Category: Weekly Recap 2014

August 24th, 2014

8/24/2014

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Howie's Vlog 2014 - Episode 5
The Last Week of Hillcrest 2014

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Aug 11 - Aug 15: Week 7 of Summer 2014

8/15/2014

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Aug 11 - Aug 15: Week 7 of Summer 2014

Color War Recaps
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Nursery/Kindergarten

On Monday, we went to Gymnastics and played some fun games. Tuesday, the M&Ms enjoyed bouncing and climbing at Active Kidz, and on Wednesday, instead of the BBQ, the M&Ms went on a surprise trip to Funcraft. We all had the chance to make something unique, before dancing and popping bubbles. On Thursday and Friday, we had relaxing days at camp in the pool and at the park.

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July 28-Aug 1: Week 5 of Summer 2014

8/1/2014

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July 28-Aug 1: Week 5 of Summer 2014

Check out the "Photos" page for pictures from Week 5!

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

On Tuesday, we went to the Bronx Zoo and saw a 4D Ice Age movie. We also went on the monorail and saw lots of animals up close! On Wednesday, we went to the BBQ and played with chalk. We loved our activities back at camp this week - like Art and Cooking, and had a great time swimming in the pool! We were so excited to sing our song to our parents for Family Day, and are even more excited for next week at camp!

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

This was a great week! Monday was pretty relaxing, followed by a trip to the Bronx Zoo on Tuesday. The girls were fascinated by the bears, zebras, and gorillas! On Wednesday, we had a great time at the BBQ in the playground and we couldn't stop smiling at gymnastics on Thursday. We wrapped up the week by singing a great rendition of Let it Go about Hillcrest to our parents during Family Day.

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

This week started off with Active Kidz, though many of our campers were away at the NJ Y Overnight for 3 days. Active Kidz was enjoyable for our girls, from laser tag to bouncy inflatables. The week continued with the BBQ at Valley Stream, which was fun as usual. Rye Playland was a long but fun trip for the girls, and the week wrapped up with awesome Family Day performances.

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

This week, a lot of our campers went on the NJ Y Overnight and participated in many activities. This included swimming in the lake, riding in banana bots, making art projects, and participating in cookouts. The rest of the girls stayed at camp and went to Active Kidz and on the weekly BBQ. All the girls were back at camp on Thursday when we conquered lots of rides at Rye Playland. We ended the week with our awesome Family Day performance in Oneg. We can't wait for next week!

Swim

And so passes the first week of the second sessions. To be honest, this seemed to be one of those weeks that was full of big camper trips, making it difficult to ensure all of our instructional groups got equal treatment. Despite this, our campers continue to show improvement in their swim skills, as we hope the Lower Camp parents saw during Family Day. We will continue to build on their skills over the next few weeks before summer comes to a close.

Jewish Culture & Cooking

In cooking this week, the groups made chocolate chip cookie brittle. They had to mix the dough and then flatten in out in a pan. We decorated the cookie brittle with homemade sugar dust. In Jewish Culture, we learned about JNF, an organization that, among other things, plants trees in Israel. Each camper got to plant a flower or vegetable in flower pots they made in Arts and Crafts.

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

This week, we went to the Bronx Zoo on Tuesday. We saw gorillas, bears, polar bears, giraffes, and much more! In Gymnastics this week, we played fun games and in swim, we learned new techniques like pushing off the wall and swimming underwater and kicking. Of course, we had a great time at Valley Stream on Wednesday for the BBQ and at all of our activities in camp, especially cooking!

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

On Monday, we went to Active Kidz. The campers enjoyed going on inflatables, going through a maze, and playing laser tag. On Wednesday, we went on our weekly cookout, where the campers played soccer, basketball, and volleyball. On Thursday, we spent the entire day at Rye Playland. The campers loved all the rides, some of them being the Log Flume, Dragon Coaster, and RZ 2000. We ended the week performing during Family Day, and we can't wait for the week to come.

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

On Monday, our group went to Active Kidz where we enjoyed various activities, including laser tag, bowling, and bouncy houses. On Thursday, we went to Rye Playland and enjoyed going on the different rides, like the Dragon Coaster, SuperFlight, and Playland Plunge. We loved performing on Family Day, after putting so much work into practicing our song for our families and friends.

