Camp Massad (Manitoba)

Camp Massad (Machaneh Massad/מחנה מסד in Hebrew) is a Hebrew-speaking Jewish and Zionist summer camp for campers aged 7 to 16 located at Winnipeg Beach in Manitoba, Canada. The camp was founded in 1953. Leona Billinkoff ("Gveret B") was the first Eemah (camp mother) and administrator, a position which she held until 1978. Along with her late husband Alec, Gveret B kept Massad alive and well during its early formative years. Because of her special role from 1953-1978, she is sometimes considered the camp's founder. She is now a Life Member and strong supporter of Massad. During the 1950s, the late Rabbi Avraham Kravetz used to visit Mrs. Billinkoff at the camp and to assure her that she was "doing God's work".

Jack ("Prak") Boroditsky, who was the program director from 1972-1978, played a major role in the development of the camp's traditions and major programs. Most of the current programs took shape during Prak's years at the helm.

The camp features a kosher kitchen and over 20 acres of private forest. Massad boasts a "kadoor uf" (beach volleyball) court, a large outdoor "braycha" (swimming pool), a "kadoor sul" (basketball) court, paved tennis courts and an outdoor stage. Camp Massad is a registered charity and a member of the Manitoba Camping Association. It has received grants for capital projects from the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Foundation, the Thomas Sill Foundation, and the Manitoba Community Places Program. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of alumni and parents of campers. It attracts campers from Winnipeg, Manitoba, other parts of Canada and various cities in the United States.

Age groups

Bisseleh

"Bisseleh" (Yiddish for "little bit") is the youngest age category for Massad campers, consisting of children going into Grades 2-3, or approximately 8 years of age. For many children, "Bisseleh" is their first time camping away from home. The "Bisseleh" program lasts a total of five days, enabling campers to experience a taste of Camp Massad programming, which usually includes "Café Ben-Leumi", "Festival" and other daily programs.

Gezah

Following "Bisseleh", campers then enter "Gezah" (literally "trunk"). "Gezah" is a program for campers who are going into Grades 3-4, and lasts for two weeks. "Gezah" occurs from the beginning the second week of camp through the end of the camp session. During "Gezah", campers experience a whole slew of Massad programming, including "Televisia", "Yom Sport", "Yom Yisrael", camping outdoors and "Maccabia".

Anaf, Tsameret Aleph, Tsameret Bet and Amir

Similar to "Gezah", "Anaf" (literally "branch"), , "Tsameret Aleph", "Tsameret Bet" (literally "treetop") and "Amir" are age categories for children going into Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 respectively. Children in "Anaf" have the option of going to camp for two or three weeks, whereas children in the older age groups go to camp for three weeks.

Ma'alit

Campers in "Ma'alit" (literally "elevator") are those who are going into Grade 9 at the completion of the summer. Campers in "Ma'alit" experience programming that differs considerably from the younger age groups, including Judaic/Zionist based simulations. "Ma'alit" campers also tend to experience a greater amount of freedom and flexibility in terms of their daily routines. They perform in the general "Televisia" and also produce their own "Televisia", whereby they write their own scripts, produce their own props, make their own constumes and star in their own "schticks". The "Ma'alit" are also responsible for creating a Shabbat, whereby they choose a theme and paint corresponding backdrops for it. During "Maccabia", "Ma'alit" are assigned to teams as campers, whereby they perform in "Hatzagot" (plays) and "Aruchot" (themed dinners). The "Ma'alit" program lasts three weeks and often occurs at the beginning of the summer, although in the past it has taken place at the end of the summer. It has the option of going for five weeks (Ma'alit Plus). In Ma'lit Plus there is a new program that was inrotduced in 2008 and can only be done if there is a large number of people in the Ma'alit plus program, this program is called Mini Maccabia. Mini Macabia is like Macabia (see Macabia) except it is only Ma'alit plus'ers. and this is only 1 and a half days verses 2 (or 3 for councellors)you start in the afternoon your team either plans a themes arucha (dinner) or a hatzagah (play) and you make songs. The next day you make your drops and set up what you were doing (either the hatzagah or arucha. A few councellors are the judges.

Mechina

"Michina", the first of two years of training to become a counselor at Camp Massad, is for campers who will be entering Grade 10 upon completion of the summer. Campers in "Michina" are provided with a more hands-on approach to training than during "Ma'alit", often directly assisting the counselors during programming. "Michina" is for two weeks during first session, and three weeks during second session. The "Michina" program, like the Ma'alit program, includes simulations, the creation of a Shabbat and other programs that differ from that of the general camp.

