Week # 6 (8/09/08)
Probably the busiest week of the summer so far; camp just keeps getting better!! Field Day broke out on Motzei Shabbat, and when we woke up Sunday morning the camp was covered in blue and yellow. We spent the morning at track and field competitions, including parachute, potato sack races and long distance run. After lunch the Chai Riders surprised us on their motorcycles, and everyone had a chance to get on a motorcycle. One of our favorite camp activities rounded out the afternoon, when Camp Aguda came for our annual inter-camp basketball game. It was a tough competition, with many high scorers, and it ended in a tie.
A tough day to follow, but the Heimishe Parksville Brother Circus managed to keep the excitement going. On Monday night counselors presented a multi-act circus, complete with guest clowns from Camp Moshava, Naftali Herrmann on the high wire, and veteran counselor Yossi Sipzner teaming up with Avi Engelhart in a wild juggling act. Popcorn and cotton candy (thank you to Yossi) was the icing on the cake.
Tuesday night we showed our support for Israel with a Salute to Israel Parade led by our very own parade marshal Avi Pollak.
Wednesday afternoon we had the concert of the summer; an all star line up of Baruch Levine, Dovid Gabay, Yehuda Green and Yaakov Shweky! The dancing and ruach was amazing. We then chilled at an ice cream party for night activity.
Thursday night we played find the head staff, searching for our division heads and other head staff disguised throughout the campus; was that Avi Pollak, or Chaim Meir?? Chanie Rudman or Alyssa Sacks?? We look forward to a meaningful Tisha B’Av and then a fun filled last week of camp – stay tuned!!

Week # 5 (8/02/08)
A wonderful visiting day kicked off week #5. Many guests, visited, picnicked and enjoyed a great day at Camp HASC, and no one had time to be homesick after their parents left, because we went right into a rocking Uncle Moishie concert. Uncle Moishie came off the stage to dance with the audience, which was a hit with his many fans.
Monday night was a great interactive performance by Alan Goowin of Goowins Ballooins, sponsored in honor of Elana Saxe’s birthday; Happy Birthday Elana!!!
Tuesday night was our second sports night of the summer – this time the girls had a fierce basketball competition, and the boys played kickball up on the field.
Wednesday night we danced and sang with Yisroel Wulliger, and on Thursday kicked back at a bonfire where we made s’mores, and probably ate more than we should have. Friday, a helicopter landed at Camp HASC, which was really exciting to watch. And then, Baruch Hashem, Shabbos was here again, because we really needed a rest!!

Week 4 (7/26/08)
Week #4 started with a car wash on Monday night, which was a lot of fun for the girls, but unfortunately got rained out for the boys. But don’t worry, we quickly moved into the gym for a wild game of steal the bagel (salami, bacon….)
Tuesday night we celebrated Purim in July with a costume party, Hamentashen and pin the hat on Haman. Of course, we substituted fruit punch for wine, but the party was a blast anyway.
Wednesday we had a visit from Camp Chayil Miriam, who as always put on a great show and carnival for many of the female campers. At night, we all had a game night in the big bubble.
Thursday night will certainly go down as one of the highlights of the summer. Avraham Fried gave a phenomenal concert; no one wanted it to end. Shabbos, as usual, was full of ruach and simcha.

Week # 3 (7/20/08)
We started on Monday night with a Luau, where campers “surfed” on a balance beam, limboed, snacked on pineapple and Hawaiian punch, and played beach volleyball.
Tuesday night all of the campers competed in one of our annual sports nights, girls in kickball and boys in basketball; in our camp, every camper has a chance at bat!
On Wednesday we chilled and roasted marshmallow at a campfire. Everyone sang along with our music counselor and his guitar. The week ended on high at Thursday night’s Super bowl party, where everyone dressed in the colors of their favorite teams, played ball, cheered on their teams and made pennants. And then Baruch Hashem Shabbos was here, because we all needed a good rest!!

Week # 2 (7/13/08)
The excitement never stops in Camp HASC. Night activities for week two continued with an arts and crafts night, followed by a rocking pajama party (girls and boys separately of course). We ended the week with a concert by Baruch Levine – the dancing was amazing!

We were honored to have Doctor David Pelcovitz, a renowned psychologist and HASC alumnus, spend the second Shabbos of camp with us. The staff gained tremendously from his speeches and workshops throughout Shabbos.
On Motzei Shabbos our melave malka culminated in the breakout of Sing Down and we spent Sunday in a “battle” between the orange and green teams. We played balloon volleyball, musical chairs, and finger-painted, and the energy of the captains and their teams was fantastic! The day also included a concert by Pey Dalid and by the time we ended Sing Down, we were too tired to even remember who won!!

Week 1 (7/06/08)
Summer 2008 at Camp HASC has gotten off to a fantastic start. Campers and staff have reunited with friends from summers past and have already made many new friends as well. Night activities for the first week of camp included a bonfire, a scavenger hunt and our first concert of the summer with Eli Gerstner. The first day of academics was lots of fun, but we were off from school on Friday for the Fourth of July. Everyone dressed up in red, white, and blue for the Independence Day festivities, including the annual July 4th parade.

The first week of camp also brought a number of simchas to Camp HASC: Yardena (Kopps) & Ariel Bannett and Alison (Lavner) & Chaim Basch both came to camp to share their sheva brachos celebrations with their friends and former campers. Mazel tov!