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

This week the Tweens who didn't go on the NJ Y Overnight had a blast at Active Kidz, playing laser tag, rock climbing, and bowling. On Tuesday, we had a fun day at camp, making duct tape wallets in Arts and Crafts. On Wednesday, we enjoyed our BBQ, partaking in different sports and playing in the playground. This week, we also went to Rye Playland, going on different rides like the Dragon Coaster, Thunderbolt, and Music Express. On Family Day, we enjoyed our first Oneg of the summer and singing for all our parents. Dave and Buster's was a great way to close out the week, and we can't wait for next week! We also want to acknowledge our counselor, Sharon, who left us on Friday as she moves to Arizona for graduate school. We wish you nothing but the best!

Gym

On Monday, the Lower Camp participated in a game of kickball. We also made some trips to the park, where they had fun with games of jump rope and hula hoops. The Upper Camp took part in a huge game of knockout involving both campers and staff. There were games of volleyball and newcomb, and even a handball tournament!

Art & Drama

In Arts and Crafts, everyone finished their patches for the camp quilt and the Upper camp made duct tape wallets. In Drama, we acted out popular stories with our bodies: each small group's poses told the parts of a story.

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

The zoo and monorail were fun! -Tori, N/K
Going to the zoo -David, 6/7 B
Seeing the zebras -Julie, 6/7 G
Going on Catch a Wave at Playland! -Lucas, 8/9 B
Going to Rye Playland, duh. -Natalia, 8/9 G
Being with my friends at NJ Y Camp -Myles, 10/11 B
The fun rides at Rye Playland -Samantha, 10/11 G
Going to Rye Playland -Chloe, Tweens

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

Swimming -Yaron, N/K
Going to the Bronx Zoo store -Amit, 6/7 B
Swim and Arts & Crafts -Shiloh, 6/7 G
Guitar Lessons at the NJ Y Overnight -Yoni, 8/9 B
Rye Playland! -Samara, 8/9 G
Going to NJ Y with my friends -Alex, 10/11 B
Banana Boating on the overnight -Abigail K, 10/11 G
Rye Playland -Sigal, Tweens

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Gymnastics -Rebecca, N/K
Going to swim and gym -Christopher, 6/7 B
Next Friday when we have Oneg -Brianna, 6/7 G
Jones Beach Pool -Jacob, 8/9 B

Going to Jones Beach Pool again -Leah K, 8/9 G
The cookout -Kenneth, 10/11 B
Going back to Jones Beach Pool -Arielle, 10/11 G
Having a good time with friends -Tyler W, Tweens

Mensch of the Week - David K (8/9 B)

MENSCH (noun) \ˈmen(t)sh\
a person of integrity and honor

David is a camper who isn't afraid to do his own thing, speak his mind, and help others. If someone does something wrong, David tells them to stop and that what they're doing is wrong. David is also always the first to help his fellow campers when they make mistakes.

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Hillcrest 2014 - Week 4 Recap

7/25/2014

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July 21-July 25: Week 4 of Summer 2014

Check out the "Photos" page for pictures from Week 4!

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Wow, we are already at Week Four! The M&Ms are having a great summer so far! Monday we went back to gymnastics and played games and did fun exercises. On Tuesday, we made our own bears at Build-a-Bear Workshop. The hamburgers were yummy at the BBQ, and we had fun back in camp on Thursday and Friday.

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

This week the girls started learning their song for Family Day and they sound go great! The girls built their own bears at Build-a-Bear and picked our adorable outfits. We got to tie-dye our shirts at the BBQ, which the girls were so excited for. Mac & Cheese was a big hit this week at lunch, and we were so happy to do the Original Prayer at Oneg. It was an amazing fourth week!

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

One of the biggest trips of the year happened this week: SPLISH SPLASH! The girls went on most of the rides, including Alien Invasion, Cliff Diver, and the Wave Pool. BBQ day was like no other; all of the campers tie-dyed a white shirt so they could be stylish. As usual, we ended the week with some hip-hop. We're looking forward to the weeks to come!

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

This week, the Upper Camp visited Splish Splash Water Park, where the Chiclets conquered Mammoth River, Dragon's Den, and Bootlegger's Run! Their wet and wild day was followed by an extra special barbecue, where the girls were able to tie-dye their clothing. On Thursday, the Chiclets played Mini-Golf and hit home runs at the batting cages. It was a great way to end the first session of camp.

Swim

This is the last week of the first session, and many campers are leaving Hillcrest. Over the past month, many of our campers have improved greatly at swim, especially in our beginner group. Campers went from keeping their head above water to swimming with their faces submerged, and have improved from using kickboards to regular freestyle swimming. In our Advanced group, campers have been learning some lifeguarding techniques to utilize their advanced swimming ability.

