THE MACHAL PROGRAM A DESCRIPTION/ CONTRACT FOR PARTICIPANTS AND PARENTS A. DESCRIPTION Machal is an intensive educational and fun program designed for campers who have finished a year of high school. Recognizing the maturity and developmental level of these campers, the Machal program attempts to: Build strong, cohesive group spirit and comraderie. Instill important ideals of Torah Va'Avodah through textual learning and innovative activities and discussions. Build deeper commitment and understanding of daily religious observance and learning. Recognize the beauty and educational opportunities that our natural environment presents. Enjoy the athletics/ sports, creative arts, swimming and other activities at Camp Moshava. To accomplish these goals, there is a special emphasis on the outdoors and appreciation of nature. Machal campers go on lengthy hikes and overnights. Orienteering skills, camp crafts, and initiative and trust activities are integral aspects of our approach. Trips to Niagara Falls, Washington, D.C., Boston/ Cape Cod and rafting are often included in the program. B. REQUIRED ITEMS Sturdy walking shoes Hat Sleeping Bag Canteen Rain coat/ Poncho Warm Jacket Flashlight Small Suitcase/ Carry Bag Pocket Tanach All those without proper equipment or those who lose equipment will be asked to purchase it from the Camp Canteen or in town near Camp. C. DISCIPLINE/ RESPONSIBILITIES Certainly, proper conduct is a necessity for all age groups at Camp. However, the nature of the program requires additional emphasis in this area. Cooperation, participation, individual responsibility for personal and camp property and respect for authority are essential. Therefore: Discipline problems will not be tolerated. Campers MUST attend all tefillot, meals and activities. There are optional activities scheduled during the day. If you are unable to hike, are unable to sleep out or unable to participate in strenuous outdoor activities, you may not attend the Machal Program! Boys are never allowed in girl’s cabins or porches and vice versa for any reason whatsoever. Curfew/ Camp Rules (see Parents' Manual) are to be observed without question. Raids are absolutely forbidden. Campers are expected to act in a mature and respectful manner at all times. Unacceptable, vulgar language has no place in our religious atmosphere. The possession of potentially dangerous equipment, including knives, will not be tolerated. Clearly, NO smoking, alcohol or illegal drugs would ever be allowed and will result in immediate dismissal. Below, please find a description of our camp dress code. We respectfully request that you read it carefully and ONLY send clothes that meet these standards. It creates unnecessary tension between staff and campers if we have to request that campers change their clothing. Violations of the above rules/ guidelines constitute grounds for immediate dismissal. CAMP MOSHAVA DRESS CODE In Moshava, we try to create a very special religious atmosphere. Part of this atmosphere involves the kinds of clothes our participants wear. We therefore enforce specific guidelines for both male & female dress codes. Females: All skirts or ¾ length pants (no leggings) must fully cover the knee’s when sitting or standing. Skirt slits may not extend above the knees. Shorts, tight fitting skirts and mini-skirts are not permissible. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, cap sleeves, low cut shirts or tight fitting shirts may not be worn. Shirts must be long enough so that no midriff is exposed when you are standing, sitting or as a result of regular movement. No body piercings other than earrings are permissible. Underwear may not be showing at any time. No writing across the rear end is allowed on any clothing. Shabbat: white shirt and a dark skirt must be worn Friday night. No denim skirts, pants or sneakers are permitted on Shabbat. Males: Tzizit and Kippot must be worn at all times Shirts: No tank tops or undershirts (worn alone) are permissible. And a shirt must be worn at all times. Shorts: All shorts must reach the top of the knees and cover the body modestly. No earrings or body piercings of any type. Underwear may not be showing at any time. Shabbat: Solid white shirt and dark slacks. No jeans or sneakers are permitted on Shabbat. We appreciate your complete cooperation in respecting these policies. Without your support, the potential for conflict between supervisory staff and our campers may arise creating discomfort for all involved. Please make sure that you only pack clothes that meet our dress requirements. We will ask you to change, purchase new clothes or if necessary, return home if you insist on wearing items that do not meet our standards. Proper Tzniyut must be maintained at all times. Although we are proud of our status as a coeducational camp, it does engender additional halachik responsibilities for the camp and its participants. Physical contact of any kind between boys and girls is not permissible and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Cleanliness is a necessity. Machal campers are responsible to take care of their clothes and living quarters. Click here for the: MACHAL CONTRACT SIGNATURE PAGE Home/ Virtual Tour/ Basic Info/ Forms/ Photos/ Staff/ TVI/ email