garden Route.

•             Loads of sport – rugby, soccer, volleyball, netball, indoor basketball, and all the sporting equipment you could wish for!

•             Music, entertainment, and ruach that will uplift your soul!

•             A qualified team of doctors, medics and CSO guards on duty 24 hours a day.

•             A vibey, friendly, and well-stocked tuck-shop.

•             Well balanced delicious meals and excellent menus.

•             A mind blowing, wonderful machaneh experience that you will never forget.

This year’s theme centres on the idea of being a proud Jew. Every person has a unique Jewish Identity. Machaneh Ivri Anochi is 100% committed to shaping, nurturing, and growing Jewish pride and identity in each of our channichim, not only inspiring them, but allowing them to have the best time possible.

Machaneh Ivri Anochi takes place from 12 to 31 December. If you are in Ktan-Tanim (Grades 3 and 4) the dates are 12 to 17 December, and for Gurim (Grades 5 and 6), machaneh will run from 12 to 24 December.

At Bnei Akiva, we have a policy of never denying a camper the opportunity to attend our programmes. Throughout the year, we campaign tirelessly to assist chanichim who simply cannot afford this opportunity. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will never turn away a channich from attending our machaneh for financial reasons.

Netzer

At Netzer, we strive to achieve the Jewish notion of tikkun olam (repairing the world), to be proud, progressive Jews and proud South Africans, to empower youth, and ensure that we are active reform Zionists.

We all know the song Adama Ve Shamayim. It is a favourite amongst Netzerniks on a Saturday night, and now, it is the name of this year’s Machaneh.

“Earth and sky,

heat of fire, sound of water

I can feel it in my body,

in my spirit, in my soul”

During Machaneh Adama VeShamayim we will focus on realising our ideas and thoughts, manifesting our beliefs in the real world – from the heavens to the earth.

Two weeks may sound like a long time, but at the end, you’ll wish camp was twice that long. Machaneh might just be the most jam-packed two weeks you will ever have.

At Netzer, you are split into four age groups, each with your own awesome madrichim, there to make camp as exciting, challenging, and interesting as possible.

In these groups, you will make some of the closest friends imaginable, and will have memories and experiences unlike anything you have experienced before.

Days on camp are filled with loads of fun and educational activities, as well as sessions where you are able to learn a new skill, whether it be in music, art, or something completely different.

Big days include Tikkun Day, Israel Day, South Africa Day, and Tiyul.

But, our most famous event is definitely the Colour Wars. This year, the Blue team will face off against last year’s champion, the Red team, in a day full of games designed to test what we are made of. Each round consists of two games, either physical or intellectual in nature.

If you can’t find us at the campsite, it is probably because we have walked down to the dam to cool off from what is sure to be one hot camp. Of course, what would be the point of hosting Machaneh in Cape Town if we didn’t throw in a few visits to the beach every few days – so don’t forget your towel and sunscreen!

As things draw to a close, don’t worry, you will be able to party the last night away at our Last Night Disco, helping to forget any sadness you may feel about the end of camp.

Netzer South Africa Machaneh is definitely the best way to spend the December holidays. Fun, sunshine, and the best friends you could ask for.

We look forward to everyone on our campsite learning, growing, and turning their beliefs into reality.

Camp runs from December 14 to 28. Contact Jason to find out more at camp@netzer.org.za, visit our website, www.netzer.org.za, or catch us on Facebook – Netzer South Africa.