Jewish Culture & Cooking

This week in Jewish Culture, we learned about Israel, about what is currently going on there, and about what we can do to help. We continue to spread good news and positive thoughts about Israel. One wonderful thing that Israel has done is create innovations that help in the fields of medicine, agriculture, technology and more. Each group invented an item and brought it to life with household items. In cooking, we continued making zebra fudge cookies, and had a blast making and eating them.

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

The Junior Mints had another fun week. On Tuesday, we all enjoyed our time on the trip to Build-a-Bear. We loved creating our own personal teddy bears. On Wednesday we had a great time at Valley Stream, where they boys were very happy to run around in the playground and to make their own tie-dye shirts. We always look forward to our visit to gymnastics on Thursdays and having fun in the pool at camp!

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

Our awesome week started off at Splish Splash, trying to make it on every ride before time ran out. The water roller coaster, Bootlegger's Run, was awesome, and we couldn't believe we were on a water ride! Tuesday was a normal day of camp, with delicious Mac & Cheese for lunch. On Wednesday at the BBQ, most of our campers played soccer and volleyball, and on Thursday, we played in the batting cages and competed in Mini-Golf. On Friday, we tried to practice our Family Day song...it's going to be awesome!

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

Splish Splash was definitely the highlight of the week for the Nerds. Since the beginning of the summer, counselors and campers alike have been waiting to go on this trip. We got to go on many of the rides in the park, and many of us tried rides we had never been on before. All of the other activities at camp lived up to our expectations, and we really can't wait for second session!

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

This week, the Tweens and the rest of Upper Camp went on two great trips - Splish Splash and Mini-Golf/Batting Cages. The Jolly Ranchers and their staff enjoyed the water rides at Splish Splash - especially Bootlegger's Run. We all had a great time tie-dying at the BBQ, and loved our Friday trip to Alley Pond Adventure Course. We all had the opportunity to conquer the SwingShot, rock wall, and other obstacles in the park!

Gym

On Monday, the Upper Camp enjoyed many games of kickball. All of the games were close scores. The highlight was a ball being kicked into the basketball hoop for a home run. The Hot Tamales and Hershey Misses played parachute games. The Junior Mints also played kickball and freeze tag. The Nerds had a handball competition and a game of basketball. The campers also had many nice trips to the park, where they played games of soccer, basketball, and kickball.

Art & Drama

This week in Arts and Crafts, the entire camp illustrated their favorite part of camp to be included in a camp quilt, and everyone tie dyed t-shirts on Wednesday at Valley Stream. In Drama, the campers played press conference and four corners.

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

Going to Gymnastics -Ella, N/K
Getting my bear at Build-a-Bear! -Nicholas M, 6/7 B
Build-a-Bear! -Brianna A, 6/7 G
Going on the water rides at Splish Splash. They were so much fun! -David K, 8/9 B
Tie-Dying my shirt! -Regan, 8/9 G
Having fun with my friends at Splish Splash -Daniel S, 10/11 B
Riding the rides at Splish Splash -Arielle S, 10/11 G
Going to Splish Splash -Rachel, Tweens

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

Build-a-Bear -Adam, N/K
Playing in Teen Lounge -Danny Y, 6/7 B
Picking out my bear's clothes -Abigail M, 6/7 G
Riding Bootlegger's Run -Andrew O, 8/9 B
Splish Splash -Eve, 8/9 G
Playing soccer at the BBQ -Jeremy, 10/11 B
Tie-Dye! -Abby, 10/11 G
The high ropes at Alley Pond Adventure Course -Alexis, Tweens

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Seeing the animals at the zoo! -Yaron, N/K
Making my mom happy on Family Day -Ethan, 6/7 B
The Bronx Zoo! -Amina, 6/7 G
Rye Playland is going to be great! -Ilya, 8/9 B

Rye Playland! -Leah, 8/9 G
Going to Rye Playland -Kenneth, 10/11 B
Going on the overnight! Jordan S, 10/11 G
The NJ Y Overnight! -Olivia, Tweens

Mensch of the Week - Marly S (Tweens)

MENSCH (noun) \ˈmen(t)sh\
a person of integrity and honor

At our trip to Mini-Golf/Batting Cages, Marly took the time to teach a number of 8/9 Girls how to hit in the cages. Marly took the girls into an inactive batting cage and demonstrated a proper batting stance and swing, before working with each camper on improving their own form!

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Hillcrest 2014 - Week 3 Recap

7/18/2014

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July 14-July 18: Week 3 of Summer 2014

Check out the "Photos" page for pictures from Week 3!

