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The Interregional Jewish children's camp that gathered children
from Petropavlovsk, Karaganda, and Pavlodar is over. Children were of different
age, from 7 to 15, but it made the meeting even more interesting. The elder
guys helped the leaders to manage with the children, and the youngsters filled
others with energy. They made everybody believe that childhood is the best time
of life.
 On
the first day the participants presented their teams. Each speech of welcome
was original. We got acquainted with three teams: "Mazal" (Pavlodar),
"Perurim" (Karaganda), and "Stars" (Petropavlovsk). All
camp activities were aimed at the study of the Creation of the world. Every
day started with a prayer and presentation of a next day of Creation from the
Torah.
The second day was dedicated to a competition for the best sand
sculpture. The children had not only to make the figures, but also to tell an
interesting story about them. There were so many various sculptures on the beach!
A giant octopus, a smiling crocodile and a big turtle. It was hard to define
the winner. Each figure seemed to deserve the first prize.
 On
Friday night we celebrated Shabbat. The Jewish calendar helped the children
to participate in lighting Shabbat candles, saying Kiddush and singing Shabbat
songs.
Sunday began with Maccabiada. Two teams - "Champions"
and "Beasts" competed in dexterity and wit. The contests were meant
not only to measure strength, but also mutual help and understanding. Finally,
friendship won.
 New
actors also appeared in the camp. Staging and sketches helped the children to
discover their new talents. Karaganda team presented "Repka" fairy-tale
in a modern way. And children from Pavlodar performed a Jewish folk tale "Todi
the dodger and Laiser the miser".
During several days in the camp the children made friends, exchanged
addresses and phone numbers, and already began making plans for future meetings.
It was hard for them to part, because not only common interests united them,
but also common background.
Elena Petrova
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