In perfect timing with the beautiful warm weather, Spring Seminar was an incredible experience had by both the madrichim and chanchim. After sighting Orca Whales on the Ferry we arrived to Gabriola Island on Friday evening. We split up into groups and broke the ice with hot-chocolate and cookies. Saturday kicked off with playing gaga and delicious cinnamon buns. We had Chugim (activities), walked to The Point, did havdalla, rikud, musical / medura (talent show) and did kumzits (singing songs) around a bonfire. Due to the circumstances of the size of Seminars, Chanchim had the unique opportunity to spend time with chanchim from different kvutzot (age groups). Luckily we were able to enjoy the lush greenery of Gabriola Island that lessens throughout the summer months. On Sunday morning we went to twin beaches and played a seminar-wide link-tag! This was a great start to the summer!

West Coast Seminar is a yearly event where the post-Bonim, MBI and Madatz kvutzot from both Miriam and Gilboa spend a weekend together. This year the seminar took place in Vancouver and it was a smashing success! We had chanichim attend from LA, Calgary, California and more! The theme of the seminar was leadership, which was quite fitting as the attendees of the seminar in just a few years time will become the leadership of Habonim Dror!
The seminar included discussions about what it meant to be a leader, the 

importance of maintaining relationships outside of ones own machaneh and exploring Vancouver. By the end of the weekend, individuals felt a strong bond to the people they had just met. Thank you to all the chanichim for making this one of our biggest and most successful seminars of the year!

Camp Miriam is holding our annual Raffle! All proceeds go to Camp Miriam Leadership Development Fund.

AND MORE!

The draw will be held on June 2nd. Our goal is to raise $7500! So please help support our camp by buying and selling tickets.

The Sayarim Kvutza gathered at the bayit to do havdalla Camp Miriam style: we sang songs, blessings and watched the flame of the havdalla candle flicker while listening to relaxing music. Then after the flame was put out and as traditionally done at camp, we ate delicious chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice-cream! Afterwards we enjoyed an exciting game of Settler's of Catan. 

In addition to the bayit on 25th and main st. where the 59 shichvah is currently living, another habonim bayit has been established on Granville and Devonshire.

During this year's 10th annual Festival Ha Rikud at the JCC, Camp Miriam Maapilim were invited to run an exhibition about Yitzchak Rabin's significane and his contribution to peace efforts in Israel.

All of the tzofim met up at the Mader household to watch a movie and discuss education! The movie entitled: Waiting For Superman illuminated many issues regarding the formal education system in America and lead into a conversation about the everyday struggles that the Tzofim face at school and how kvutsah can be an amazing support in dealing with those problems. There were of course many snacks and a good time was had by all! 

Camp Miriam offers several funds with different purposes.
Here are two of them:

Camp Miriam has a policy of "no child turned away due to lack of funds". The Campership Fund provides subsidies to many Jewish kids who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a summer camp that not only strengthens their Jewish identity but also provides a connection to Jewish heritage.

Alisa Bowman Leadership Fund
The fund is in memory of Alisa Levi Bowman, a tribute to her vision of developing Jewish leaders and strong leadership for camp. It provides financial aid to participants in Camp Miriam and Habonim leadership development programs. Supporting the education of Camp Miriam's future leaders is of utmost importance to the future of Camp. 

An initiative between Camp Miriam Maapilim and Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library at the JCC, the Maapilim are providing free tutoring at the JCC library. And of course, it is also time for engagement and fun with the Maapilim.

 

This is the description by the JCC website: 

Mo &Tu 4:30 - 6:30 pm