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Throughout the third week of camp, the M&Ms had so much excitement! On Monday, we all went to Adventureland, where we went on rides like the Little Dipper, Pirate Island, and the Crocodile. On Tuesday, we went to Pump it Up and had tons of fun in the bouncy houses! Due to the rain Wednesday, we had our hot dogs at camp, but got to go to Valley Stream later on in the dat. Thursday was our group theme day, where all the N/K campers dressed up as their mothers and fathers. Overall, it was a great week!

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

This week we did so many fun things at camp! Our week started off with some great rides at Adventureland, and on Tuesday we all loved the trip to Pump It Up, especially because many of us had never been there before! Whoever came up with the idea to create a room full of bouncy houses was a genius! On Wednesday, we had a shortened BBQ at Valley Stream, and we enjoyed some activities back at camp on Thursday and Friday.

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

Our week started with the rest of the camp at Adventureland on Monday, where the 8/9 Girls enjoyed the Hurricane, Swings, and Haunted House. Despite the rainy weather at the beginning of the day, we all went to Valley Stream after Picture Day and lunch on Wednesday for some fun playing sports and at the playground. At the end of the week, the girls dressed up in pajamas for Group Theme Day and relaxed at Jones Beach Pool, where they swam their life away.

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

This week, the 10/11 Girls started off with a trip to Adventureland. Everyone had so much fun, from playing bumper cars to going on the roller coasters. On Wednesday, we all had a blast at Valley Stream State Park. On Thursday, the Chiclets had a fabulous time enjoying the sun and water at Jones Beach Pool, and group theme day was so exciting! On Friday, everyone was super excited for Rabbi Kogan's return and our favorite lunch - Pizza Friday! This week was so much fun, and we can't wait for next week!

Swim

As we approach the halfway point of the summer, everyone seems to be getting more involved in swim than ever before. Especially with the Lower Camp, everyone is getting eager to learn and get in the water. Although it can be a little overwhelming working with so many kids, seeing them have a great time at camp makes being a lifeguard so worth it!

Jewish Culture & Cooking

In Jewish Culture this week, we learned about the Dead Sea in Israel. Groups got to play with real Israeli mud that is known for its healing properties, and then made Dead Sea Salt Scrubs. In addition, we discussed how Israel is going through hard times at the moment and how we need to keep it in our prayers. We spoke about the many wonderful things Israel has brought to the world - drip irrigation, nanotechnology, technology for our phones and computers, and more. We split up to see which team could create the most innovative product, with fun results. In Cooking, we made zebra fudge cookies, putting a twist on classic chocolate cookies by dunking them in powdered sugar and watching them expand into zebra stripes in the oven. The only thing more fun than making them was eating them!

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

This week at Hillcrest, the Junior Mints had a very fun time. When we went to Adventureland, we enjoyed all of the rides and got on the bus home with happy faces and prizes! On Tuesday, we went to Pump it Up and used all of our energy bouncing around. We had a lot of fun at Valley Stream on Thursday afternoon, and enjoyed our time back at camp on Thursday and Friday. This week was great for both campers and counselors!

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

This week, the 8/9 Boys started out with a great trip to Adventureland where they had a fun time playing games and going on rides. On Tuesday, we stayed in camp doing crafts with Michelle and learning about the Dead Sea and applying Dead Sea mud with Daniela in Jewish Culture. On Wednesday, although it rained in the morning, we left for Valley Stream State Park in the afternoon for a great time playing soccer, basketball, and other sports. On Thursday, we went out to Long Island for a refreshing trip to the Jones Beach Pool where we swam, sunbathed, and jumped off the diving board. It was definitely a great week for the 8/9 Boys!

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

On Monday, we entire camp went to Adventureland. We all loved the exhilarating rides, especially the Hurricane and the Frisbee! Another great trip this week was Jones Beach Pool, where we enjoyed an entire day of free swim, jumping from the diving board, and french fries! Of course, back at camp we also got to take part in fun activities in Art, Drama, Jewish Culture, and at the playground!

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

On Monday, we went to Adventureland where we went on the Hurricane roller coaster for the last time before it is switched out for a new roller coaster next year. On Tuesday, we had a quiet day back at camp, until the girls went to Gymnastics and the boys took part in fitness competitions at CrossFit. Although it rained on Wednesday, we still managed to spend some time at Valley Stream playing sports and hanging out, and luckily, Thursday was the perfect day for Jones Beach Pool. On Friday, we had a great time exploring Madame Tussauds and taking selfies with the wax figures, as well as exploring Times Square after the museum! We all have so many pictures to remember our trip, and some of us even had our own hands molded into a wax souvenir!