As always, the highlight of our week was shabbos. This week, we had several special guests: Rabbi Paysach Krohn came for the second year in a row to speak to staff and campers and inspire us with his Torah and stories. In addition, Rabbi Michael Olshin, Menahel Ruchani of Yeshiva Torat Shraga in Yerushalayim gave a tisch on Friday night, and Dave Weinberg of Omek HaDavar was also here, getting everyone excited for the Sunday night concert with Omek HaDavar.

Sunday was exciting not only because of the concert, though. Wild Wild West Day was a big hit, as usual, and the monkey was the star of the show. This year, though, every day will be Petting Zoo Day, as camp has recently added its own petting zoo with a horse, two goats, a sheep, and a pair of ducks. Sunday was also Alumni Day 2008, when we welcomed back more than seventy former counselors and staff members, many of whom brought their families to meet all their Camp HASC friends. We especially enjoyed meeting all the new additions (and next generation of counselors) to the HASC family.

Week 7 (8/10/07)
It all went by so fast! Suddenly, without warning, it?s the last shabbos of the summer. And what a great summer it?s been! We?ve made new friends, and learned all about ?helping ourselves and others.? The ruach this week needs to carry us through until next summer ? so let?s make it count.

What a great week we had! Sunday was Israel Day, when we dressed up in blue and white, had falafel for lunch, and had our very own Camp HASC Israel Day Parade. Sunday, Camp HASC also welcomed back one of our favorite performers ? Eli Gerstner. Singing songs from all his albums, including Menucha, Yeshiva Boys Choir, and Tek-Noy, we all enjoyed dancing. After a really packed and fun-filled day, we ended with a bonfire and kumzitz.

Monday afternoon, as the ECPs and Juniors started their final week of academics, the YAPs got a special treat as Camp Moshava brought a carnival to Camp HASC. Monday night, Girls Campus had the opportunity to enjoy their second straight day with a concert, as Malky Giniger and the Raninu Girls Choir performed for them in the bubble. While the girls were enjoying their concert, the boys were hard at work in the Academics vs. YAPs basketball game. Many campers had a chance to participate, and everyone had fun playing or cheering on their friends.

Tuesday afternoon, we took a break from our routine as the gym was taken over by parrots! Campers and counselors were nice enough to let the parrots land on their hands, heads, and shoulders, and everyone loved looking at the colorful birds. For dinner, the YAPs enjoyed the annual YAP Barbecue. Some of the YAPs took turns at the microphone, talking about how great their summer has been and saying goodbye to all their friends. On Tuesday night, the gym was transformed into a pirate ship, with counselors and campers sporting pirate outfits, eye patches, and little too much makeup.

Wednesday night, another Camp HASC favorite, Shlomo Katz, joined us for a concert. Campers and especially the staff enjoyed all his songs, and no one wanted the concert to end. Wednesday night was also the annual Staff Appreciation Barbecue. A special thanks to everyone who helped set up, cook, and (especially) clean up.

As the week started to wind down, all the academics classes enjoyed the annual Academics Carnival on Thursday. Each class prepared its own booth, and everyone enjoyed walking around to see all their friends. Thursday night, the gym was filled with balloons as our performer made all sorts of objects that he handed out to campers including fans, animals, and even a balloon house! Thursday night, our staff had the opportunity to hear from the mother of two of our campers. Her inspirational words were a great way to wrap up a summer full of chesed and giving, especially with Chodesh Elul rapidly approaching.

Friday was the final day of academics and therapy. And as we said goodbye to our teachers and therapists, many of whom will not be in camp next week, the dining room was full of various shades of pink for Girl Power Day.

And just like that, our final full week in Camp HASC this summer was over. A number of campers left this week ? and we already miss them. Even though we only have a few days left, we look forward to the many remaining activities ? the Volvies (Hebrew Academy Awards), the banquet, the end of summer slideshow, and who knows what else?

Have a great shabbos everyone!

Week 6 (8/03/07)
Camp is really almost over ? it?s so hard to believe that we?re already up to our sixth shabbos together! This week was anything but boring. Sunday was extra special as it was both Farm Day and Alumni Day. While the campers were enjoying the petting zoo, moon walks, popcorn, and cotton candy, over 100 former staff members and their families came to visit and join in the festivities. Alumni Day also featured a special alumni lunch where we recognized former counselor Jeffrey Remin for his fundraising efforts on behalf of camp. Joining our list of performers new to the Camp HASC stage was Omek HaDavar, who performed on Sunday night. Everyone loved the concert, and afterwards the band stuck around to sign CDs for many of the campers.

On Monday night, all our campers had their chance in the spotlight, as everyone else watched the 2007 Talent Show. Always a favorite, this year?s talent show didn?t disappoint.

On Tuesday night, we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa?s 50th Anniversary. While we all left the gym with a strong smell of baby powder in our hair (as well as musk cologne and Ben-Gay on our arms and necks ? thanks to boys Head Counselor Avi Pollak), it was one of the best dress-up nights of the summer.

On Wednesday, some of our ECP and Junior campers got a special treat ? we went bowling! While trips in Camp HASC are usually for YAPS, the newly-created NAPs were very happy to have their turn. The NAPs were also happy to cheer for their division in the dining room and out-cheered everyone else. Wednesday night, campers and counselors got a special treat as some of our counselors gave their very own mock concert. Thank you to current counselors and former Miami Boys Choir stars Duvie Shapiro and Etan Nat for your special guest performances. While we had fun all week, Thursday was the most exciting day ? the Heimeshe Brothers Really Big Circus came to town! Led by ringmaster Avi Pollak and his sidekick Allan Houben, counselors and campers displayed some death-defying stunts including a trapeze, the human cannonball, and juggling fire. The ferocious circus animals also gave us quite a show. Thursday night, we were lucky to host the Kalaver Rebbe, who spoke and gave brachos to many of our counselors. This shabbos, we are privileged to host both R? Aharon Bina, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh and R? Baruch Simon, rosh yeshiva at Yeshivat Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan. We look forward to their shiurim over shabbos.