"Michina" campers are also assigned to younger cabins on occasion such as to familiarize these campers with the responsibilities associated with being in charge of children. As well, during major programming, such as "Televisia" and "Maccabia", "Michina" campers directly help the counsellors, whether it be in making props, attending to children, or, on rare occasions, writing and planning. As well, during the summer, "Michina" are responsible for creating a themed "aruchah", or meal, for the counselors. The program is called "Lel Mis" (short for Lel Misada - restaurant night).

Not to be outdone, later in the summer, the group also created an entire play written, produced and acted by themselves. It is a "Hatzagah" (play) and there have been many different ones. The titles range from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" to "Risk".

Machshira

The second of two years of training to become a counselor, "Machshira" (literally "she prepares" or "she makes kosher") is a program for campers who will be entering Grade 11 upon the completion of the summer. Campers in "Machshira" are effectively "Counselors-in-Training", with responsibilities that include frequent assignment to younger cabins and assisting counselors during major programming. During major programs, such as "Televisia" and "Maccabia", "Machshira" take an active role, often writing "schticks"/"hatzagot" with counselors, making props, encouraging "ruach" (spirit), amongst the campers, and other accessory work during the day. As well, "Machshira" go overnight camping in various parks across the province. The "Machshira" program takes place for the entirety of the summer, all three weeks of ona aleph (first session) and all three weeks of ona bet (second session). Following the conclusion of "Machshira", the "Machshira" campers graduate from the program, whereby they reminisce about their previous summers at Camp Massad and are celebrated for their achievements by the Camp Massad staff.

Va'ads

Counselors at Camp Massad, in addition to their responsibilities for campers, are also responsible for daily programming, or "peulot". As such, each counselor, other than those at the "Ma'alit", "Michina" and "Machshira" level, belongs to a certain "Va'ad", or group, and are responsible for daily programming in the particular theme of the "va'ad". The "va'ads" at Camp Massad are:

Va'ad Rikud

The dance group, "Va'ad Rikud" are responsible for providing campers with the grace, finesse and skill associated with performing Israeli and other assorted dances. During Shabbat, "Va'ad Rikud" teach campers in a particular tsreef (cabin) a dance to be performed in front of the rest of the camp prior to the Friday night Israeli dancing, with each cabin performing a Shabbat dance at some point during the session. Through "Va'ad Rikud", campers learn to express themselves not with words, but with the movement and actions of their bodies.

Va'ad Sport

The sport group, "Va'ad Sport" are responsible for teaching campers how to play the sports available at the camp, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis and paddleball, as well as reinforcing such key character traits as teamwork and competition. As well, during "Yom Sport", "Va'ad Sport", and specifically the "Rosh Va'ad Sport", are in charge of activities and scheduling for that day.

Va'ad Drama

The drama group, "Va'ad Drama" are responsible for teaching campers the skill of being an actor, as well as other roles associated with the performing arts. As well, "Va'ad Drama" is responsible for the Oscar program, in which cabins produce their own films to be shown in a "film festival" at the camp.

Va'ad Tzofeyoot

The outdoors group, "Va'ad Tzofeyoot" are responsible for teaching campers to become one with the nature that surrounds them. "Va'ad Tzofeyoot" teaches the campers how to make campfires, how to whittle sticks, how to cook outdoors, and how to camp outdoors. "Va'ad Tzofeyoot" are responsible for taking out the tiyoolay lila (overnights).

Va'ad Omanoot

The arts group, "Va'ad Omanoot" "ועד אומנות", is responsible for art activities at the camp. Examples of activities performed by Va'ad Omanoot include Tie-Dye, candy art, magnets, popsicle-stick boxes and basically any other creative idea that may come across the mind of a young camper.

Va'ad Yisrael

A new va'ad for the summer of 2006, "Va'ad Yisrael" will incorporate Zionism, Judaism and other Israeli-themed programming into daily activities. It is generally assumed that the Israelis sent to Massad from the Mechina program will be members of this va'ad. Although a new va'ad, "Va'ad Yisrael" should have no trouble in developing into a successful Va'ad, and indeed, already has a day, Yom Yisrael, devoted to its programming, much like the other Va'ads.

