Orientation Continues...

This past week has been both relaxing and hectic for all the new shnatties. It has been a time of excitement and new meetings, serious discussions and the start and strengthening of meaningful (and lifelong) friendships.
From last Sunday the shnatties were at the beautiful JNF campsite of Nes Harim which was quite reminiscent of a machane back in Australia or New Zealand - except for the luxury of cabins instead of tents! Despite a bit of drizzle on the first day, the rest of the week provided beautiful sunshine and allowed for many outdoor activities as well as intense discussions. The shnatties had peulot (programs) including discussing the equality of human value, wiping away prior stigmas and starting discussions on taking active and creative responsibility for their year ahead. Some of the kef (fun) actitivties included the entire group making plaster masks and painting them, a competition style "get to know your madrichim" game, and having an Australian/New Zealand culture evening.
On Thursday the shnatties left Nes Harim and travelled north, stopping on the way at Mt Tavor (near Afula) for a refreshing half-day hike. Tavor was the scene of a few biblical battles, and is uniquely shaped such that it is very distinguishable in Israel. The shnatties hiked their way up the mountain and as they were finishing, noticed a large pile of rubbish just strewn across the natural surroundings. Within a few minutes, the whole group had spontaneously cleaned up the lot!!
Thursday evening until tomorrow (Sunday) morning, the shnatties have been staying at Kibbutz Ravid, close to Tiberias. They have continued their orientation time, with some focus on practical matters including room discussions between the Machon & Boneh groups. On Friday night they had an awesome bonfire and singalong with marshmallows and on Saturday morning a nice walk around the area of the kibbutz.
Tomorrow the Machon group are travelling early in the morning to Jerusalem, and the Boneh group to Kibbutz Ein Gev. I am sure everyone will be happy to unpack their gear and do a load of washing! Both groups have a similar schedule this week with more orientation activities and special election activities on Tuesday. On Wednesday & Thursday the Machon group will be hiking and touring around the Ein Gedi and Dead Sea/Masada area. The Boneh group will be hiking from Arad to Masada/Dead Sea from Wednesday to Friday morning.