Have a great shabbos everyone!

Week 5 (7/27/07)
Wow, the summer is really going by quickly! How is it possible that Field Day 2007 is already behind us? Both teams, Eretz (Brown) and Yam (Blue) put in a great effort, with none other than Noach ? who lived both on the land and the sea ? deciding that Team Eretz should emerge victorious in the closest Field Day in Camp HASC history. As part of the Field Day fun, Camp HASC hosted Camp Agudah for the annual intercamp basketball game.

After the thrill of Field Day, however, our moods became much more somber as Tisha B?Av set in at Camp HASC. R? Judah Mischel and R? Shimon Schenker enhanced our kinnos with their introductions and explanations, and we were privileged to watch the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation video with Dayan Aron Dovid Dunner and Rabbi Yissocher Frand on Monday night after Eicha and the Aish HaTorah video, ?From the Ashes,? after Mincha on Tuesday.

With Tisha B?Av behind us, hopefully for the last time, we are ready for several more fun-filled weeks here at camp. Everyone enjoyed Wednesday night?s bonfire and s?mores, and Thursday night we welcomed another new performer to the Camp HASC stage, Baruch Levine. Following his stunning performance at this years? A Time for Music XX, no one was surprised at his great performance here in camp.

Friday morning, we had another first, as a helicopter landed on our baseball field and took a number of campers (and staff members) for a ride around camp. We hope to post some aerial photos taken by our counselors at www.camphasc.org in the coming days. Stay tuned, and have a great shabbos!

Week 4 (7/21/07)
It?s hard to believe that this is already our fourth shabbos together. As we start reading Sefer Devarim, known as Mishneh Torah, we can also recap another terrific week in Camp HASC. This past Sunday was Visiting Day 2007 ? campers and counselors alike enjoyed receiving visitors and meeting their bunkmates? families. As fun as that was, though, Sunday was capped off by two very special visitors ? Yaakov Shwekey and Lipa Schmeltzer. While we all expected a great performance, as usual, from Yaakov Shwekey, Lipa, in his first performance at Camp HASC, simply blew the audience away. From his original songs to his parodies to his rendition of the calisthenics ?Shmiel? song, campers and staff had an amazing time dancing to the music.

Night activities this week were also a lot of fun ? Camp HASC was transformed into a Winter Wonderland, a 50s ice cream parlor, and a movie theater (now playing: Cars). Thursday night, another new performer graced the Camp HASC stage ? Shua Kessin. In the words of one camper (you can probably guess who), ?This was the best A Time for Music ever!? While Fridays in camp are short, this Friday was Harry Potter Day in Camp HASC, and more than a few counselors and campers were wearing their robes and carrying their magical wands.

On Thursday night, Camp HASC was also privileged to host R? Yaakov Perlow, the Noviminsker Rebbe and Rosh Agudat Yisrael. R? Perlow first spoke to the staff as a whole and then gave individual brochos.

As we approach Tisha B?Av and the second half of the summer, it?s great to look back at how wonderful the first half of the summer has been. At the same time, we all know that there?s much more fun ahead ? more concerts, more activities, and ? how could we forget? ? Field Day and Color War. Have a good shabbos!

Week 3 (7/13/07)
Who can believe that it?s already our third shabbos in camp!? Our second full week here was even better than the first. We started the week with Sing Down 2007, where teams Einayim (black) and Oznaim (red) faced off all day in a number of events, culminating in an exciting finale at night activity. Despite the loud cheers that it just doesn?t matter, team Oznaim emerged victorious, carried by their songs Ma Ma Ma and Kol HaMispalel. Sunday, which also included a concert by Pey Dalid, was just the beginning of our exciting week ? night activities included a slumber party and a pow-wow, as well as a kickball game/calisthenics for the boys and a thrilling basketball game for the girls. Academics, therapy, and the recreational programs are all in full swing. Thursday night, the entire camp was privileged to a concert by everyone?s favorite uncle, Uncle Moishy! Campers loved hearing all their favorite songs and many even had the opportunity to dance with Uncle Moishy. This week, our staff was privileged to hear shiurim from special guests R? Eli Mayer and David Weinberg, as well as by our regular chinuch staff. Everyone is looking forward to another great shabbos in camp, and we also know that This shabbos, everyone in camp is very excited because we all know that Sunday is Visiting Day 2007.

Week 2 (7/06/07)
Hey Camp HASC!!! It?s only been one full week of camp, but it already seems like we?ve been here forever. Last shabbos, the ruach was incredible ? and we were privileged to host Rabbi Paysach Krohn who spoke to both campers and counselors. Our week started with a fantastic carnival and a concert with Dovid Gabay. Monday was the first day of academics, where we all met our teachers, therapists, and new classmates. Wednesday, the fourth of July, was a lot of fun ? even though the rain cancelled our usual baseball game. For the first time ever, Camp HASC hosted the Nachum Segal Show on Wednesday night. The game will be rescheduled for a later date. During the show, Nachum interviewed our staff and campers, who told him about all the fun we?re having this summer. Thursday was the most exciting day of the week ? with a visit by Rabbi Hanoch Teller who fascinated us with his stories and then a concert by Shloime Dachs. And that brings us to Friday, when we are all so happy because Shabbos is Coming. Stay tuned for next week?s exciting lineup of recreation activities, night activities, special surprise guests, and ? of course ? Ari Ringelheim?s brand new calisthenics routine.