Va'ad Botziut

Periodically this va'ad pops up as the canoeing/waterfront va'ad. Mostly prominent before the construction of the swimming pool. The name is derived from the Hebraicized English sound for "boats" but could also be a derivative of the Hebrew word for mud (BoTZ) and its prominence in the lake.

Major programs

Televisia

Televisia is the least competitive-competitive program in which there are anywhere from six to eight Hebrew skits performed in one night. It starts the night before the actual event when the camp director recruits four councillors to be the "roshim" (leaders) of the two competing teams. Later, counselors gather together to get placed on teams. After they do, they get separated into teams of 2-4 to write dramatic skits in Hebrew. A small group is also dedicated to writing a song. There can be anywhere from 6 to 12 skits on a Televisia Night.

The next morning one member from every group goes to the camp director to foolproof the skit, and later to photocopy it. The campers get separated onto those two teams to learn their skits in the morning, immediately after breakfast. They get to their teams' headquarters (Beside the "moadon" or inside the "metzudah") and learn the team song. Shortly after, a member from each writing team takes the kids to learn their Hebrew skits.

All the meanwhile, the counselors not teaching the children the skit or song are painting backdrops or building stages for the productions later in the "Oolam". There have been Televisias where the "Oolam" was not big enough to house both teams' skits. In those years one team has the "Oolam" and the other occupies the "Chadar Ochel" (the dining hall).

Finally, when the campers have learned the plays and the stages are prepared, the program actually begins. Shoftim (judges) are usually the minahel (camp director), and former senior camp counselors. The results are decided by the plays, the songs and the "ruach" (spirit) showcased throughout the day.

The youngest counselors-in-training or "Ma'alit" have a similar program called "Ma'alit Televisia" in which there are commonly 6 "roshim" (3 on either team) and they prepare and act in their own plays.

Yom Sport

Yom Sport is a program put on by the oldest counselors-in-training, the "Machshirah". The day is dedicated to a day of sports, with the campers competing against each other. The final scores are broken down into: spirit, sport, and songs.

Like all major programs, Yom Sport begins the night before when secretly; the four heads of the program are selected by the "Rosh Sport" (head of sports), the "Machshirah" counselors and the camp director. They decide on two names, after which the rest of the "Machshirah" get placed on the two separate teams. That night they go to their two headquarters located at the "moadon" or inside the "metzudah". They both prepare a cheer, a song, a flag and many "smalim" (logos) the children will all wear. In previous years, each team wrote two cheers and three songs.

The next day, after breakfast the campers get divided into the two teams. They get taken to the headquarters where they immediately begin to learn the song, and then get taken to their sports. At lunch, the campers perform their cheer, and throughout the day they scream for "Ruach" (spirit) points. Normally there are two counselors on both teams that oversee the campers as means of high authority.

At lunch, the campers sing their cheer, and scream for the rights to get lunch first. The teams sit on opposite sides of the "Chadar Ochel". Soon after, they get an hour of rest and back to sport. At the start of the evening, the "Meyrootzeem" (races) are held. Each side picks one runner from each age group, and from each gender to race against each other. As they finish, the heads of the teams have their race together, most often in a wheelbarrow race. The races lead into the tug-of-wars of the "Machshirah" against the counselors. There have also been "Machshirah" gender tug-of-war, in which the sexes are pitted against each other.

Finally, the cheer and final song are sung. While the scores are tabulated, the campers and "Machshirah" get a well deserved opportunity to rest, with milk and cookies. The winner is announced and the camp goes to sleep.

Maccabia

Maccabia is the most popular and the most competitive program at Camp Massad. It features a themed dinner and a long skit along with numerous songs. It is commonly referred to as "Big Mac".

Day before "Yom Tekes"

The camp director organizes the judges, and finalizes the list of the two teams and the four "Roshim" (Heads) of the Maccabia. The director then recruits the four roshim in total secrecy and gives them much time to decide their team names. The "roshim" are almost always on the executive council known as the "Hanhalah", or they are counselors of the training ages ("Ma'alit", "Michinah", "Machshirah").

"Yom Seret"

Details held in secrecy.

"Yom Aleph"

After the two teams have been decided, the competition begins the next morning at 9:00 a.m. The judges are now in the camp, called in by the camp director. They are most often composed of old Maccabia "Rosheem", or former "Hanhalah" members. They meet for the raising of the "degel" (flag) and watch as each team performs a short "Degel Shtick".

