Outside on the deck, B-10 was decorating a new bench. As they burned designs into the wood with magnifying glasses, they discussed at length all the places that the bench could go once complete. Wherever it goes, generations of Tawongans will certainly appreciate its thematic decorations. Way to leave your mark, boys!!!

After developing their kingdoms' identities, the kingdoms paired up to compete against each other in a variety of games. At Ye Olde Medieval Game Showe, teams answered questions about Medieval life, food, and culture. Did you know that the more wealthy people gilded their meat with gold to disguise the taste of decay?

At Ye Olde Minstrel Sing-Downe, teams brainstormed songs with certain medieval words in them, then competed to see who had thought of more. Afterward, each team wrote and performed an original song about medieval themes.

Then, on the Girls Side Field, teams practiced their jousting skills at Ye Olde Jousting Relaye. They used pool noodles to keep the game safe, but their medieval sense of honor and valor was incredibly real.

Finally, all of camp came back together for Ye Olde Castle Seige, a thematic version of Capture the Flag. All of camp streamed onto the field to the epic strains of the "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" instrumental theme. They ran valiantly, they fought hard, and ultimately they successfully defended the honor of their medieval castle.

Then, in the dining hall, every bunk's table is set for them (instead of setting it themselves), with white tablecloths and the finest Shabbat cuisine. These campers are so happy to share Shabbat with their bunkmates!

As the entire camp says the blessings together, the counselors light the candles and Shabbat officially begins. Brighter than the candles, however, is these girls' love for each other, and their joy to be at camp.

Finally, like at every meal at Camp Tawonga, the dining hall reverberates with the Motzi. Everybody forms a chain to connect to the challah, and the Shabbos meal begins. Full stomachs, happy bunks, and the most wonderful beginning for Shabbat.

The survey of camp begins on the basketball court where the unit of Eilat Jazzercised to the swinging tunes of the 1980s. They did a full-group workout, and then they broke up into bunks to choreograph their own dance sequences. Radical moves, kids!

Meanwhile, B-4 was honing their moves at the ping-pong table. The bunk arranged a grand tournament, and everybody enjoyed cheering on their friends. We didn’t stick around to see who was the tourney champ, but clearly the whole bunk of B-4 were the winners.

Also this morning, Nitzanim enjoyed a specially prepared breakfast at Freedom Forest. The burritos were tasty, they reported, and the eggs, cooked over the fire, were prepared to perfection. Their favorite part, though, was the company of their unit-mates and enjoying breakfast in the great outdoors.