Week 1 (6/29/07)
Oh, Camp HASC, our summer home! It?s so great to be back again. We?re only two days in, and it already seems like we never left. After meeting our counselors and fellow campers, we started our first night of camp with a Hawaiian luau. Campers and counselors had a blast surfing, squirting each other with water, making flowers, and drinking Hawaiian punch. Our first full day in camp included a scavenger hunt that took us all over camp and swimming for boys and girls in our two pools. Friday was also Veteran?s Day in Camp HASC, where we honored the U.S. troops as well as our very own veteran staff members ? starting with Shmiel and Devora Kahn, who have been in HASC for each of its 36 summers. We?re looking forward to a great double-chai 36th summer here in camp ? full of growth, new friends, and ? most of all ? lots and lots of fun. Stay tuned for an action-packed week, including our July 4 celebration and some surprise guests.

Week # 5 (8/04/06)
Although the mood was somewhat tempered for the nine days, we still had a great time in camp HASC. On Motzei shabbos, there was a surprise appearance by everyone?s favorite uncle, Uncle Moishy. Not only did Uncle Moishe sing all of our campers' favorite songs, but he also took part in one of the most exciting events of the summer by helping to break out FIELD DAY 2006! This year's teams were Yellow (Shabbos) and Green (Yom Tov). Everyone agreed that this year?s field day was the best ever because of the new amazing sports complex. There were races and field activities the whole day, as well as lots of lots of TEAM SPIRIT!

In the afternoon we had one of the most competitive events of the summer, the annual camper basketball game versus Camp Agudah. The game ended in a tight tie, with both teams beating the scores that made up last year's tie. At night, the field day teams met in the gym for a beautiful sing down. In the end, team Shabbos won but everyone had a great day.

On Monday night, everyone got dressed up for the costume/ice cream party that was deliciously fun. The boys and girls separated on Tuesday night as the girls had a wet and wild time washing cars and the boys had a kickin? good time playing kickball. Wednesday and Thursday were more toned down due to T?sha B?av. However, everyone had a meaningful and relaxing shabbas nachamu followed by a melava malka on motzei shabbos. With camp rapidly coming to an all-too-soon end, we are looking forward to making our finale week of the Summer of 2006 our BEST WEEK EVER! So, stay tuned for details!

Week # 4 (7/28/06)
There is no sign of the excitement winding down as we enter week number four! Sunday was Shtetl Day! Shtetl Day is one of the most fun days in Camp. Everyone dressed up in Shtetl gear and rotated between different activities all relating to a shtetl.

One especially exciting activity was the petting zoo. There were sheep and turtles, pony rides and hay rides. Even zebras and monkeys (it was a new-age shtetl)!

In the afternoon, Shlomie Dachs put on a super charged concert.

On Sunday night, the campers were given rubles to spend at the shtetl marketplace, where each bunk set up a booth to sell their wares. Everyone had a great day.

The weather in Camp turned very cold on Monday night. In fact, it was snowing in the gym as the campers made their way to Winter Wonderland. The campers had snowball fights, shoveled snow and ate ice pops.

Tuesday night was the Camp HASC annual Talent Show! Campers and their bunks spent the day honing their skills and preparing their talents for the show. The campers? talents ranged from singing and dancing to playing musical instruments and juggling. Everyone enjoyed seeing the amazing acts their friends and bunkmates put on. It was a night of unforgettable talent, skill and individuality.

Wednesday was Girl Power Day. Go girls! The concerts just don?t stop up here in Camp HASC as Yisroel Williger performed on Wednesday night. And on Thursday night the circus made its way into town and everyone in camp was invited. There were incredible acts such as break-dancers, the human cannonball and juggling. All in all, it was a fantastic week at our summer home, and we?re looking forward to more exciting times in the week ahead!

Week # 3 (7/21/06)
Camp continued strong as ever as we headed into our third week. Much rest and relaxation was fitting for Shabbos as the campers waited eagerly for one of the best days of the summer, Visiting Day! As the cars started pulling up at 10 AM Sunday morning, the campers could not wait for their visitors to arrive. The sun was shining bright, but as bright was the light that emitted from the campers' faces as they caught the first glance of their visitors. While some families opted to take their children out of camp for the day, others enjoyed the activities we had planned for the day. There was a slide show of highlights from this summer and tons of food, as well as a full day of camp activities for those campers whose parents were out of town. We would like to thank everyone invovled in making this one of the most successful visiting days ever!

That night, we had a special concert planned for the camp. The one and only YAAKOV SHWEKEY rocked the gym by singing all of his famous tunes. It was the perfect ending to Visiting Day 2006. As things got back to normal Monday, there was nothing ordinary about the week?s night activities. Monday night was the always-fantastic Art Night where the campers made different art projects. Tuesday night they were treated to a bonfire where they made smores. Everyone got dressed up for the Super bowl Party on Wednesday night. The campers had chips and salsa, kicked footballs and watched a football game.

Just when you thought it could not get any better, the surprise concert of the summer shocked everyone: AVRAHAM FRIED!!! The amazing singer enchanted everyone with his soulful voice and wonderful songs. As we approach the middle of camp there is still so much to look forward to. We?ll keep you posted!