After breakfast the teams meet back at their headquarters (beside the "moadon" or inside the "metzudah"). The "Ruach" (spirit) leaders go over the cheers and occasionally the songs (constantly if they wrote them) during their break. After which there are the zany "races" which are more like oddball tasks than races. One race includes running with a ladle full of coloured water to a container and dumping it in. The most water in an allotted time wins the round. Other tasks are leapfrog drag races, and water balloon catching. Though the winners often win by a point or a half point, it is a lot of fun for the campers - what the program is truly about.

After yet another break, the teams go to lunch - outdoors as one team uses the dining hall for their evening play. The most famous outdoor food is cubed cheese, which is food exactly as it sounds. After eating, the "Hazmanah" (invitation) is acted out for the dinner that night. The teams then go to their respective teams to sing their kriya (cheer) and first shir (song). The campers then have sha'at minucha (a chance to rest for an hour), as they return to their cabins.

While this is all going on, one team is working on their themed dinner for the evening in the "Oolam". The other is occupying the chadar ochel (dining hall) for their play late in the evening. After the hour the two teams learn what they will be doing that night. They will either have roles in the play or have jobs to perform with small speaking parts for the themed dinner.

About 2 hours later, it is time for dinner. The teams meet again for the lowering of the flag, known as "Horadat Ha'degel". The team that has the themed dinner goes to practice, while the team that performs the play gets a small snack to hold them until the themed dinner. After this, the teams switch and one team eats (kosher hotdogs and other foods), while the other performs on stage for the first time.

Then it is time for the dinner. The judges and opposing team meet and go into the "Oolam". Examples of the dinners have included "A Wedding", "Silver City" (A movie theater) and "Baseball All-Star Game". The best themed dinner or "Arucha" is constantly debated, and with no detailed records, it will never be known just how fantastic old "aruchot" were.

When the themed dinner is over, the chaos begins. The chanichim (campers) are rushed for final practices. The madrichim (counselors) race to get the coloured lights out of the sockets and into the "Chadar Ochel". Though it has never caught on, some refer to this as "Rush Hour" as counselors are constantly running to get everything done. The people behind the scenes are those who work on props and costumes. These are counselors recognized with their genuine abilities to make something out of nothing. At this time they are on sets getting costumes on kids, and with little time to do so.

Why this is really chaos is for five reasons:
*There are those who are trying to get the lights inside the sockets, and aligned properly.
*There are those who are trying to get the light cords to not obstruct view.
*There are those who are trying to get the costumes on the campers.
*There are those who are trying to teach the play, and make it full proof.
*There are those who are trying to ask pointless questions to people who are much too busy to answer them. That being said, the kids are prepped, and the writers get all music and timing of the lights in place. Counselors then "Toe the line" as they stand at the front row directing where the borderline to watch the play is. The judges very often sit at the back of the room, often where couches or benches have been set up for them. Some plays include "Anne Frank" "Boker Tov Vietnam" (Good Morning Vietnam), "Fantasia", "Hatzagah Hatzagah" (A play about writing a play). Fantasia and Pan's Labyrinth are the two highest marked camp plays at a score of 29/30). As the play finishes the team that has just performed jump up and yell out their team name as loud as they can. After seconds the two teams are in a shouting war. The camp director then jumps in and signals for "Rad Hayom" - the good night song at Camp Massad. The kids are then off to bed, while the counselors are left to do clean-up.

After the campers are asleep, the real work begins. Both teams meet up with their counselors, "Michinah" and "Machshirah" to organize the plan for the next and final day. There are those who roll backdrops, who write plays, who plan spirit, who plan dinners and who (if still necessary) write songs.

The backdrop rollers are often composed of those who work in the "Oolam" or "Chadar Ochel"all day. They are also props + costume workers. Those who plan ruach are either helping with songs, or planning new, creative ways of cheering.

The work for the evening activities takes place in the "Bahyeet" (house) where the Hanahala live. The planners pitch ideas back-and-forth, constantly trying to come up with concrete activities and details to reinforce their plan. As one is selected, the detailing begins: from how the "Oolam" will be divided to what kind of food they will need, to the type of backdrops they want to see.

