Weeks four and five have been a blast! Last Wednesday, we went on our weekly barbecue. Activities like newcomb, soccer, basketball, and softball were offered. Hamburgers, corn, and watermelon were served. On Thursday, we went to adventureland. While not an overnight, our campers went on many rides, like the Frisbee, Big Dipper, bumper cars, and the lauded Turbulence. Friday was Family Day. Parents and other family members joined campers in the sanctuary for Oneg Shabbat services led by Rabbi Kogan and Rabbi Romano. At the end of services, every group went on to the bimah (stage) and performed their group song. Our group performed a song to the music of Detroit Rock City by Kiss. Chicken nuggets and French fries were served for lunch, along with the usual eggs, salad, sandwiches, etc.

The long awaited trip to Splish Splash finally arrived on Monday! The day began with two periods followed by a pizza lunch in camp. Afterwards, we boarded the bus. We spent over four hours at splish splash. Campers enjoyed a variety of exciting rides, such as the Mammoth River, Alien Invasion, Shotgun Falls, and the more relaxed Lazy River. Some campers enjoyed up to 10 rides, like Aidan A. Macaroni and cheese was served for dinner outside Splish Splash, and ice pops were served upon late arrival to camp, a sweet culmination to the day's excitement. Tuesday was spent around camp, save the trip to 73rd Ave playground. Campers enjoyed double swim, gym, and Krav Maga. Wednesday was our fifth barbecue. (Summer is flying by!) Campers participated in such activities as soccer, basketball, newcomb, and playing in theplayground

Michael B. is our camper of the week.   Why does he deserve this recognition? Michael is an example for other campers. He speaks respectfully to his fellow campers and to staff. He embodies good sportsmanship and athleticism, and his soccer and basketball skills are fantastic! It's a pleasure to have Michael in our group!

The camper of the week is Tatyana because she helped push another camper on the swing at the park. 

   This week at camp the children had an awesome time in art making slime; we also made paper plate ghosts.  On Tuesday we went to White Post Farms where they went on a pony ride, and fed all kinds of animals. Some examples of the animals we saw were camels, goats, pigs, monkeys and bunny rabbits. Their favorite part was the bird aviary where they were given feed sticks and fed the little birds that were in the aviary.  On Wednesday we went to the bbq and did sack races, and went on the swings. When we got back the children cooled off at the pool and went swimming, At Jewish Culture we listened to a story about shabbat, and learned about the Torah. The children also sang a song about shabbat. At music we showed off our best dance moves for freeze dance. Afterwards we played follow the beat. Ilan our music teacher took wooden sticks and would tap them together;  and the children had to clap out the amount of times he would tap the sticks.  We are all looking forward to our next trip to Pump It Up. 

The camper of the week is Christopher because he gave Lavi's book bag to him when we were getting ready to go home

Wow it's already the end of the first session; we don't want the summer to end. In art we made lava lamps. At Jewish culture we listened to a book called "The Tower of Babel" and then tried to make our own tower using different materials. In gym we played tag, and duck duck goose.  On Tuesday we went to build a bear. The children picked out the type of bear they wanted, it was stuffed, and sewn up. Afterwards they had a chance to pretend to give the bear a bath. Each child named their bear and was eager to take them back to camp so they can have nap time with them. Wednesday we went to the bbq and played different games with the parachute, and had great hamburgers. Thursday the whole camp went to Adventureland; where the children went on many rides. They also climbed, jumped and slide their way all over Pirate Island. 
It was nice to see all the families at family day; and the children did a great job with their song. Only four more weeks of camp left; but we know there is much more excitement and adventures to come at Hillcrest Day Camp. 

Week four was a blast for the girls!

On Monday, we went to Laser Bounce. Our original plan was to head to the Country Fair, however, the weather prevented us from doing so. Thus, Susanne did some magic and we ended up at Laser Bounce. The kids had so much fun playing the arcade games, winning tickets, picking out their prizes, and playing laser tag.