Week # 2 (7/14/06)
The second week of camp was just as good, if not better, then the first week. It started with a melava malka with the popular wedding singer Michoel Pruzansky. And then? SING DOWN 2006 broke out as the captains of each team came running in through the back of the gym dressed in black and white. The teams for this year?s Sing Down were Team Yom? Day (white) and Team Layla ? Night (black).

The counselors were up the whole night preparing songs, costumes and decorations for their teams. The whole dining room was covered in white and black posters all relating to the team themes. The morning started off with several different competitive activities with each division rotating between them. The activities were musical chairs, balloon games and musical art. At lunch, the room was filled with the sound of simcha and shalom as the teams showed their spirit by cheering and singing.

In the afternoon, the campers were privileged to hear from four amazing music groups in once concert! Eli Gerstner, Menucha, The New Chevra and Yeshiva Boys Choir all got the campers dancing and singing and enjoying the afternoon.

Later, the teams gathered in their respective locations to prepare for the main event of Sing Down ? the singing competition. After some dinner and some more cheering the teams made their way to the gym for the final event of the day. The teams switched off singing the team cheer they had written and a popular Jewish song. The campers waited in anticipation as the judges deliberated who would win Sing Down 2006. And the winner was?Team Yom ? Day (white)!

On Monday, the Indians came to camp and performed a Pow Wow for the campers.

Tuesday night was mini-Olympics. Wednesday was hat day. The YAPS had a special program organized by Moshava where they got to paint a puzzle and dance a little. Later that night, the talented and world-renowned music group Shalsheles and Shalsheles Junior gave the concert of their lives to Camp HASC. And thus ends week number two at Camp HASC. We look forward to seeing everyone this Sunday for Visiting Day!

Week # 1 (7/07/06)

Camp HASC started off the summer better than ever! Since the campers arrived on Thursday, there has been non-stop fun and excitement. Thursday night, everyone enjoyed sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing along to some famous Jewish songs.

On Friday the whole camp rotated between tons of exciting activities. Some of the activities included mini-golf, target practice in the pool and basketball.

The first shabbos of camp was filled with plenty of ruach as the campers enjoyed singing zemiros and dancing at the meals. The fun continued on Sunday (July 2nd) with a Fourth of July celebration. Everyone was decked out in red, white and blue and looking better than ever as they rotated between a scavenger hunt, baseball game, and apple-pie baking. They then had time to prepare for a special Fourth of July Parade. They painted posters, blew up balloons and made costumes, all relating to the theme of the day. Then they lined up and marched through the camp with pride and independence.

We were also pleased to welcome the donors of HASC as we dedicated the new sports complex and the new state of the art pool. We are positive that those two new additions alone will make Camp HASC 2006 the best summer ever!

Monday night kicked off the HASC concert season with first-timers, Pey Dalid. If you thought that was enough fun for one week, wait till you hear about Tuesday!

Tuesday was the annual Camp HASC Carnival! The rain could not stop the enthusiastic campers from having the time of their lives bouncing up and down on moonwalks, sliding down a 30-foot slide, and jumping in a ball pit. This year we had a totally new attraction where campers were able to soak their counselors by hitting a target, thus dropping their counselors into a pit of water. The campers noshed on delicious popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Adding to the enthusiasm of the carnival was a clown handing out balloons to everyone. After a BBQ dinner, everyone made their way to the HASC cinema for the premiere of DuckTales. The ushers were there to escort everyone to their seats while their counselors picked up popcorn and drinks at the concession stand.

Wednesday night was a slumber party and golly gosh did everyone have a fun time getting a massage, having a pillow fight and hearing stories.

There was no better way to end off the thrilling week at Camp than with what the campers were treated to on Thursday night: World renowned Jewish music superstar Mordechai Ben David gave the concert of his career in our very own concert hall/gym! All the campers had the time of their lives singing along and dancing to MBD?s famous hits. What a way to start a summer!

Week # 7 (8/23/05)
As we leave camp for the summer, we can look back and remember each week and the events that took place. But no week can compare to the last week of camp?

It all started on Monday morning at 10 am. Everyone headed from breakfast up the gym, which had been transformed into a theater, for the YAP production of ?The Wizard of Oz.? Everyone could not help but be amazed at the talent the YAPS displayed. It was a show no one will soon be forgetting.

One of the most climatic events of the summer broke out at lunch on Monday. Every camper was ecstatic to learn that the next day and a half would be Color War 2005! This year the theme of color war was Israel. The teams were Eretz Yisroel (White) vs. Torat Yisroel (Blue).

For the first activity of Color War, the boys and girls campuses rotated between ?A Day in The Life of A Kibbutz? and ?Basic Training.? At the kibbutz, the campers got to participate in activities such as milking a cow. In Basic training, the campers were given water balloons that would be used as target practice. These activities really gave them a sense of being a part of Israel.

After some team time and dining room cheering, the campers headed up to the gym for a special night activity. Since the last Motzei Shabbos of camp was Tisha Ba?Av, we did not get to have our always-enjoyable Melava Malka. We made this up to the campers by making Monday nights night-activity a mock Melava Malka. The campers danced the night away as it was their last time to enjoy the music of the Camp HASC band.

Everyone woke up on Tuesday in a good mood and got ready for more competition as Color War continued. The theme of Israel took center stage as the mornings night activity was an Israel Shuk. Each bunk was asked to come up with a booth for the shuk. In addition, Shkalim were photocopied and handed out for the campers to purchase items with.