The writers earn their stripes on Maccabia night. They hold 30 points on their shoulders alone. Writing teams for Maccabia are never more than 6, though they are usually around 4 or 5. A play idea has been pitched in the past, though it is also sometimes already in mind if the Rosh is a writer. The writers and planners stay up until very late, and sometimes all night. Usually they sleep through breakfast and during the early morning. The heads are often writers and do not get that opportunity. They often get little or no sleep in the entire "Maccabia".

A side note is that no more than 5 counselors (aside from the heads) are allowed up past 3:00 a.m. However, it is known for counselors to hide, or for "Machshirah" to "unknowingly" lose track of time.

"Yom Bet"

"Yom Bet" is very similar to "Yom Aleph" in schedule. The team's roles have been reversed for the evening however "Yom Bet" is where many points can be found.

After "Degel" the two teams go into the "Chader Ochel" where they become silent for the most memorable breakfast at camp; the aruchat boker shkayta (silent breakfast). This is where the complete dining hall is silent with the exception of tfila(prayers) in the morning. The judges in a playful act ask for the campers' names in return for candy and chocolate. Though few and far between, some campers have been known to speak, often accidentally, during these meals.

The "Aruchat Boker Shkayta Shtick" (silent breakfast skit) is the only real activity during the silent breakfast. The skit is often written by an up & coming "Machshirah" writer, or by a reliable props + costumer.

"Bedikah" (Clean-up) occurs after breakfast and the teams regain their voices. It is managed by a counselor from each team, who comes with streamers and posters for the beds. Each team is also responsible for a separate skit.

After the clean-up there is a chance for the counselors in charge of spirit to teach the kids the skit to perform at the flag. Teams always use the sides closest to the head quarters (the team at the "moadon" will stand closest to it, vice versa for the "metzudah").

After the skit, there is an opportunity to re-teach old songs, and teach new ones. Near the end of the break, the campers will go to lunch outside. After they are finished, the dinner team will present their invitation, and the teams will sing their third song. The campers get an hour of rest.

The campers are shipped off to a mini-"Yom Sport". Like the races, this program is more for fun than direct points. Usually the winning team ends up with a one point difference. There is much spirit during this time, and constant yelling no matter what the score is. The judges act as referees and scorekeepers during the games. In the middle of the game there is a short skit, and a drink break.

After a sport or two, the campers go to get prepped for the dinner or play. This is much like day two in that after the first preparations they eat, go to the dinner and then the play. What is different is that after the play, the two teams go to opposite sides for "Sheerya Achrona" (Final songs). In recent times at Massad, teams have made special backdrops just for the "Sheerya Achrona" in a desperate attempt for last minute points. In 2005, there were two stages built and brought in just for the occasion of "Sheerya Achrona". It occurs literally minutes after the last line of the "Hatzaga".

All three songs that had been sung at lunches are sung again with the most noise possible, as well as two new songs. The song-writers/spirit leaders by this time are so emotionally and physically drained of energy they rarely have their voices. It is so common it is referred to as the "Final Sheerah Whisper". The songs are sung in this order:
*"Kreeat Tekes" (Cheer from "Yom Tekes")
*"Shir Tekes" (Song from "Yom Tekes")
*"Sheer Yachas" (The song that centers around an activity at camp)
*"Kreeat Ploogah" (Team Cheer)
*"Sheer Ploogah" (Team Song)

"Sheer Ploogah" is mostly sung at the slowest rate, and with the least amount of screaming. Props are a common sight at this event as every last ounce of eligible point is squeezed out. After both "Sheeray Plooga" the councillors and former rivals embrace each other as Massad returns to a functioning, united camp. The shoftim (judges) leave the dining hall and collaborate on points. While the waiting occurs the "roshim" occasionally sing an impromptu song praising the members of their team, from oldest member to youngest. In past years, each team has written three cheers and four songs.

After roughly 30-45 minutes, the shoftim return and give their results. Many counselors keep score cards on pieces of manila paper. When the winner is announced (usually by less than 5 points) the team jumps up and celebrates, while the other team sits on the floor, watching. This is the last moment of Maccabia, and the winners are officially crowned.

Program jobs

Oolamer

The job of an "Oolamer" is to work in the main building and get it looking as nice as possible for that night. Though the name, "Oolamer" implies that the job is done in the "Oolam", Oolamers work in the "Chadar Ochel" as well. "Oolamers" consist of about 70% of the "Televisia" or "Maccabia" team. They are vital to everything going smoothly.