On Tuesday, we stayed at camp. we went to Jewish Culture, swam in the pool and made slime with Angela at Arts and Crafts!

On Wednesday, the whole camp went on a BBQ at Valley Stream Park. We had hamburgers and some girls played volleyball while most girls had fun in the playground

On Thursday, we all went to Adventure Land! The girls were split into two teams with two counselors on each. The girls rode on the Pirate Ship, the Lady Bug ride, the Turbulence, the Haunted House and Bumper Cars! The girls got the chance to buy candy and ice cream at the end of the day

Lastly, Friday was Family Day! The girls' family members stayed and got to watch the girls perform our own version of Im the One by DJ Khaled. The lyrics were rewritten by our counselor, Melissa. After the family left, the girls went to hip hop and swam in the pool

Our camper of the week is Ella. She comes to camp with such enthusiasm that is spread throughout all the girls. She follows every instruction and respects her peers and counselors.

The camper of the week is Lavi because he pushed the button on the water fountain to help his friends get water.

     Another great week at Hillcrest Day Camp. On Tuesday we went to Laser Bounce, where the children played games at the arcade and received prizes. We also went into the Ballocity Arena and climbed though mazes, went down slides and played with the soft foam balls. In arts and crafts we made lions. At Jewish Culture, the children learned about Shabbat and the items related it it; such as the challah bread, wine, and the candles. The children had a chance to explore with the play items. The Rabbi then hid the items and the children went on a scavenger hunt to find them and pretended to have a Shabbat dinner. We love going to the pool but we also had a great time going under the sprinklers in our backyard playground. At the bbq we did parachute with the 6/7 boys and girls, and ate hotdogs for lunch. Thursday we went back to our favorite gymnastics place, Progressive Gymnastics, where we did more tumbles, walked on the balance beam, and bounced on the trampoline. Afterwards, each child got a ballon and threw it up in the air; they tried to see how long they could keep it in the air without it touching the floor. The summer is flying by but there is more fun to come during the coming weeks.

We all wish that our third week at camp could last longer! On Monday, the Pretty Pretty Princesses enjoyed bubble gum-flavored ice cream for snack at the park! We then racked up lots of tickets and prizes and jumped around on Tuesday at Laser Bounce, and made sure to stay hydrated while powering through Wednesday's heat at the weekly barbecue. On Thursday, the Princesses brushed up on their skills with some more tumbles and teeters at gymnastics! Finally, we all stirred up some nice chicken soup on Friday as we warmly welcomed Rabbi Kogan to his first Oneg Shabbat Service of the summer. We had a blast this week, and can't wait for the fun that Week 4 has in store!

Our Camper of the Week is Ilana - she overcame her fear of entering the pool and, as a result, has shown determination to improve her skills during Instructional Swim!

The past two weeks have been very meaningful for our CITs! During the second week of camp, we explored the topic of Communication, and how to communicate with both campers and staff effectively - focusing on skills like active listening. We had a fun time when we weren't "CIT'ing" at the Central Park Zoo on Monday, and had an amazing Times Square Scavenger Hunt late-night trip last Thursday. After a delicious dinner out at Trio, we hopped on the subway to Times Square, and broke into teams to run around for 2 hours taking photos, gathering items, and interacting with others enjoying the sites. Last Friday, we enjoyed our time at the Freedom Tower, even with the low visibility due to the weather.

This week, we focused in on bullying, and ways to prevent and respond to bullying that we might encounter as camp counselors. We also worked on the responsibilities of counselors during trips, because we'll be shadowing counselors next week at the whole camp trip to Adventureland. This week, we also enjoyed trips to Roller Skating, the Jones Beach Pool, and Madison Square Garden.

This week's CITs of the week are Arielle, Abby Ka., Abby Ko., Myles, Noah, and Matthew O, who went above and beyond at Valley Stream on Wednesday to set up for all of the Upper Campers! All of our CITs work hard, but these six really went far beyond expectations! 