The annual banquet took place on Tuesday night. The dining room was filled with balloons and the campers were dressed in their finest clothing. There was also a menu given out with some of the tastiest foods of the summer.

Following Dinner in the dining room, the teams pre sented their songs. One song was a popular Jewish song while the other was an Alma Matter the captains had written about this past summer.

The competition continued as we were pleased to welcome back to camp, Steve Max, the ?Simon Says? guy. Everyone was enthralled and entertained by Steve and had a fantastic time watching him perform. The climax came when he balanced a camper that was sitting on a chair, on his chin. In the end, team Torat Yisroel (Blue) walked away with the win but everyone felt like a winner.

Wednesday morning the campers had some well deserved time to relax from Color War 2005. They then raided the front lawn in search of lollipops as we had, for the first time, a lollipop hunt! Later, Yossi Piamenta surprised everyone and gave us the last concert of the summer.

Wednesdays night activity was one of the most emo tional events of the summer as a slideshow was presented. The slideshow contained pictures of almost every camper in camp. The camper?s faces lit up as they saw their pictures on the big screen. It was a night that will be remembered for years to come.

On Thursday, everyone was given the chance to finish packing. As the busses pulled up, everyone spent the last few minutes saying their goodbyes to the friends they had made over the summer. While it was sad to see everyone leave, we can all stand proudly and agree that this summer, the summer of 2005, was the best summer ever!

Week # 6 (8/15/05)
Everyone grabbed their guns and had some fun as ?Wild, Wild West Day? kicked off the week on Sunday. Everyone was dressed in western outfits including, cowboy hats, boots, bandanas and other accessories. The campers were ecstatic when they learnt that a petting zoo awaited them after breakfast. There were goats, turtles, ponies, chickens and rabbits. They were accompanied by a horse, a kangaroo and a monkey. The campers had quite a memorable time petting and holding the animals. They also had the chance to ride the pony and the horse. Of course, for those campers who don?t love animals, there was a hayride they could relax on.

While everyone was sad to see the animals go, the activities that were in store for the rest of the day more than compensated for it. The bunks rotated between square dance lessons, a shootout, in which the campers shot water guns at balloons and a gold rush, where they searched for coins through the sandbox. All these activities gave the campers a feeling of the wild wild west.

After an amazing omelet lunch, everyone headed to the gym for an inter-camp basketball game where our very own campers faced off against Camp Agudah. As the campers watched intensely, the room was filled with the sounds of cheering and signs they had made earlier that day. The game ended in a?you guessed it! A tie. Once again, the campers were sad to see their new friends go on their way. Of course, they had no idea what was in for them next?

For the third consecutive year, Blue Fringe, the rockin? Jewish music group, treated us to the ultimate music experience as they brought in their own sound system and brought down the house with their music. The campers danced the night away and then made their way back to their bunks. After all, it had been a very thrilling, yet tiring day.

On Monday, Camp Moshavah sent 100 of their campers to Camp HASC for a special program with our very own YAP?s. They brought in a whole entire carnival they had put together at their camp. There was a dress up station, mask making, pin the shofar on the rabbi and a sponge throw. The YAP?s had the time of their life for the two hours the carnival lasted.

Later that night, everyone received an invitation to ?Bubby and Zaidy?s 50th Anniversary!? The campers and counselors dressed up as old people and made their way to gym to discover activities relating to Bubby?s and Zaidy?s. There was a station called, ?make tacky wallpaper,? where the campers recreated wallpapers that might be found in a bubby?s kitchen. There were dominoes and Polka music to add to the nostalgic experience.

Tuesday led way to one of the best night activities of the summer. ?Find your division head.? Each bunk was given a folder with a list of people they had to find and a map of the camp. Then the fun began as the search went on for over 45 min. In the end, everyone had an awesome time and each division head was found.

We just can?t get enough of that basketball in camp and that?s why Wednesday night?s night activity was another basketball game. This time though, the campers were given some rest as they got to watch the counselors battle it out against the head staff. The campers were really excited to see their counselors playing in the game and enjoyed the whole night.

Thursday was ?Disney Day!? The campers and counselors put together some of the most creative costumes ever. The whole day almost felt like a Disney parade because everywhere you went there was another famous Disney character. At night, everyone got dressed up to for the annual Academics Graduation. It was a momentous occasion for all the graduates who will no longer be in the academics program.

On Friday, those campers who excelled in a particular area of camp were awarded. The ?Volvie? Awards were given out at 10 am before a packed house. Some of the awards went to the campers who excelled in art, baking and swimming. There was also a lifetime achievement award handed out.

As we enter the last week of camp, we have still have some of the most exciting events of the summer left. We are as enthusiastic as ever and are looking forward to the last week being the best week of camp!

Week # 5 (8/05/05)
Week five may just as well be the best week of camp so far. Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the melava malka as the eight captains of Field Day 2005 came running in from the back of the gym with torches in their hands. They represented the four countries that would be competing in the Olympic style events. The teams this year were China (red), Australia (blue), Mexico (yellow) and Ireland (green). Sunday morning the campers were up bright and early and appreciated the signs the counselors had stayed up the whole night making. For the morning there were different athletic competitions like, the long jump, sprint and of course, the always exciting, YAP Marathon.

The excitement continued after lunch as everyone lined up along the road for a special surprise. No one could believe their eyes as 20 motorcycles came racing and roaring down ?recho Yanki Eisen?. The group, known as ?The Chai Riders,? is an all-Jewish motorcycle group. After they parked their motorcycles on the basketball court, the campers got the chance to sit on them and have their pictures taken.

