Camp Moshava (Pennsylvania) facts for kids

Camp Moshava (also known as Moshava or Moshava IO) is a summer camp located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. It is a coeducational camp, meaning both boys and girls attend. The camp follows Modern Orthodox Jewish traditions. Its main goal is to offer "an adventure in Religious Zionism", combining Jewish religious values with a strong connection to Israel.

Camp Moshava's Connections

Camp Moshava is part of a larger organization called Bnei Akiva. Because of this, it is connected to other Moshava camps. These include Camp Moshava, Wild Rose, WI, Camp Stone, and a camp in Ennismore.

Camper Groups

Campers at Moshava are divided into different age groups. These groups are called "עידות" (pronounced 'ay-dot'), which is a Hebrew word meaning tribes or divisions. Each Eidah is for a specific grade level:

• Eidah Hey is for kids going into fourth and fifth grade.
• Eidah Aleph is for kids going into sixth grade.
• Eidah Bet is for kids going into seventh grade.
• Eidah Gimmel is for kids going into eighth grade.
• Eidah Daled is for kids going into ninth grade.
• Machal is a special program for kids going into tenth grade.

The Machal Program

Machal is a unique program for campers entering tenth grade. These older campers have their own campus, which is separate from the main camp. Their campus includes its own dining hall and courts for sports like basketball, tennis, and hockey.

Machal campers spend about half of their time on overnight trips to different places. Towards the end of July and August, they go on longer overnight adventures. Past trips have included visits to Boston, Massachusetts, and Niagara Falls, Canada.

Yearly Camp Themes

Every summer, Camp Moshava chooses a different theme. This theme guides many of the camp's activities and events. It usually includes a special annual song, a theme name, and various fun programs.

For example:

• In 2010, the theme was "Moshevet Tiferet Yisrael." The annual song was "Mi Shemaamin." Campers also enjoyed skits based on "The Wizard of Oz," called "The Wizard of Ozreal" (connecting to Israel). There was also a competition about the Mishna, which is a collection of Jewish laws.
• In 2012, the theme was "Moshevet Yerushalaim." This theme focused on the city of Jerusalem.
• In 2014, the theme was "Moshevet Shvil Israel." This year's focus was on the long hiking trail that crosses Israel.

The Waterfront

The camp is located right on a small body of water called Huff Pond. This lake is owned by the camp. During the summer, it is home to many fun "lake toys" for campers to enjoy.