Backdrop Rollers

The job of a backdrop roller is to roll the backdrops that will be needed for a program. The drops are typically rolled the night before a program.

Painters

Everyone and anyone at Camp Massad is a painter at some point. They all must get down, dirty and get tzeva (paint) on themselves. Most of the "Oolamers" paint kishoot (backdrops) that will be used to serve the play or "arucha" in the night. The tool of painters is a ripped sponge covered in paint.

Paint Mixers

Though not a very limelight associated job, the paint mixers do exactly what their title sounds like. They mix the paint, trying to get the right amount of water and paint. It is necessary to have the most spreadable, combination of thick and thin paint possible. In some "Maccabias" teams have assigned designated paint mixers to make paint for their teams endlessly. They use pitchers of mayim (water), powder paint and popsicle sticks to mix them.

Outliners

Outliners are the people who create the lines to draw in. Truly they are the artists, and they make beautiful outlines of pictures to be painted in. Outliners begin and end the backdrop. They start with orange outlines to be painted in. They end with black paint to be the outline, making the pictures look more definite and professional. Many times writers not teaching a play, or props + costumers with nothing to do, help out.

Runners

The Runner during major programs is responsible for bringing programming supplies from the "Refet" (storage room, literally "barn") to the "oolam." A runner is almost always designated; however during the frantic last few hours, the "Rosh Oolam" may get a painter or schlepper to convert temporarily into a runner.

Hangers and Holders

Once the backdrops are finished and dry, the hangers get their tools to hang the backdrops. Hangers work in groups of two, and use a holder on occasion. Hangers use:
*Ladders
*Tape
*Thumbtacks
*BackdropsThese people go up the ladders, apply tape to the area they want to tack, thumbtack that area and use the "Leapfrog technique". In this technique, hangers tack, then jump in front of the other, holding the drop while the other tacks. Holders hold the drop to prevent ripping, as well as provide appropriate slack to ensure the drop is hung tight against the wall, so that it will not fall down. A cardinal rule of hanging backdrops is "flaps down".

hlepers

After the drops are hung, the props are brought in. "Schlepers" are people in charge of getting objects and bringing them into the buildings. Usually teams need safsaleem (benches) and "Bamoo Boards" to make stages out of. Though not the prettiest job, it is much like painting in that "Someone's gotta do it".Most notable of all shleppers is Alex Levine (Alevino), who once carried 3 couches on his back while balancing a bamoo board on his head.

Binyanners

The "Binyanners" have a sizeable job, in that they are responsible for the stages that go up in the buildings. These people screw "Bamoo Boards" and hammer lath (which refer to wooden sticks) into benches, making stages. The "Binyanners" use hammers and nails, as well as screws and various power tools.

Timekeeper

An asset to the "rosheem" of a Maccabia team, they assist the team in organization by keeping the time. They let everyone know when it is time for scheduled events or meals.

Keyshooters

These are the people who are responsible for hanging streamers, and for adjusting backdrops on the set in order to build "avirah" (atmosphere).

Lightmen

Though not a publicized job at camp, lightmen are responsible for the orot (lights) on the stages and in various areas. It should be noted that this job is not exclusive to males, but is usually done by them.

Rosh Nikayon

"Rosh Nikayon" is selected at the end of every major, and some minor programs. It is the one person responsible for all cleaning of a building or buildings. They are constantly moving and can be compared to the reverse "Rosh Oolam".

Rosh Oolam

This is easily the most publicized and sought-after job out of all the "Oolam" jobs. This person is responsible for the jobs listed above, and can be converted into any of them at any time. They are responsible for everything getting done on-time, efficiently and to the writers, planners and "roshim" standards.

Props + Costumes

Props + Costumers work inside the team headquarters for the majority of the day. Though it has been called the "Gossip Circle", the people responsible work hard and make something out of nothing. They are usually surrounded by scraps of material, clothing and food to snack on.

ongwriters

Songwriters have a huge responsibility at Camp Massad. Since Massad is a big singing camp, every program has at least one song in it. Songwriters carry the responsibility of writing those songs and fitting them into catchy tunes.

Ruach

Spirit is another giant factor at camp, and therefore the person involved with "Ruach" carries easily the largest weight of responsibility during Maccabia. This job, another dominated by females, is responsible for keeping the kids screaming and enthused. It is a job hard to learn, and even harder to practice. It requires constant attention and patience. People involved with "Ruach" regularly lose their voices during Maccabia, leading to the "Final Sheerah Whisper". Many of the girls split their time between "Ruach" and songwriting. Aaron Ingram considers the leader of "Ruach" to be the third "rosh" on any team.