Gym

This past week the Lower Camp enjoyed many activities. They played a nice game of kickball. The children also competed in relay races of all types. Mixed in was a game of freeze tag. Upper Camp played their own game of kickball in the gym. They too competed in relay races. Everyone gave a great effort. Also added in were some fun trips to the park where basketball and handball were played.

Art & Drama

This week in Drama, the Upper Camp played "Press Conference" and showed their deductive reasoning skills. The Lower Camp played "Four Corners" and enjoyed running around for a change. In Arts & Crafts, the Lower Camp made rock bugs and flower leis, while the Upper Camp decorated flower pots which they will plant with in Jewish Culture next week.

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

The Pool -Noah, N/K
I liked swimming in the pool -Avery, 6/7 B
All the rides at Adventureland! -Abby, 6/7 G
Riding the bumper cars. -David K, 8/9 B
Going on the rides at Adventureland -Samara, 8/9 G
Riding the Hurricane one last time -Myles, 10/11 B
The fun and exciting rides at Adventureland -Arielle, 10/11 G
Jones Beach Pool! -Tyler R, Tweens

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

Pump It Up -Ella, N/K
Putting on mud in Jewish Culture -Amit, 6/7 B
The activities at Adventureland! -Nicole S, 6/7 G
Playing volleyball at the BBQ -Andrew O, 8/9 B
Going to hip-hop and gymnastics -Ariella, 8/9 G
Jones Beach Pool! -Samuel M, 10/11 B
Spending time with my friends and having fun in the pool at Jones Beach! -Alexia, 10/11 G
Going on the Hurricane -Reuben, Tweens

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Build-a-Bear Workshop -Lindsay, N/K
Build-a-Bear because I want to make another dog! -Danny, 6/7 B
All the great things like swimming! -Amina, 6/7 G
The Batting Cages on Thursday! -Jacob K, 8/9 B

My first time at Splish Splash! -Eve, 8/9 G
Splish Splash-last year was great! -Jeremy, 10/11 B
Splish Splash - it's so much fun! -Sivana, 10/11 G
Splish Splash - duh! -Nicole, Tweens

Mensch of the Week - Osher L (8/9 B)

MENSCH (noun) \ˈmen(t)sh\
a person of integrity and honor

"Osher is one of the most mature campers in our group. Whenever we ask for quiet, Osher is always one of the first to sit down and listen to what we have to say. He makes sure to always include other campers. When a fellow camper was nervous about a ride at Adventureland, Osher encouraged him to go on the ride without fear, and both campers had a great time on the ride together!"

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Hillcrest 2014 - Week 2 Recap

7/11/2014

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July 7-July 11: Week 2 of Summer 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

On Monday, the M&Ms went to gymnastics and played with all the equipment and climbed rock walls. We also baked in camp with Daniela and made rainbow cupcakes. During Chocolate Works on Tuesday, we dipped different foods in a chocolate fountain and made our own tasty desserts. We loved playing at the barbecue on Wednesday, and swimming and making suncatchers on Thursday.

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

This week was the first full week of camp and it could not have gone better! Monday was fun an relaxing back at Hillcrest, followed by a great trip to Chocolate Works on Tuesday. We all enjoyed learning about chocolate, and eating some too! Wednesday was the weekly BBQ, where we spent the majority of our time running around in the playground. On Thursday, we went to Gymnastics for the first time and the girls were so upset when it ended!

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

This week started off with a trip to the Central Park Zoo, which we all enjoyed. On Wednesday, we had FIFA day, where campers and staff could wear soccer apparel, and at our BBQ, we had a soccer match for the campers. Thursday was our trip to Bounce!, a trampoline arena, and both our campers and staff had a blast! Besides all the trips, we also enjoyed our time back at camp with the specialists!

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

The 10/11 Girls had tons of fun this week. On Monday, we went to the Central Park Zoo and saw lots of animals. We also watched a 4D movie of "Rio" and thought it was really cool! On Tuesday, we went to gymnastics for the first time this summer, and the girls loved jumping on the trampoline and cartwheeling. On Wednesday, we played an improv game in Drama that we loved so much we continued to play it at the BBQ. On Thursday, we had SO much fun at Bounce! We played basketball and dodgeball on trampoline courts and jumped into foam pits. We ended the week with our first Oneg Shabbat service and our first day of cooking! We can't wait for next week!

