Things at Un-Camp have been happening at rapid fire this week. Trip upon trip, activity upon activity– it’s hard to keep up.
So, to keep you in the know, here are some highlights from the last few days.
Sunday
Our first Iowa trip landed us at a rollerblading rink in the middle of a corn field. (Interestingly enough, everything here seems to be in the middle of a corn field.)
The pros glided away on the freshly waxed-floors. The newbies prayed not to break anything, anyone, or themselves. And in true Un-Camp spirit, the seasoned skaters took the beginners by the hand and patiently showed them the way.
While Wal-Mart probably doesn’t get your heart pumping back at home, here, it’s the greatest imaginable excursion. With intense excitement, we flew off the bus as it pulled into the super-store parking lot, wondering how we could be expected to soak in all of Wal-Mart’s glory in the mere hour and forty-five minutes allotted us. We came back onto the bus refreshed and renewed, with all the things we really needed in tow– disco balls, full-length mirrors, and a whole lot of Pringles.
Monday
The setting sun. An open field. Not a movie…just the natural beauty of Tahigwa as we walked to the dining hall.
After our Gimmel Tammuz meal celebrating the life and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, we came together for a farbrengen. A traditional Chasidic gathering, a farbrengen is a time of deep reflection and sharing (often with a side of fudge brownies). We gained a more personal understanding of our new friends after hearing each other’s stories, realizing that we’re a lot less different than we seem to be at first glance.
Tuesday
All afternoon, we molded, shaped, and crafted away. After a beautiful talk on what art is with our amazing teacher and mentor Aarah, we got our hands dirty (very willingly) with some clay. Seeing everyone’s individuality come alive in their work was quite the experience.
After we perfected our creations, we went over to the classroom for an intro to graphology, a.k.a. handwriting analysis. How can you tell if someone has confidence? That she’s intelligent? Likes her distance, or wants to be around others all the time? Well, that’s exactly what we began to find out, and we can’t wait to test out our skills on all your handwritings back home. No pressure, but you might want to start practicing your penmanship now.
Wednesday
We had the privilege of singing, dancing, and painting with the special souls of the Spectrum Network, a day care center for adults with disabilities.
Giving to and helping the people of the world is a huge part of being Jewish, but who knew it could be so fun?
Then, we headed over to picturesque Dunning Springs. Whether climbing the waterfall, painting the waterfall, or painting someone climbing the waterfall, the breathtaking scenery was enjoyed by all.
So if, up to this point, you were doubting how much fun we could be having here in Iowa, now you know for sure that we’re having the time of our lives.
“But what have you been learning in class?!” you ask.
For that, you’ll have to wait until the next post. In the mean time, try not to let the suspense get to you. (Even though you really can’t be blamed if it does.)