8/6/09
<p>
Shalom Horeem (Parents),
<p>
It's nearing dinner  (chicken stir-fry) on day 2, and we are thoroughly enjoying our natural environ as we smell the pine, gawk at the redwoods, and appreciate our neighbors (the local flora and fauna).  Camp is humming along smoothly and everyone is having a blast.
<p>
Our ride to camp yesterday was relatively easy and quick -- we arrived just after 1pm to beautiful 80 degree weather and clear skies with a slight breeze rustling through the trees.  The sunset was beautiful and the evening temp a comfortable mid-fifties.  So far, the food has been delicious and well balanced and everyone is eating heartily.  We are keeping everyone hydrated and moisturized to ward off any altitude related issues, and everyone is healthy and happy.
<p>
Our opening program exposed the campers to many everyday [camp] vocabulary words such as:
<p>
Cabin  tzrif (tzirifim)<br>
Swimming Pool  brichat schiya<br>
Footbridge  gesher<br>
Dining Hall  chadar ochel<br>
Amphitheater  amphiteatron<br>
Fireplace  ach<br>
Archery  keshet<br>
Bathrooms  sheirutim<br>
Shower  miklachat<br>
Lodge  malon<br>
Climbing wall  kir tipus<br>
Ropes course  tachanot<p>

and more.   We'll build on learning these and others in the days to come.
<p>
We've taken advantage of our resources and the campers have been enjoying Arts N Crafts, swimming b' brichat schiya, learning aim and safety with bows and arrows b'keshet, generally taking in the beauty and awesome serenity of our not-so-everyday immersion in nature, and MORE!  The facility and its staff are treating us well, and we are adjusting to this new (to us) and very welcome mountain hideaway. However new to us, some of the old growth trees in our camp have been standing in place almost since Columbus sailed the ocean blue!
<p>
I want to personally thank you for loaning us your children so that we may continue to build our Camp Akiba family -- learning and growing together.  The oldest unit of campers (grades 8/9) has already begun planning our Friday evening services, and we look forward to a peaceful and enlightening Shabbat holiday as we take time out to focus on our roots, our heritage, our Judaism, ourselves, and...each other.
<p>
We have already taken many photos, and I'll make every effort to upload those to the website as time and internet access permits. Stay tuned for more updates in the very near future...
<p>
With love and shalom,
<p>
 Rick
<p>
P.S.  If you know of someone who ought to be receiving these updates but isn't (perhaps a spouse, or other relative), please send me their address, and I'll make sure to put it on the mailing list.