Swim

This week, our intermediate instructional group practiced doing the front stroke. They used a kickboard to practice their kicking and breathing. They also practiced their arm movements to help them become better and faster swimmers. Everyone in the group has gotten a lot better at the front stroke since the first day!

Jewish Culture & Cooking

This week in Jewish Culture, the entire camp participated in IDR - Israeli Defense Force - training. We ran relays to work on our speed and strength, and talked about how Israel is a tiny country that needs our support and lots of protection (especially now). We talked about how in Israel, boys and girls all must join the army at 18 years old. Lower Camp also learned about the Torah and the important lessons that we can learn from it - like those we learn at camp and school such as no hitting and sharing. Some groups also had the chance to make challah covers our of felt and puffy paint. In Cooking, we all made rainbow cupcakes! We learned about how to mix colors while baking and while they were done, everyone got to try one!

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

This week, the 6/7 Boys went on a trip to Chocolate Works and made worker hats and chocolate covered snacks. When we weren't on trips, we went to the park and played on the swings and climbed on the jungle gym. At Gymnastics, we played lots of fun games and during gym, we played basketball, jumped rope, and hula hooped. We also had fun in the pool!

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

On Monday, we went to the Central Park Zoo. The campers saw many different animals, such as penguins, sea lions, bats, snow leopards, and more. On Wednesday, we love FIFA Day, when campers and staff wore their favorite soccer apparel and competed in a huge game of soccer. On Thursday, we went to Bounce!, where campers and staff enjoyed playing dodgeball, basketball, jumping into foam pits, and doing flips on trampolines.

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

On Monday, the Nerds had a chance to go to the Central Park Zoo. They had a fun time because of the opportunity to feed and pet animals they don't normally see. On Wednesday, we enjoyed playing various sports at the cookout, especially the FIFA tournament! On Thursday, we all loved our trip to Bounce!, where we had the chance to play sports and jump around on the trampolines!

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

This week at camp was great! We started off our week at the Central Park Zoo, where we took "elphies" to advocate our support against harming elephants. We then enjoyed our first week at Hip Hop and CrossFit. On Wednesday, we showed our support for our favorite futbol team, and on Thursday we had so much fun at Bounce! We played dodgeball, basketball, and showed off how well we can flip. On Friday, we explored the South Street Seaport and were excited to walk the Brooklyn Bridge and ride the Shark! We can't wait for all of the fun trips planned for next week!

Gym

In Week 2, our campers continued to be active and competitive. The Lower Camp participated in an activity involving a parachute. They had a lot of fun shaking and making a tent with the chute. They also enjoyed hula hooping and jumping rope. The Upper Camp enjoyed games of soccer. They competed both at the gym and at Valley Stream State Park. They also played handball and half-court basketball. Everyone showed sportsmanship and enthusiasm for their activities.

Art & Drama

In Arts & Crafts this week, the Upper Campers had a blast making beaded suncatchers and rainbow crayon blocks, while the lower camp made umbrella shaped suncatchers out of coffee filters and hair barrettes. In drama, the Upper Camp played "party quirks" and showed off their improv skils, while the Lower Camp tried the Human Knot, Heads Up, and Charades.

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

Swimming -Tori, N/K
The trip to Chocolate Works -Nicholas, 6/7 Boys
Swimming! -Abby M., 6/7 G
Going to Bounce! -Nathaniel B, 8/9 B
Playing dodgeball with pins in gym -Eve, 8/9 G
Bounce - I loved playing dodgeball and basketball -Ethan, 10/11 B
Going to Bounce! -Katie, 10/11 G
Dodgeball at Bounce! -Reuven, Tweens

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

Chocolate Works -Adam, N/K
Going in the pool -Jonah, 6/7 B
Arts and Crafts! -Alexa, 6/7 G
Going to Bounce! -Tyler S, 8/9 B
Playing basketball on trampolines! -Diana, 8/9 G
Playing soccer at the BBQ - it's my favorite sport! -Jeremy, 10/11 B
Doing gymnastics at Bounce! -Sarah M, 10/11 G
Jumping into the foam cube pit at Bounce! -Olivia, Tweens

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Adventureland! -Ella, N/K
More free swim! -Adam, 6/7 B
Adventureland! -Julia, 6/7 G
Going to Adventureland -Benjamin G, 8/9 B

Going on the Hurricane and Ladybug! -Leah, 8/9 G
The fun rides at Adventureland! -Larry, 10/11 B
Going on rides with my friends at Adventureland -Abby, 10/11 G
The Hurricane at Adventureland! -Matthew, Tweens

Menschs of the Week - The Jolly Ranchers

MENSCH (noun) \ˈmen(t)sh\
a person of integrity and honor

While walking through the Central Park Zoo, the whole group decided that they wanted to learn about the poor treatment of elephants around the world. The signed a petition pledging that they would never purchase ivory in order to do their part in protecting the elephants.

