Mini-Machane
Daniel Samowitz – Informal Jewish Life Educator
Year 9 Mini Machane
Last week from Wednesday to Friday, the Jewish Life team ran a Mini Machane (camp) in lieu of the cancelled Year 9 Ski Camp.
Our Jewish Life staff and Alumni Madrichim worked with Year 9 students in groups, learning together, playing games and debating about who they are and who they want to be. The content of the Mini Mach focussed on the students’ identity as a Year Group and the meaning of community. We studied Avraham in chevruta, we talked about the dissonance between what we believe and how we act, we played games, we laughed, we ate pizza and we had so much fun! We meditated and celebrated Shabbat together, looked around the community that is Year 9 and celebrated our connections. The Year 9 students walked away with more friendships and more insights into the maturing process the year is going through together.
For most, 2020 has been a complicated and hard year. It really feels like a long time since we have been able to enjoy school life outside of our classrooms, Mini Mach was an opportunity to do that and much more.
Here are some of the thoughts of our students about Mini Mach:
“I think that my group really understood by the end of the camp that Judaism could be incorporated into our discussions and into our lives without it being boring. I also left the camp feeling a lot closer to a lot of people in the Year Group who I wasn’t that close with before. The camp was also a lot better than most of us expected so I left it feeling very happy.”
“I felt a closer connection to the Year Group that wasn’t there before. I also enjoyed seeing what everyone thought about the different topics”
“Some of the discussions opened my eyes to different aspects of thinking.”
“I feel more connected and understanding of Judaism.”
“I really enjoyed how it was an opportunity to hear everyone’s perspectives. I loved how everyone was involved and didn’t just sit on the sidelines. Everyone shared really insightful thoughts which made me think more about my own perspective.”
“I especially enjoyed getting to know the year better and seeing everyone participate in the activities. It was also a nice, relaxing break from school-work and the stress of COVID.”
“Judaism has many layers.”
“It was really fun and enjoyable, I like being in groups with new people, I recommend it to other years in the future”
