summer-2013

We began our first full week of camp with a typical day at Camp Sports. After 2 hours of advisor-camper learning sessions, we were off to the sports fields. Even though there were thunderstorms in the morning, the sun had come out just in time for us to get two league games in. The weather has been consistently inconsistent, and right near the end of  the second league games, it started to rain again. However, it cleared up and was hot and sunny again, just in time for us to go to the pool for a late afternoon swim. After Maariv, Rabbi Green gave a night class about the disputes of G-d, ending off an amazing day at Camp Sports.

On Monday, after a regular morning of learning groups, we boarded the buses and headed off to Hershey Park! The weather called for a rainy day, which was good for us because it kept the wait for rides short. Not only was Hershey Park an awesome thrilling amusement park, but it was also an excellent opportunity for the NCSYers to stock up on their chocolate stash for the rest of the summer. We spent almost 5 hours in the park before breaking for Mincha and dinner. We then returned to the park for an additional two hours before heading back to camp. Even though we didn’t play sports, we returned to camp just as exhausted, if not more exhasted, than any other intense day at Camp Sports.

After Shabbos was over, we went bowling, as we do after every Shabbos. Only this time, we had to go to a new bowling alley because our longtime bowling alley had closed down. When we got there, we were in for a big surprise. This was no ordinary bowling alley, it was a type of bowling known as Duckpin Bowiling. Duckpin Bowling differs from regular bowling in that both the bowling balls and pins are tiny (see pictures). Additionally, you are allowed three throws instead of two. Most of the NCSYers and Advisors had never heard of this type of bowling before and it made for a very interesting night. When we returned from bowling, we were treated to a pizza Melava Malka as we put a close to our first, albeit shortened, week of camp.

How would one describe the first Shabbos in camp? Well, one could say that “Shabbos is really, really nice.” Just ask Ilan Friedner!

We began our first Shabbos in camp with an exciting Kabbalas Shabbos Davening (prayer) lead by advisor Benjy Dennis. We sang and danced around the Beis Medrash as we welcomed in the Shabbos for the first time this summer. After a meal filled with zemiros (shabbos songs) and fun, the NCSYers were treated to Oneg led by Rabbi Moshe Zucker, which of course was filled with chulent and candy.

The next day, the NCSYers and advisors made good use of the long Shabbos afternoons to catch up on some sleep and spend some quality time ‘chilling’ in the dorms, away from the hot Baltimore sun. There was Rita’s Ices for those who hung around the Beis Medrash to learn a little extra on Shabbos. After Mincha, Rabbi Green had a talk with the NCSYers about G-d’s existence, which was followed by a delicious Shaleshuddes (third shabbos meal).

We then entered the just-about-to-be-renovated main Beis Medrash of Ner Israel Rabbinical College for one of the most amazing Ebbings in Camp Sports history. The entire Yeshiva moved out of the Beis Medrash, which has been in use for 60 years, in order to undergo summer renovations. We had the amazing opportunity to spend the last few moments of Shabbos singing and hearing inspiring words from NCSYer Chad Horwitz and Rabbi Green, just before they tear down the walls. It was truly a special moment in Camp Sports history, and an Ebbing to be remembered!

NCSY Summer Programs began this week with the commencement of NCSY Camp Sports! After a hectic day of flight arrivals, bus arrivals, orientation, unpacking, and, of course, one of Ner Israel’s delicious dinner’s  on Wednesday, camp was officially underway on Thursday morning. This summer, we are focusing on the Yomim Tovim in Tishrei during the first learning session. We began by discussing the meaning behind the Shofar, as well as other aspects of  Rosh Hashanah. After breaking for lunch, we kicked off Camp Sports’s famous leagues, with each team sharing one common goal, that coveted championship. We wrapped up the first day of camp with our weekly mishmar, where campers match up with advisors for special Thursday late night learning. There was a raffle and a BBQ after Mishmar for all who stayed up to enjoy it! What a way to start up the summer!

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NCSY Summer is shaping up and about to begin its largest summer yet. With close to 1,000 participants expected to attend one of NCSY’s 12 summer programs, it’s going to be an epic summer!

This summer, NCSY launched three new programs: ICE Israel, TJJ Plus and GIVE USA. ICE Israel is a co-ed program that travels through the land of Israel. TJJ Plus is a leadership program for public school teens that have already spent a summer on TJJ. The program begins in Poland where teens learn about their rich Jewish history and culminates with a unique Israel experience. Lastly, GIVE USA is an all-girls program based in Upstate New York that focuses on volunteering and service learning opportunities.

Each NCSY summer program is lead by experienced and talented professionals who have spent the year researching and planning exciting trips, activities and educational experiences. Now it’s your turn to let the summer unfold and see what’s in store for you. Get ready for the Best. Summer. Ever!

NCSY Summer Programs are more than just summer trips. They’re one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of a person’s life. NCSY runs twelve unique summer programs in the US, Israel and Europe that cater to teens with different interests and backgrounds.