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Anyone here went to Negila? Whats it like compared to Girl Zone and how old do you have to be to be a counselor?
So I myself never went, but a lot my friends did and LOVED every minute of it. I can also tell you that a lot of my other friends went to GirlZone and LOVED every minute of that. but both camps provide two very different experiences. While Negila can be more “chilled” they do have crazy fun activities that everyone including specialties get involved in (paint fight anyone?)and there is no way you can NOT be involved with the kids in some way. While in the Zone, everything is always hopping; they are very into their activities. They have kickboxing, bumper-boats etc.In addition, if you are not a counsler, or directly involved with the campers in anyway then it is very possible to not be involved with the kids at all, (except your torahmate). All in all, they are both great places trying to show these kids yiddeshkite. They might have different approaches but they accomplish the same goal. Also in both camps you must be the age of “just back from sem” or older. Good luck and i hope this helped.
staff-wise, nageela is pretty much well rounded. i would not generalize and say that the staff is yeshivish per say, some are and some aren’t. You can get almost anything, sports counsler, lifeguard, arts n craft, waitress etc…
I agree with your view on Girl Zone, many people don’t go because of that. And yes, your right about the ra ra type. from what you’re saying naagela seems to be the one for you!! 🙂 i suggest that you apply as soon as possible though, (especially if you haven’t done jep before) people who have done jep before have a slightly easier time getting in and with the whole experience. GOOD LUCK 🙂
I worked in the ZOne as a “specialty” and had plenty to do with the campers! Although i didn’t work in Negillah i was there a couple times and can say, from what i saw the difference was the ruach. In negilla the atmosphere is extremely homey and cheery, because of that it doesnt matter yeshivish you are!!) It seems everyone is friends with everyone and no one is judgmental. The Zone on the other hand is more professional run, so even the fun is “proffesional” (ie: grand trips, concerts, ect…)
Just want to say that I’m an extremely non-ra ra type, very low key, and I found my place in The Zone and had an unbelievable time. Many girls who work there are very low key. Rav Chaim Mintz paskens on all the music, and they pick and choose very carefully what they allow to be played. I was also not into the music until I learned the extensive discussion and decision making that went into it… so I follow the words of da’as torah. I think that Nageela has more going for it education-wise (there isn’t a very developed jewish education curriculum in The Zone), but what I like about Oorah is that they do kiruv through making a kiddush Hashem. they’re selective with staff so the kids have good role models. with torah mates, the staff is in touch with the campers throughout the year, so the follow-up is very effective and the kids have that constant role model figure in their lives. and from that they grow and learn… they desire to enter yeshivas and take on tzniyus, and they grow in yiddishkeit at a healthy pace as a result. I’ve seen this with my own eyes, it’s amazing
I worked in the zone as well for a few years and leme tell you—- it was an AMAZING experience!!! True, i have never been a “specialty” but I can tell you one thing– ALL STAFF IS INVOLVED ALWAYS! Both camps have diff ways of running their camps and thats what makes them different. Otherwise you will have the same camp! Staff in the Zone is super! Great solid girls who are there for the campers NOT themselves. Its run really well and everyone who goes, campers and staff alike, love it! Theres no such thing as judging ppl in the zone- noones more “frum” than the next. Everyones in it together. One big happy family that once you enter you are a part of forever! The zone is hte best camp ever!!! KEEP IT UP OORAH!!!!!!!!
I worked in the zone as well for a few years and leme tell you—- it was an AMAZING experience!!! True, i have never been a “specialty” but I can tell you one thing– ALL STAFF IS INVOLVED ALWAYS! Both camps have diff ways of running their camps and thats what makes them different. Otherwise you will have the same camp! Staff in the Zone is super! Great solid girls who are there for the campers NOT themselves. Its run really well and everyone who goes, campers and staff alike, love it! Theres no such thing as judging ppl in the zone- noones more “frum” than the next. Everyones in it together. One big happy family that once you enter you are a part of forever! The zone is hte best camp ever!!! KEEP IT UP OORAH!!!!!!!!
As someone who worked in TheZone in numerous different positions I believe I have enough concrete knowledge to politely disagree and argue with the posters above who were bashing/putting down TheZone. As someone who never attended Nagila I can not and will not say my opinion regarding their camp and method but I will say that I am aware that they work and run very differently than The Zone, but at the end of the day the goals of both organizations are the same and therefore, there should be equal respect and admiration for both of them, from staff and admirers of both.
In response to the posters above, yes, The Zone has a big raa-raa type of staff; however, that does not at all deem them less yeshivish than any other staff. There is no reason why raa-raa can not come together with sincere, yeshivish-ness. Our staff are fun, energetic, devoted, spirited YESHIVISH girls who know how to be “the best of both worlds” and give our campers the time of their lives.
Regarding English music, all I will say is that EVERYTHING in The Zone is done according to Da’as Torah.
In response to you writing about in TheZone you don’t have much of a kesher with the campers unless you are a counselor – trust me, this is not true. As I said, I was in camp for many years, not one of those years was my job to be counselor, yet somehow I still managed to form many, long-lasting relationships with campers of all ages. Being a counselor may give you the opportunity to have a more direct relationship with the campers in your assigned bunk; however, being a specialty allows you the opportunity to form relationships with many different campers, from all divisions, bunks, ages and etc. No-one will force a kesher with a kid upon you; you have to come with the attitude that you want to be here for the campers, you want to make a difference in their lives; you want to do something and then you will.
Whatever decision you make, Hatzlacha and remember that at the end of the day it’s up to you to make a difference, regardless of which camp or organization you end up working for.
I am a bais yaakov girl and worked in the zone for the past seven yrs. I had many different jobs, none of them were counselor. Yet I have a lot to do with the campers, and still keep up with my torah mates from long ago. Oorah is like a family, everybody is warm, friendly, and welcoming. Everything is done under the guidance of Reb Chaim Mintz, and Rabbi Davidowitz. These Rabbanim and the amazing headstaff are available for us to talk to, and ask questions (not just in camp but throughout the year). The Zone is very careful when they select staff – and honestly every single year I am wowed at the new amazing people I meet.
Camp has all kind of staff – yes there is a rah rah fun atmosphere – and it makes things extremely fun. I’m not the rah rah type, and yet i found my nitch and love it!!! All that truly matters is that you come with open heart – ready to give our kids your all.
Oorah and Negilah may have different approaches, but they both do amazing things!
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