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Hillcrest 2014 - Week 1 Recap

7/4/2014

1 Comment

June 30 - July 3: Week 1 of Summer 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

What an exciting first week the M&Ms had! On Monday, we baked cookies, and played musical instruments in drama. On Tuesday, we went to the movies and saw "How to Train Your Dragon 2." At our first BBQ, the M&Ms played in the new playground and enjoyed delicious hot dogs for lunch. We are looking forward to even more fun in the coming weeks at Hillcrest!

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

To get to know each other on the first day, our group sat in a circle telling each other our names, ages, and favorite color. We also played hot potato and freeze dance to break the ice. During this week, the girls were tested to see how well they swim, while also having fun during free swim. We went on our first BBQ and got to play on the new playground, which was really awesome. We also went to see "How to Train Your Dragon 2," and the girls loved the movie! It was a great first week!

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

The 8/9 Girls had an incredible first week at camp! On Monday, the girls learned each other's names, listed important rules, and danced to The Penguin Song. On Tuesday, we made puzzles in Arts & Crafts, golden "bricks" of the Kotel in Jewish Culture, cookie sandwiches in cooking, and played charades in drama. On Wednesday, we had our first BBQ, where we played soccer and volleyball and enjoyed using the new playground at Valley Stream. On Thursday, we went on our first trip to Laser Bounce and played fun arcade games and laser tag. At the end of the trip, we exchanged our tickets for cool prizes. We can't wait for next week!

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

The 10/11 Girls began the camp year by collaborating to create a list entitled "Rules of Respect." Each Chiclet contributed a rule to the list, which helped establish a bond amongst the girls. At the BBQ, they played parachute with their "Mama Hen" (Alyssa, their Group Leader), laughing along as they went. The group loved Laser Bounce, especially because of all the great prizes that they were able to get with their tickets, and are looking forward to another great week of camp!

Swim

Since it was the first week of camp, we started out by doing our yearly swim tests. Our new lifeguard, Brandon, and Eric swam with the Upper Campers, while Aquatics Director Rob observed and determined which instructional group each camper should be placed in. Once instruction got underway, it's been a solid week of swimming!

Jewish Culture & Cooking

In Jewish Culture, the entire camp visited Israel. After learning about how special the land is, we talked about how holy the Western Wall is. Every camper made their own "brick" for the wall using a brown bag, crayons, glue, glitter, and newspaper. Afterwards, everyone wrote a special prayer that will actually be sent to Israel and placed in the wall. In Cooking, the Lower Camp made red, white, and blue sparkler cookies, which were delicious! the Upper Camp did a number of great activities - some made whoopie pies with fluff and frosting, while others made a triple decker fudge, using cookie dough, brownie mix, and marshmallows.

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

We all couldn't wait for the first day of camp, so we rushed upstairs to our home base and passed around a football in a circle for an icebreaker game. After we got to know each other, we made awesome airplanes out of sticks in Arts & Crafts, and swam in the pool. Tuesday and Wednesday were our first trip days - the movies and BBQ. Our assessment of "How to Train Your Dragon 2"? We "likey!" At the BBQ, the hot dogs were delicious! We finished the week wearing red, white, and blue; eating ice pops of the same color; and even baking USA-themed cookies! We can't wait to see what fun next week brings!

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

Even though this was the first week of camp and everyone is still getting to know one another, I can tell we are going to have a lot of fun! The 8/9 Boys have played intense BINGO games in their home base; dodgeball bowling and kickball with the 8/9 Girls; ate delicious ziti, chicken nuggets, and hot dogs, started to learn to be better swimmers, and of course attacked their counselors in the pool during free swim. I can't wait to see what the rest of the Hot Tamales' summer has in store!

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

The first week of camp was nothing short of amazing. Staying in camp for the first two days was a good way to get to know the campers and staff in our group. The Nerds had a lot of fun playing basketball in the gym with Greg and at the BBQ. They all had a great time at Laser Bounce, playing the arcade games, laser tag, and bouncing around on the inflatables. Even though this week was cut short by the Fourth of July, we can't wait for Week 2!

