After two intense days filled with inspiring learning, competitive leagues and Chabura fun the Kollel took their talents down south for the day. Starting with an 11:30 PM departure on Monday night, four busses packed tight headed to the Harei Eilat to enjoy an early morning hike. Not far behind, a 2 AM trip to Masada followed. After a quick rest on the busses, the Harei Eilat trip split and two simultaneous hikes started their ascent at 430 AM. After some water a bit of sweat and some breath-taking views of the countries surrounding Israel’s most southern border, the boys wrapped themselves in teffilin and started davening Shacharis for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the sun rose in front of them. The Masada trip had also started their ascent in the early hours of the morning and davened from the top of their mountain. A quick and brief history was given over by Eli Morell explaining to the NCSYers about the Jews in the time of the Roman rule who gave their lives for what they believed in.
When our kids in the middle of wiping the sweat off their brows, our final trip to the bullet factory was taking place. After a great tour the NCSYers were treated to ice cream at the Ben and Jerry’s factory where they could all cool down from the hot summer sun.
Our Harei Eilat and Masada trips then joined together to go on the “Party” boats for a few hours where they could enjoy the beautiful Red sea. Swimming, Tubing and banana boating were all provided and, in fact, taken full advantage of by everywhere. Still exhausted from the hike though some NCSYers (and Madrichim) chose to relax and sleep for a little in the gorgeous weather. Music was blasted, engines roared and splashes were heard as all had a good time on the Red Sea.
The Bullet Factory trip continued on their own to water sports in Ashdod. They too had a phenomenal time and even rumored that more staff were thrown off the tubes by campers than vice versa.
After a long day, the Harei Eilat trips they headed back to Beit Meir where they were served some savory burgers from Burgers Bar with all the sauces, while the Masada trip headed to the ice mall for a little. Some chose to get their feet nibbled on by fish, a refined form of picking dead skin as others chose to just hang out around the mall. Soon they too departed back to the north and had their own homemade fries and burgers bar. The Bullet Factory trip enjoyed Halo Teiman Schwarma or Burgers their choice and returned to camp after an exciting day.
The tiyulim were all exhilarating, exciting and exhausting! When all the NCSYers are sleeping on a bus ride back you know that it must have been a great trip.