Just when they thought it couldn?t get any better, they made their way to the gym for an unbelievable concert with Jewish music superstar, Shlomie Dachs accompanied by an eight-piece orchestra! For the time being, everyone forgot about the teams they were on and enjoyed dancing and singing with their friends.

Following the concert, the teams had time to prepare for the final event, the singing competition. At dinner, each team had five minutes to cheer for their team and then made their way up to the gym for the singing competition. The teams sang their team cheer and Jewish song and then waited in anticipation for the winner to be announced. And the winner was?.Team Mexico (yellow)! Of course, everyone walked out with a smile, because in camp HASC everyone is a winner.

Monday led way to one of the most anticipated night activities of the summer, ?Art Night!? A variety of different art stations were set up on the basketball court, including ?Make your waitress a sign,? ?Puddy making? and ?Bracelet Making.? At the end of the night, everyone got to show off their beautiful art pieces and then take them home.

Tuesday it was cool to be a nerd as the day was declared ?Nerd Day!? Everyone got a good laugh from the people who dressed up as nerds. There were tons of suspenders, big glasses and sweater-vests. As the sun set, the YAPS had their annual BBQ in the pavilion as the Junior?s and ECP?s had sports night in the gym.

Wednesday night was the annual YAP vs. Academics basketball game. Everyone got a courtside seat for the game and cheered wildly as the teams battled it out for the win. The campers described the experience as being at a real basketball game. As the buzzer rang, the game ended in a tie!

If you were in Camp HASC on Thursday, you probably would have thought you were in a jungle. That?s because Thursday was Safari Day! The campers and counselors dressed in green and khaki and wore vests and hats. There were also blow up animals in the dining room and fish sticks for dinner. Following dinner the campers were thrilled to learn that night activity was a bonfire with smores. Everyone had a wonderful time and ate them with satisfaction. As we head in to our last two weeks of camp there are still tons of exciting events left. We will keep you informed!

Week # 4 (7/29/05)
There was no sign of the excitement winding down as we entered week number four! Although Sunday was a fast day, there were optional activities throughout the day to keep the campers busy. The day was marked with a special night activity entitled, ?Kotel Notes.? The campers were given paper and crayons and were encouraged to write special notes and then attach them to the model kotel that was put up in the gym. It was a very meaningful and enjoyable activity and gave the campers a chance to express themselves.

On Monday things got back to their usual schedule. While everyone was expecting the night activity to be ?Art Night,? everyone was ecstatic at the surprise that was in store for them. During dinner, out of nowhere, the one-and-only, Yakov Shwekey, appeared through the front door of the dining room singing. Everyone cheered and screamed with excitement as the surprise concert was announced. Within a half hour, everyone had made their way from dinner to the gym for the best concert of the summer. Shwekey performed all his famous songs as the campers danced and sang along. After the concert many of the campers were privileged to have the opportunity to meet with Shwekey and had their photo taken with him. This was definitely a concert everyone is guaranteed to remember for a very long time!

Tuesday night was the Camp HASC annual Talent Show! Campers and their bunks spent the day honing their skills and preparing their talents for the show. The camper?s talents ranged from singing and dancing to playing musical instruments and juggling. Everyone enjoyed seeing the amazing acts their friends and bunkmates put on. It was a night of unforgettable talent, skill and individuality.

The music never stops in Camp HASC and for the second time during the week we were honored to have another concert. Wednesday night the stage was set and the lights were shining bright as we greeted the unbelievable singing star, Yisroel Williger. Everyone danced and sang along to some of their favorite songs. It was another great night of music and no one could have asked for a better concert!

Thursday, the camp was turned upside down as the counselors had declared Thursday, ?Topsy Turvey Day!? People wore their clothes backwards and wore tons of funny outfits. The theme continued into night activity where everyone put on an array of different costumes for ?Costume Night!?

Of course, there?s no better way to cool down during the hot summer day then with something nice and cold. Which is one of the reasons the campers were thrilled that they were served ice cream at the costume party! The campers lined up patiently to pick out their favorite flavors of ice cream. They then got the chance to add some of their favorite toppings to it. Of course, their favorite part of the night was getting to sit back and savor the ice cream treats.

On of the most creative and fun days at Camp HASC is ?Hat Day? which took place on Friday. Everyone showed off the hats they had bought or made. Till next time?

Week # 3 (7/21/05)
Camp continued strong as ever as we headed in to our third week. On Wednesday night, tickets were given out to the campers during dinner and then handed to the ushers standing at the gym door for the Camp HASC experience of ?Movie Night!? The campers were thrilled to see parts of ?Disney?s Aladdin? and equally enjoyed the popcorn that was handed out as the movie rolled.

Everyone enjoyed the much needed rest and relaxation that Shabbos provided as the campers eagerly awaited one of the best days of the summer, Visiting Day! As the cars started pulling up at 10 am, Sunday morning, each camper could not wait for their visitors to arrive. Although the sun did not shine as bright as we would have liked, the light that emitted from the campers faces as they caught the first glance of their visitors, adequately made up for it. While some families opted to take their children out of camp for the day, others enjoyed the activities that were scheduled for the day. There was a dedication ceremony for a former camper Yanki Eisen, a slide show of highlights from this summer and tons of food. We thank you all in making this one of the most successful visiting days ever.

That night we had a special kumzits planned for the camp. The inspiring, Mendy Wax led us in some classic Jewish tunes. It was the perfect ending to Visiting Day 2005.