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

After waiting all year, the Jolly Ranchers were thrilled to get another year at Hillcrest underway. After some icebreakers, our summer began with some fun at Jewel Avenue Playground, followed by kickball in the gym and deep water testing in the pool. On Tuesday, we made puzzles in art, whoopie pies in cooking, and Kotel bricks in Jewish Culture, and we all enjoyed the softball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball at Valley Stream. Our trip to Laser Bounce was awesome, and we loved our game of Charades in drama. Most of all, we loved the baked ziti, chicken nuggets, and hot dogs at lunch this week - our new lunch food is SO delicious! We can't wait for more of the same next week!

Gym

The children began the summer with a full week of events. On Monday, all the groups played kickball in the gym. Later in the week, the 8/9 Boys played half-court basketball. They played a nice game while also gaining an understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship. The Tweens also enjoyed a game of basketball while others played some handball. The Lower Camp got to do some bowling with a game of Pindown, and also played Freeze Tag and some Duck, Duck, Goose. At this week's BBQ, campers took part in softball, soccer, volleyball, and basketball activities.

Art & Drama

This week in Arts & Crafts, the Lower Camp made kites depicting their favorite summer activities, flower leis, and planes out of popsicle sticks. The Upper Camp designed their own puzzles and photo cubes. In Drama, the Lower Camp mastered the game Indian Chief, the Penguin Song, and Zip Zap Zop, while the Upper Camp played Charades Relay Races and "Get a Clue."

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

Swimming in the pool -Noah, N/K
Swimming! -Amit, 6/7 Boys
Playing in the park at the BBQ -Brianna A, 6/7 G
Jumping in the pool during swim -David K, 8/9 B
Swimming -Ariella, 8/9 G
Racing my friends in the pool -Samuel M, 10/11 B
Spending time with all of my friends at the BBQ -Nadia, 10/11 G
Reuniting with all my friends on Monday -Alexis, Tweens

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

Playing and eating hot dogs at the BBQ -Akiva, N/K
Playing tag and climbing on the ladder at the playground with friends at the park -Asher, 6/7 B
Getting to go swimming -Alexa, 6/7 G
Playing laser tag at Laser Bounce -Tyler S, 8/9 B
Playing in the playground at the BBQ -Eve, 8/9 G
I was excited to dive in the pool -Alex A, 10/11 B
Playing on the swings at Valley Stream -Jordan, 10/11 G
The BBQ - because it was our first trip -Reuben, Tweens

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Going to Chocolate Works -Tori, N/K
HAVING FUN! -Adam, 6/7 B
Can't wait to go to Chocolate Works! -Julia, 6/7 G
Bouncing off the walls at Bounce! -Yonatan, 8/9 B

Another fun BBQ! -Stella, 8/9 G
Going on the trip to Bounce! -Michael D, 10/11 B
The trip to Bounce! -Mayan, 10/11 G
Bounce! We all can't wait to do flips on the trampoline -Olivia, Tweens

Mensch of the Week - Sammy F (6/7 Boys)

MENSCH (noun) \ˈmen(t)sh\
a person of integrity and honor

Sammy listens well, asks good questions, helped clean up the lunch area after we ate at Valley Stream, and is kind to his fellow campers.

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Howie's Vlog 2014 - Episode 5 The Last Week of Hillcrest 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

Swim

Jewish Culture & Cooking

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

Gym

Art & Drama

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Mensch of the Week - David K (8/9 B)

July 21-July 25: Week 4 of Summer 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

Swim

Jewish Culture & Cooking

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

Gym

Art & Drama

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Mensch of the Week - Marly S (Tweens)

July 14-July 18: Week 3 of Summer 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

Swim

Jewish Culture & Cooking

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

Gym

Art & Drama

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Mensch of the Week - Osher L (8/9 B)

July 7-July 11: Week 2 of Summer 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

Swim

Jewish Culture & Cooking

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

Hot Tamales - 8/9 Boys

Nerds - 10/11 Boys

Jolly Ranchers - Tweens

Gym

Art & Drama

Camper Quotes

What was your favorite part of the week?

What was the most exciting thing you did at camp?

What are you most looking forward to next week?

Menschs of the Week - The Jolly Ranchers

June 30 - July 3: Week 1 of Summer 2014

M&Ms - Nursery/Kindergarten

Pixy Stix - 6/7 Girls

Hershey Misses - 8/9 Girls

Chiclets - 10/11 Girls

Swim

Jewish Culture & Cooking

Junior Mints - 6/7 Boys

Howie's Vlog 2014 - Episode 5
The Last Week of Hillcrest 2014