Seventh Graders Bond During Overnight Retreat
The scenic San Bernardino Mountains provided a gorgeous backdrop for the Seventh Grade Lag B’Omer Retreat held at Camp Mountain Chai in the Alpine Meadows Camp Retreat Center May 3-4. Nature conservation was the theme of the retreat.
The group arrived at the picturesque resort to find remnants of the previous snowfall covering the ground. After a little time playing in the snow, they started off with icebreakers and a “get to know you” lunch. Students were broken into six groups to participate in a rotation of various activities to promote group bonding and leadership building. The low ropes course pushed students to work together, think creatively, and overcome challenges. Students practiced their technique on the archery range, aiming for greater precision. In a challenge called “See Hear Seek,” students worked in teams of three to get a ball into the middle of the field while abiding by certain restrictions. One person was blindfolded, one person could give instruction but could not view the area, and the third person could see but not speak.
As it is customary to spend time outdoors during Lag B’Omer, students spent plenty of time exploring nature. Hikes to the river were the perfect time for silent contemplation and individual and group reflection. They discussed ways to care for the environment and how to limit the impact they have on it. During downtime, students could play basketball and GaGa and connect with friends. There were plenty of opportunities for students to build new friendships and strengthen old ones. They bonded over shared meals in the dining hall and even over birthday celebrations. Friday morning, they celebrated two students’ and a faculty members’ birthdays, singing Happy Birthday in four different languages—English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Farsi as they enjoyed cupcakes the retreat center provided.
Being off campus was a good way for students and faculty to connect outside the classroom. “It gave me a chance to interact with some kids I don’t teach in class in a different environment and bond and have fun,” said Math Teacher Dimitri Hodgkinson. Retreat leaders, Middle School Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein and Middle School Assistant Principal Chris Scarlata, spoke to small groups and individual students, reflecting on the year and having them envision what they wanted for their eighth grade year.
At the evening campfire, Rabbi Finkelstein shared the history of Lag B’Omer— a minor Jewish holiday that occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer and marks the end of an ancient plague. They made s’mores and also partook in the Israeli tradition of eating roasted potatoes and whole roasted onions.
Spending time with her peers around the campfire was the highlight of the retreat for Sofia Goldenstein. “I felt this is when everybody in the grade really connected and when we had time to talk to our teachers and friends for a long time,” she noted.
When asked what he hoped students would gain from attending the retreat, Rabbi Finkelstein said “I hope they feel a stronger sense of connection and identity with their class. And that they feel a sense of ownership and empowerment over the next year when they are going to be leaders of the school and can choose how they want their class to be.”
Students had a memorable two days engaging in outdoor adventures, community building and leadership training.
“The seventh grade Lag B’Omer retreat was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond with their classmates outside of the classroom and solidify friendships, reflect on their year, and orient themselves as they become the leaders of the middle school,” remarked Rabbi Finkelstein.
“It was great to see the kids laugh, play, engage, and work together,” said Hebrew Teacher Gala Zakai.
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