Maccabiah Camp Sports Experience Gets Underway

The Maccabiah Camp Experience got under way this summer on July 14-15 at Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, N.C., with a day of sports activities in which campers in first through seventh grade had the opportunity to meet and train with basketball, karate, and soccer athletes who have participated in past Israeli Maccabiah Games.

On July 16, the Camp Experience arrived at Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Ga., meeting with third- through tenth graders, and on July 17, at Camp Coleman in Cleveland, Ga., with second- to ninth graders. The goal of the Maccabiah Camp Experience is to give Jewish youth an understanding of what the Maccabiah Games are, and to encourage the participation of Jewish youth in sports. The activities included sports workshops, a Maccabiah torch ceremony, and the awarding of medals of participation.

According to Camp Judaea Assistant Director Ilana Schlam, the program was a unique opportunity for the young campers to be exposed to athletes who showed them that they also had the real potential to practice and become outstanding athletes, one day participating in the Maccabiah themselves. Said Schlam, “The children thought it was so cool to meet real athletes in person; it really added to their camp experience. It also inspired them to try hard to succeed in their own futures!”

Nofar Shalom is an Israeli basketball player who participated in the Maccabiah. She said she feels responsibility as more than just a basketball coach, but as someone who is helping build a bridge between American and Israeli Jewish communities.

“I feel a deep sense of responsibility to represent not only my country, but also the values and spirit of Israeli youth,” she said. “Camps like this are a special opportunity to connect with Jewish kids from the U.S., share stories, culture, and identity, and strengthen the bond we all have as one people.” She added, “For me basketball is a way of life, and I love to use it to bring people together by combining basketball elements, like dribbling, shooting, and passing, with life values (teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and respect).”

When asked about the athletes’ visit, 14-year-old Charlie from Camp Coleman said, “My experience was definitely enjoyable. I learned how to be a good team player on the court – and also anywhere else that I need to be a team player.”