This week we had many fun and different activities and trips. Last Thursday we went to Monster Mini Golf and the kids had a fun time in the glow in the dark arcade, playing games, getting tickets, prizes and golfing. On Monday we went roller skating and the children had a blast skating around the rink and even teaching and helping each other learn while music was coursing through the speakers. On Tuesday the kids went to arts and crafts and crafted a picture of the ocean with Angela. On Wednesday we had a barbecue at the park that included hotdogs and later on the kids went to play in the playground or a sport of their choice. On Thursday we had an amazing time at Jones Beach Pool where the kids splashed around and swam with each other. Our camper of the week is Brianna A who was a great sport during activities and listened to directions when told. Her favorite thing to do at camp is swim.

The camper of the week is Lauren because she helps clean up toys; even if she was not playing with them. 

This week at camp the Candy land group went to the movies and saw Despicable Me 3. The children laughed a  lot at the minions. At the bbq we were all smiles when we took our group picture; and it wouldn't be a bbq without playing at the park. They love playing on the swings and making sand castles in the sand box. The bbq's are great because it gives them a chance to get to know other children in the 67's group; as they play with them as well. 

In gym we played catch  with different kinds of balls, and listened to the story of Noah and the Ark in Jewish culture. We had music; where we played with different instruments, played freeze dance and musical chairs. On Thursday we went to gymnastics. First we did some stretching exercises to warm up. Afterwards the children did an obstacle course; where they had to bounce on the trampoline, walk on the balance beam, and did tumbles. The children had so much fun they did not want to leave; but don't worry we will be back there next week.   We are having a lot of fun at camp; making lots of friends and enjoying spending time with each other. 

The second week of camp was a great week for the 8/9 boys. We had so much fun starting off at the Central Park Zoo, where we saw many different, unique animals. We saw the red panda which all the boys were in awe and adored it. That was the animal they were all looking for. In addition to that, we saw penguins, sea lions, and bears. It was especially enjoyable seeing the sea lions swim around the pool that they had.

On Tuesday we stayed at camp and had various activities to do. The boys went to the park and ran around, went on slides, and climbed the ladders. After sweating and running, the boys jumped into the pool to cool off with the counselors. We created portraits of ourselves in arts and crafts.

The next day, we went to BBQ with the whole camp and had a pleasant time playing basketball and nukem, especially when a camper got a counselor out. We are the delicious and succulent hamburgers that staff cooked up. The 8/9 boys ate them with pleasure. We came back to camp to play knockdown pins with Greg in the gym and later jumped into the nice cool pool.

On Thursday, we went to Monster Mini Golf where we had a BLAST! Everyone was golfing and dancing along to the music. The place was glowing and the theme of the place was great. Later the campers had a good time playing the arcade games and even got some free prizes given out to them like the monster finger with the red nails.

The final week of the camp, we stayed in camp with great activities like Krav Maga where the boys ran around and the counselors participated too. We had our Oneg Shabbat services and went to eat chicken nuggets with fries for lunch. We also enjoyed instructional and free swim as well as gym with Greg. At the end of the day, we said our good byes and couldn't wait for Monday to come around again.

The third week of camp started and it's been a blast we went to roller skating. Everyone went and the campers were having a good time. Some did fall but we all learned how to ride around and as soon as we got the hang of it, it was starting to get better. We have the rest of the week to come and can't wait to see how it's going to go.
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The camper of the week is Sam R. He was a great listener and overall person. He played with everyone and would clean up after he finished his eating, even if it wasn't his plate or cup. He always smiled and participated in every activity. Congrats Sam and keep being a good camper.

The second week of camp was off to a wild start, spending the day at the Central Park Zoo visiting penguins, lemurs, grizzly bears and more. It was a hot day but the Tweens found time to cool off in the Ice Age 4D movie at the zoo! 

The Tweens stayed in camp Tuesday and enjoyed many in-camp activities. We enjoyed the air conditioning of the Teen Lounge, played Wii games and had fun in the gym. The boys also worked up a sweat at Krav Maga and the girls honed their dancing skills at Hip Hop. We ended the hot, active day with a nice swim in the pool.