As thing got back to normal Monday, there was nothing ordinary about the evenings night activity. The gym was transformed into a Hawaiian Luau as stations such as ?Surfing,? ?Make flowers? and ?Hoola Hoops? were set up. The campers had on all sorts of Hawaiian printed shirts and skirts. As everyone made their way around the station there was Hawaiian music playing in the background and Hawaiian punch being served.

At breakfast on Tuesday, you could not help but notice every girl was wearing pink as the girls declared Tuesday, ?Girl Power Day!? On top of that, Tuesday was also the Camp HASC Auction 2005! Each bunk was given a list of challenges that if they succeeded at, would earn them HASC dollars. The HASC dollars would then allow them to bid on the prizes that were auctioned off that night. Some of the challenges included tickling your division head, wearing a funny hat and reciting an ancient Chinese proverb. At dinner the list of prizes were handed out. They included, a pizza party, trip to Shoprite and golf lessons. Everyone was a winner at the auction as each bunk won a prize. It was an amazing day of overcoming challenges and getting a reward for it.

On Thursday night, Camp HASC welcomed for the third time, The Big Parksville Heimishe Brothers Circus! The campers got the full circus experience as the staff in camp HASC prepared their acts for days. The acts included, ?Stomp!!!,? ?Tricycle Mania? and ?Animal Parade.? There were also clowns and magicians, trapeze artists and break-dancers. The campers had a wonderful evening at the circus and each had his or her favorite act. As we approach the middle of camp there is still so much to look forward to. We?ll keep you posted!

Week # 2 (7/14/05)
It was quite fitting for last Thursday?s night activity to be a pajama party considering how tiring the first week was. The campers dressed up in their pajamas before dinner and then made their way up to the gym for a night of storytelling, pillow fights and manicures for the girls.

For the second week in a row we were privileged to have a special guest for Shabbos. The musically talented Etan Katz joined us and gave us a spiritually uplifting Melava Malka. As the concert winded down, Avi Sacks got on stage to make a couple of routine announcements. None of the campers had any idea what they were in for. SING DOWN 2005 broke out as the captains of each team came running in through the back of the gym spraying silly string!

The teams for this years Sing Down were Team Simcha ? The 50?s (red) and Team Shalom ? The 60?s (yellow). The counselors were up the whole night preparing songs, costumes and decorations for their teams. The entire dining room was covered in yellow and red posters all relating to the team?s theme. The morning started off with several different competitive activities with each division rotating between them. The activities were musical chairs, balloon games and musical art. At lunch, the room was filled with the sound of ?simcha? and ?shalom? as the teams showed their spirit by cheering and singing.

In the afternoon, the campers loaded the busses as they were off on their way to the bowling alley! The campers had a fantastic time at the bowling alley and really enjoyed the surprise trip.

Later, the teams gathered in their respective locations to prepare for the main event of Sing Down ? the singing competition. After dinner and some more cheering the teams made their way to the gym for the final event of the day. The teams switched off singing the team cheer they had written and a popular Jewish song. The campers waited in anticipation as the judges deliberated who would win Sing Down 2005. And the winner was?Team Shalom ? The 60?s (yellow)! But in Camp Hasc, everyone is a winner so the next night we had a wonderful concert by the soon-to-be-known band ?Tzemach.? And thus ends week number two at Camp Hasc. We look forward to seeing everyone this Sunday for Visiting Day!

Week # 1 (7/05/05)
Camp HASC started off the summer better than ever! Since the campers arrived on Thursday, there has been non-stop fun and excitement. On Friday, Simply Tzfat kicked off a summer of music at Camp HASC as they treated us to an awesome concert. The campers danced the day away and brought tons of ?ruach? to usher in the Shabbos. We were privileged to have the renowned Jewish musician from the old city of Yerushalayim Chaim Dovid spend Shabbos with us. Chaim Dovid really enjoyed spending time with the campers and getting to know them personally.

The fun continued on Sunday as we had our annual Carnival Day! The campers were blown away by the amount of blowup amusements we had. There was a 30-foot slide, moonwalks, ball pit, sand art and spin art. The campers noshed on delicious popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Adding to the enthusiasm of the carnival was a clown giving out balloons to everyone.

The day continued with a very special concert with the up and coming singing sensation, Shlomo Katz. This was Shlomo Katz?s first time performing in camp but he is sure to be back real soon. As the night grew dark we had a bonfire with marshmallows and some live music. Everyone agreed that this was one of the best days ever in Camp HASC.
Everyone was decked out in red, white and blue as the festivities continued through our all-American Fourth of July. Throughout the day, there was non-stop excitement as the campers rotated between a scavenger hunt, baseball game, apple-pie baking and a car wash. After, they had two hours to prepare for the special Fourth of July Parade. They painted posters, blew up balloons and made costumes, all relating to the theme of the day. Then, they lined up and marched through the camp with pride and independence. As they passed the grandstand, you could see each campers face light up as their name was announced through the megaphone. After a BBQ dinner, the gym was decorated with American flags and different booths were set up for night activity. Some of the most memorable booths were, ?Soak Uncle Sam,? which gave the campers a chance to throw sponges at Uncle Sam?s face; ?Bean Bag Toss,? tested their accuracy skills and ?Eat some apple pie,? let them enjoy the pie they made earlier that day. For each booth, they collected tickets, which they later redeemed at the prize table. All in all the campers had a wonderful day of American spirit, appreciation for our country and as always, an amazingly fun time!