Rachel Turtledove – Year 10

Machaneh Ayekah was one of the most eye-opening, incredible camps I have ever been on. I learnt so much about myself and so many other people in my year. It was so great to see our entire Year Group bond and become closer in such a short time. Camp was all about the term, “Ayekah?” meaning, “Where are you?” For us, this term does not mean where are you physically, but rather on a spiritual and deeper level, such as what our place is in the world and who we are as individuals.

On camp we were all split up into five different family groups and spent the majority of camp in these groups. Each family group was led by one Israeli and one Australian Madrich/a. Family group time was so special and the family groups allowed us to bond with people in our Year who we may have not been close with before starting camp. Every family group bonded very quickly which meant that we could all easily have meaningful conversations in an inclusive environment.

The atmosphere on camp was always a buzz. We participated in so many different activities, many of which were created by the Israeli Madrichim. We meditated, learnt about Jewish people and different aspects of life such as the environment and food, engaged in a mock IDF training morning, participated in the Amazing Race and of course, could be found Ruach dancing every night, which was definitely a highlight for all. Shabbat was a very special experience and it was so nice to share it with the whole year.

One of the most incredible and moving experiences about camp was one of the meditative activities we did outside on one of the nights. We were led, with our eyes looking down at the floor, to a spot away from the main area of the campsite. We did a short reflection activity with our eyes still closed and eventually looked up at the stars and it was incredible. It was something so easy to do at home but it is so rare that any of us take time out of our day to appreciate the nature around us. It became even more special as we looked around and saw all of our Year Group with arms around each other and being together in silence.

Overall, Machaneh Ayekah was truly an amazing experience and all of the Peulot activities were really enjoyable. Making long-lasting connections with both the Israeli and Australian Madrichim heightened each and every one of our camp experiences and made it even more special for all of us. On behalf of Year 10, I’d like to say a big thank you to all the teachers who came on camp, Mr Bloom, Mr Samowitz, Ms Goldberg, Ms Selinger, Mr Ezekiel, Mr Janks and Rabbi Siegel, as well as all the Israeli and Australian Madrichim.