Wednesday was our weekly planned barbecue and the Tweens filled up on some yummy burgers! The campers participated in a number of activities including basketball, Nukem and other playground games. 

Thursday was a spooky day for the Tweens as they went to Monster Mini Golf! Tweens played mini golf under a black-light and had to play through a number of obstacles including a giant clown. We also played in the arcade and won many prizes! Thursday was also theme day and the Tweens came dressed in crazy hats and sunglasses.

The group ended their week in Manhattan at the Freedom Tower, visiting the One World Observatory. We shot up in the elevator to the 102nd floor of the new building. Although it was a cloudy day and the windows were fogged up by the clouds, the day turned out to be pretty sweet when we visited IT'SUGAR! The Tweens took a trip to South Street Seaport and visited the big candy store and stocked up on sweets. 

Our camper of the week goes to Maya. Maya shows up every day with a smile on her face and gives everyone a warm welcome! She is polite, sweet and caring and comes into camp, ready to have fun. You rock, Maya

Only the second week of camp here at Hillcrest and the Pretty Pretty Princesses have already done so much! On Monday the sun was shining and the girls got to go to the playground! Almost all of the girls played a huge game of tag together while some played on the monkey bars. 

The next day we adventured to the movie theater to see Despicable Me 3. The room was overflowing with laughter and the bus ride was filled with them quoting the movie's characters.

On Wednesday we took them to the big playground at Valley Stream State Park. The girls worked up quite a sweat and were more than ready to eat! Wednesday was also picture day! The Princesses worked together to get in height order and then smiled for the camera.

Thursday was a very special day this week! Not only was it theme day, but it was also our first day at gymnastics! The girls came in dresses and tiaras and they all went on stage for a group picture. After changing into their normal camp wear, we were able to go to gymnastics! They worked on the balance beam, trampoline, and got free time at the end. 

We ended the week on a rainy day but that didn't stop us! We played bingo, had a blast in oneg, and got a super long time to swim with free right after instructional!

A special shoutout to Zoey and Laila who got to celebrate their birthdays with us! Always a great time here at Hillcrest! Another shoutout to Lenora who was our Camper of the Week! She was one of the most behaved and polite girls this week.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Please have your girls wear sneakers and socks everyday! No sneakers and socks, no gym and gymnastics!

Summer 2017 has been off to a great start! Camp began on Monday with a trip to the movies. Despicable Me 3 was silly and enjoyable. Tuesday being the Fourth of July, Wednesday was Red, White, and Blue day. Many campers dressed accordingly. The first weekly barbecue at Valley Stream State Park consisted of activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and playground, and hot dogs and corn were served. Campers enjoyed watermelon for dessert. On Thursday, we travelled out to Long Island to Lazerland. Activities such as laser tag, dodge ball, and gaga were offered. Our campers wore white shirts on Friday for Oneg Shabbat services, which were led by Rabbi Uriel Romano. The updated prayer sheets were a noteworthy sight for many.

This week began with a trip to the Central Park Zoo. Smaller than the Bronx Zoo, we saw more animals by virtue of the shorter distances  between each sight. We spent Tuesday in camp, save the morning trip to the Jewel Ave playground. Our group enjoyed activities like gym, swim, home base games, Wii, and Krav Maga. Today (Wednesday) we went on our weekly barbecue. The usual activities were offered. Many campers enjoyed the same activities as last week. Howard S. played intense basketball before and after lunch, while others, like Cameron D., spent time with friends in the playground. For lunch, hamburgers, corn, and watermelon were served. Upon returning to camp, we enjoyed a competitive game of "knock down the pin". The day came to a close on a more relaxed note in the air-conditioned Wii room. The first week and a half have been running smoothly!

The camper of the week is Miles J. Miles stands out by maintaining a positive attitude even during activities which are not his favorite. If he has a problem or needs anything, he respectfully approaches a counselor and calmly speaks. His basketball skills are thoroughly impressive, and he treats his fellow teammates with dignity and respect. Great job, Miles!