"Ruachers" are often one of the 5 allowed to stay up past curfew on Maccabia nights.

Planners

Planners are there for the set-up of the "Arucha" the next day. They pitch ideas for them, and once decided they outline what the "Oolam" will look like. Planners also work on the "Hazmanah", (invitation) skits during the dinner and what kind of food will be served. Planners are also important in the non-competitive "Festival" program. One planner is always the "Rosh Oolam" the next day. The team that plans usually has 4 people and the "Roshim" staying up past curfew.

Writers

With one of the most publicized jobs on camp, writers are also important because of how many plays go on at camp. These people keep their plays entirely in Hebrew and make sure it is clever, and attention grabbing. There are usually 2-6 main writers on a camp site in any given year. Like planners, some writers and the "Roshim" stay up past curfew on Maccabia.

upport staff

In addition to counselors and the Hanhallah, Camp Massad also employs a number of support staff in order to perform a series of behind-the-scenes tasks:

Kitchen Staff

The meetbach (kitchen) staff are responsible for creating the meals at Massad, serving the meals to counsellors and campers, and cleaning the dishes after the meals, all the while ensuring that this process is done under the strict guidelines of Kashrut. Positions in the kitchen at Massad include head cook, assistant cooks/kitchen assistants and dishwashers. The current head cook at Massad is Marilyn Ingram.

Maintenance

The maintenance staff at Camp Massad are responsible for upholding the camp site. This job includes general repairs, such as basic plumbing, mowing the lawns and garbage disposal. The maintenance staff, in addition to "Hanhallah" and the "Mazkir", are the only people on the camp site who have access to the "machsun" (toolshed). During MCA accreditation years, maintenance staff are responsible, in addition to those previously listed, for ensuring the campsite meets Manitoba Camping Association, or MCA, guidelines. The maintenance staff are contractually responsible to the camp administrator (known at camp as the "Eemah" or "mother"), rather than the program director. The maintenance staff do occasionally involve themselves in programming at the camp, and on several occasions have participated in Maccabia.Some Maintenance alumni include Daniel Sapirstein and Nicholas Goszer.

Paddleball

While a relatively new activity, Paddleball has become one of the favorite games among the camp's staff and campers. The original design was set up by "Machshirah" camper Dafna Lubocki, as a spin-off of baseball. It included a pitcher, who threw tennis balls, and a batter who tried to hit them with a canoe paddle.

The first game was played by the inventor herself and counselor Aaron Ingram on a surface that was extremely muddy. After both taking turns to bat, the younger campers soon became "bat-boys" and "bat-girls" running for the balls and handing them back to the pitcher.

As time went on, and the tennis ball supply was dwindling, the game ultimately became a "Home Run Contest". Counselors were batting, trying to out hit each other. Paddleball was not only rejoiced by the staff, but became an actual event before the dance programs, "Rikud Zar" and "Rikud Am".

Reunion

In the middle of the winter following each summer, Camp Massad hosts a reunion of campers, counsellors and others who made the previous summer amazing at Wheelies, a roller skating rink. During this reunion, children skate, kosher hot dogs and cake are served, campers and counselors reconnect, and a slide show of pictures and videos from the previous summer are shown. As well, the individuals hired for some of the major positions at camp, such as Hanhallah or Machshira counselor, are usually introduced to the campers (and in some cases the counselors) for the first time.

External links

* [http://www.campmassad.ca Official website]
* [http://members.shaw.ca/celev7/p5menu.html Pictures]
* [http://www.cjnews.com/pastissues/98/aug13-98/front4.htm Winnipeg Beach shul rededicated] , The "Canadian Jewish News", August 13, 1998.
* [http://www.cjnews.com/viewarticle.asp?id=412&s=1 Can’t let go of camp -- and proud of it] , The "Canadian Jewish News", May 15, 2003.
* [http://www.jewishbulletin.ca/archives/Jan06/archives05Jan13-06.html Family camps are fun for all] , "The Jewish Independent", January 13, 2006.
* [http://www.campmassad.ca/pr429.html Hebrew-language children's camp thrives in Interlake] , The "Winnipeg Free Press", April 29, 2007