הכל בסדר

Tomorrow will mark the 4th day of staff orientation and I can't believe it's going by so fast. The past two days we've been doing a lot of intense informational sessions to get us all ready for when the campers come, but we've also been doing a lot of fun team-building activities.

Yesterday was an interesting day, but in the good way. I helped set up some of our labs which was really nice because it was mostly the IT guy, the other robotics counselor, and myself. It really helped me gain some energy back so that I could get through the day. Later in the evening after dinner, we had a scavenger hunt, WHICH WAS INSANE! Running, jumping, yelling, paint on our faces, group selfies, males and females switching clothes, and dancing! It was fun, it was crazy, and I can honestly say that I would have never thought that I would have enjoyed it.

The group of people Big Idea that I am working with are one of the most amazing and unique groups. They are loving, supportive, and welcoming. We are basically one big crazy family and it's amazing.

Anyways... So today, the international (not from Israel) staff when to get our work visas so that we can legally be working in Israel. It was a long and irritating process, but Yaara (head of camp) did some sweet-talking to the government officials and it all worked out. Afterwards, we had some amazing bourekas in Hadera and then went back to camp. We also had workshop simulations today which will also be going on more tomorrow. We basically had to create an activity that was fun and somewhat informative, and then the other counselors and head staff would give their feedback to help is improve. I found it really helpful and was especially surprised when the assistant director of Big Idea told me that he thought I was a "very happy and bubbly person". Now this, if you don't know me well, is fucking ridiculous. Most know that I can occasionally be happy, but rarely "bubbly". Apparently a lot of people agree with him about this, so I am taking it and running with it as much as I can.

Tonight we also had a "staff outing", which wound up being bowling and some shopping for snacks in the end. I was 3 points away from winning, but more importantly, everyone bowling was having an amazing time and including everyone. There was dancing, amazing bowling, and even an amazing show in the end by two of the head staff members (I will share the Facebook video when it gets posted).

Overall, I've been having an amazing time and I can't wait until the campers get here so we can officially start camp.

Note: As a child I hated summer camps, and I still do from the camper perspective. I do not like to follow, I like to lead. Campers can lead in small and controlled situations, but those rare. Being a counselor is waaaay different from being a camper because we have more freedom, more fun (in my opinion), and we get cool walkie talkies.

As always, check the Big Idea Facebook page to see things that are going on. The group is just called "Big Idea" with nothing else. Photos/videos from staff orientation are being posted often and camp photos/videos when it all finally starts will also be posted there. I will try to take more pictures, but my schedule is crazy busy so I make no promises.