Machon Etgar Trip: Breathtaking Views and New Challenges

At Camp Ramah New England,  we use the word “etgar” – Hebrew for challenge – to describe our outdoor adventure program and camping trips. For the first time since the pandemic, we offered a group of chanichim/ot (campers) an opt-in etgar opportunity: last week, a group of Machon campers embarked on a fantastic 3-day camping trip with a seasoned backcountry wilderness guide and outdoor educator. 

On Wednesday, 10 chanichim embarked on an amazing 3-day etgar hiking trip near Stratton, in southern Vermont. They hiked a total of 17 miles and spent two nights camped out on a beautiful remote lake off the Appalachian trail. Before the trip, campers learned camping techniques and developed new skills they were able to use on their hike. The group packed their own sleeping bags, tents, gear, and food for their three days on the trail. They learned to build fires, cook dinner over camping stoves, set up tents, and purify water from fresh mountain streams.

 The chanichim took turns leading parts of the day, working on their leadership skills, and building relationships through a shared challenge. Everyone worked together to create a beautiful kehila (community), resulting in an extraordinary trip! Each day started with alternative forms of tefilah that included yoga and meditation, inviting everyone to experience spirituality in nature and connect to our surroundings, one another, and ourselves.

Some highlights from the trip included seeing toads and salamanders and watching beavers build their dams on the lake right next to the campsite. A fan favorite was enjoying some well deserved “sm’oreos” (roasted marshmallow sandwiched with Oreos) under the stars after a 10-mile hike. 

We’re so happy this trip was such a success.  We are planning to offer a different type of camping trip to our older chanichim in Machzor Sheinei (Second Session), and we hope this is just the beginning of what we can offer in future summers.