Machaneh wins hands down

A holiday with the folks or machaneh? For many, this is a no-brainer. 

A holiday is an escape, Machaneh is about connection 

Aaron Kahanovitz 

Almost 15 years ago, I stepped onto my first Bnei Akiva Machaneh as a wide-eyed eight-year-old. Nearly every year since then I’ve found myself going back. I didn’t know it then, but those dusty grounds, occasional cold showers, and tents would end up shaping the trajectory of my life. Fast forward through a decade and a half of summers and, while my role at camp has changed over time, my reason for stepping onto those grounds every single December remains exactly the same. 

In a world driven by holidays in luxury hotels in buzzy cities, people often ask why more than 1 000 of us trade modern comforts for the raw, messy reality of camp. The answer is simple: you may go to Cape Town or Plett to escape, but you go to Machaneh to connect. 

We live in an age of digital overload and constant screen time. Camp offers a rare and powerful alternative. When you step onto the campsite, you leave behind parental safety nets, school or university pressure, and the noise of the outside world. You aren’t sitting in a hotel room or scrolling through social media. You are fully present. Living shoulder to shoulder in tents strips away pretence and reveals what really matters. 

At Machaneh there is genuinely something for everyone. Days are packed with swimming in the sea and pool, high-energy activities, time to relax, and very competitive volleyball and soccer. We have unbelievable ruach (spirit) sessions filled with singing and dancing, alongside minyanim and Jewish learning tailored for everyone from complete beginners to advanced students. 

A huge part of the magic comes from our incredible madrichim (counsellors). Having people who care and connect with you on your level means everything. They don’t just supervise. They are mentors and role models that one can always turn to. 

I’ve lived through countless unforgettable times on camp, but two stand out. First, the 2019 camp concert with Jeryko in the amphitheatre. Ask anyone who was there, the vibe and energy were palpable. There were hundreds of us singing together. Second are the soccer and volleyball finals that go through the entire last Saturday night of camp. Everyone is around. People are singing, dancing, and watching the game intensely. It often ends after sunrise and with an early Shacharit davening like no other. 

At its core, camp exists purely for the chanichim, from the youngest kids on their very first camp to the teenagers finding their voice. We come back every year simply because we want every young Jewish person to experience that absolute joy and the building of a deep, lasting love for each other, for Judaism, and for Israel. 

Cape Town and Plett will always be there, but the experiences on Machaneh, the lifelong friendships, the Torah, and the warmth of the Bnei Akiva family, can only be found at camp. Every year I leave the campsite feeling more inspired, more connected, and more ready for the year ahead. 

• Aaron Kahanovitz is the national chairperson of Bnei Akiva South Africa. 

Habos are friends for life 

Ben Kann 

If you don’t know where to spend some of your December holiday, Habonim is where it’s at! Now, if you were to go Plett, it would be a good time. But why would you want to have a good time rather than a great time? The difference between a random holiday and Habonim is how you have your fun: on Habonim, fun is all about togetherness. During peulot (activities), we grow together; at Mifkad Eish, we cry together; after singing the Havdalah brachot, we all run towards the centre of the kikar (the main field) and dance together. Sharing in these moments bonds us and creates friendships that last a lifetime. 

Joining Habonim from an early age provides an advantage in life, not only because of the ideas and skills you learn, but because of the friends you make. The reason I go back to camp every year is mainly because of the lifelong friends I’ve made. Often, it’s the only place I get to see them since they either live in Joburg or attend different schools to me. At camp I love staying up late with my friends, talking and playing games, often with the sound of someone playing guitar in the background. Every year, we dive into new challenges and experiences based on the shichvah (age group) we’re in. Each shichvah comes with unique milestones and themes, containing deep lore and traditions. 

Another highlight of Habo is getting to meet new madrichim (counsellors). Some come from countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, Australia, and Israel. It is an incredible experience meeting young Jews from around the world, and showing them South African culture, as well as for them to show us games or traditions from their own movements. There are Habonim movements around the world so, in addition to the friends you make at Habo, you join a community and culture that you take with you even after you graduate. 

All of this takes place in Onrus, in the Western Cape, where the campsite is Habonim’s most underrated feature. It is huge, with so much to explore. After three years as a channie (camper), there are places I have yet to discover. 

So in the end, there are way more reasons to go to Habonim this December rather than waste it somewhere else. 

• Ben Kann is deputy head student in Grade 11 at Herzlia. 

Camp Kesher is my second family 

Kayla Evans 

There are many places in the world that bring happiness, but for me, Camp Kesher is one of the most special places of all. Camp Kesher is a summer camp that takes place in Cape Town, where people come together to make memories, meet new friends, and experience things they will never forget. It is so much more than just a camp. It is a place where I feel happy, free, and surrounded by people who make every moment worthwhile. 

One of the biggest reasons I love Camp Kesher is the opportunity to meet new people. Every year, I get to meet people from different places, with different personalities and stories. It’s amazing how strangers can become such important people in your life in such a short amount of time. Some of the friendships you make at camp last long after the summer is over. 

Another reason Camp Kesher is so special to me is getting to spend quality time with my friends. Being at camp gives us the chance to forget about everyday responsibilities and simply enjoy ourselves. Whether we are laughing until our stomachs hurt, staying up talking, participating in activities, or just enjoying each other’s company, every moment becomes a memory. It’s not always about doing something exciting; sometimes the simplest moments turn into the best ones. 

Of course, one of the most exciting parts of Camp Kesher is the amazing adventures. From exploring Cape Town to taking part in activities and trying new things, there’s never a dull moment. Every day brings something different, and there is always something to look forward to. These adventures allow us to step outside our comfort zones, challenge ourselves, and experience things we might never get the chance to do anywhere else. 

However, I think the biggest reason I love Camp Kesher is the feeling of having a family away from home. There is something so special about being surrounded by people who understand you, support you, and make you feel like you belong. Even though camp lasts for a limited time, the connections you build make it feel like a second home. The people, the laughter, and the memories create a bond that’s difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. 

In conclusion, Camp Kesher is much more than just a summer camp in Cape Town. It is a place filled with friendship, adventure, happiness, and unforgettable memories. It has taught me the importance of meeting new people, appreciating the friends I have, and making the most of every opportunity. Most importantly, it has given me a family away from home. No matter how many years pass, the memories and friendships I make at Camp Kesher will always have a special place in my heart. 

• Kayla Evans is 18 and lives in Johannesburg. She attended Camp Kesher for seven years.