Regional Kefiada Photo Roundup

This summer, I am one of the eight counselors from New Jersey and Delaware at the Kefiada Camp in Arad, Israel. Arad is a small city in the middle of the desert, literally. When we drove here, we turned down a street on the border of the town. On one side, we saw the desert sand, and on the other, we saw the green grass of Arad.

The counselors from New Jersey and Delaware are here in Israel through a program sponsored by Partnership 2000. Through the Partnership, communities in America are matched up with communities in Israel. Our mission at the camp is to strengthen the English speaking skills of Israeli children in this area.

The camp runs for three weeks, from 8am to 1pm, 5 days a week. Many days contain a theme, such as Road Safety Day. On a day such as this, we teach vocabulary and play games pertaining to the theme.

I work with 15 children from the third grade. With the help of 2 great Israeli counselors, we teach vocabulary. I have taught my children many English cheers, which have also increased their vocabulary.

After camp, we are given lunch at the absorption center where we stay. I live with the other two male American counselors. Our room has its own kitchen and bathroom, and each night we are treated to a beautiful sunset over the mountains in the Negev desert. At night, we are free to do as we please. Usually, we plan for the next day and hang out with the Israeli counselors. Also, at the start of the summer, we were all given host families, who we are able to meet with for meals or any other reason. My host family has me over many nights for dinner. Also, they have taken me to the Dead Sea and a Bedouin tent.

I am having a great time in Israel and am very thankful for being able to come. At times, the children are difficult to work with and communication is hard, but the other counselors and I work extremely hard to make sure the children have a fun and educational summer.

August 1999