Info Booklet Machaneh 2018

INFO BOOK

Habonim Dror Southern Africa 2018

Machaneh’18 Ha’Cholmim: 12th – 30th December
2018

INFORMATION BOOKLET

CONTENTS

● Clothes and Equipment
● Trommel Adverts
● Machaneh Rules
● Letter from CSO
● Transport and Luggage Information
● Medical Information

o Letter from Medical Team to Channichim
o Letter from Medical Team to Parents
● Contacting the Camp Office during Machaneh
o Contacting Channichim during Machaneh
● General Information
● A general day at Machaneh day plan
● Smoking Policy
● Childcare at Habonim
● Cell Phone Policy
● Visitors Day at Machaneh
● Campsite Upgrades 2018

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Clothes & Equipment

Packing your luggage
When packing, use a durable case (shtilim) or trunk (bonim+) and try to keep
its weight below 20kg (this will save problems at machaneh). Make sure to
have a lock and don’t lose the keys (bring spares - it is a good idea to use a
combination lock)! Please LABEL ALL ITEMS of clothing with the camper’s
name and shichvah (year group). Please send mattresses in a green refuse
bag or alternatively the luggage bag Habonim is offering on the form. Please
also pack 1x green refuse bag for the return journey. Do not pack your
mattress in a black bag, as this may get mixed up with the camp refuse.
Please do not tie your sleeping bag, mattress, stretcher or trunk together.

Lost Property
Habonim Dror will collect all lost property throughout camp, look for labels
and return any missing clothing. We will also repeatedly tell channichim to
look for their missing clothes in the lost property areas. After camp, lost
property will not be kept: all lost property will be donated to charity.
Please encourage your children to look in the lost property area outside the
office for any missing items. Labelling everything clearly will be helpful.

NB information:
Channichim will only be allowed ONE TRUNK at camp. We order luggage
trucks according to safety standards and size, thus we cannot afford to carry
any extra luggage. There is no space in tents for extra trunks. Please note
that a R250 surcharge per extra trunk will be charged at the drop off.

Channichim must bring an extra tog bag to use for the final two days.
Luggage will be packed two days before camp ends and channichim will be
required to pack this small bag for the last two nights, or to take with on their
post-camp travels.

NO hair dryers, straighteners, Nespresso machines or any other electrical
appliances will be allowed at machaneh under any circumstances, and
electricity points are not available to operate these.

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SHTILIM (Gr 5+6) CHANNICHIM WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BRING
TRUNKS
They must bring normal bags and suitcases instead, as they are
staying in cabins, not tents. Trunks will damage the floors of these
cabins. Shtilim channichim do not require a mattress. It is advised
that every Shtilim channich brings a single fitted sheet, sleeping bag,
pillow and blanket.
Your trunk should contain the following items of clothing and
equipment (use as guideline):
● Your chultzah (blue movement shirt – compulsory)
● 15 shirts or T-shirts
● 2 pairs of jeans
● 1 pair of warm pyjamas and 1 pair of summer pyjamas
● 1 pair of good hiking shoes
● 1 warm jacket
● 3 long sleeved jerseys/hoodies
● 3 pairs tracksuit pants
● Underwear and socks for the duration
● 6 pairs of shorts
● 2 pairs of slip-slops or sandals
● 1 pair of shoes for daily use
● Kippah (optional)
● Jacket suitable for rainy conditions
● 2 swimming costumes
● 3 towels
● 1 hat (Compulsory! You won’t be allowed on the beach without one)
● Plenty of sunblock
● Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste etc)
● Laundry bag, washing powder, pegs, washing line (yes, you do your own
laundry!)
● Torch and 2 sets of batteries
● Mattress/stretcher (one that easy transportable ie inflatable mattress).
Shtilim need not bring mattress or stretcher, just a fitted sheet.
● Sleeping bag, pillow, sheet, pillowcase, blanket and waterproof ground
sheet.
● You are not allowed to bring your own tents.

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Machaneh Rules

General Rules
The smooth running of a camp the size of Habonim Dror Machaneh is an
enormous task. In order for us to provide the ultimate experience and allow
all our campers to get the maximum from machaneh, there are some rules
that need to be applied. Please ensure that you have read these and have
signed at the appropriate place on the camp form indicating you agree with
the following rules and regulations:

1. It is compulsory to attend all meals and peulot (activities).
2. Possession of (or partaking in) alcohol and drugs is prohibited - see

below and smoking policy.
● Please note that the use of marijuana on Habonim Property
is still considered illegal and therefore, not allowed.
As a private organization we reserve the right to deny the
use of any substance on our property.

3. Theft and malicious vandalism of all property (including the natural
vegetation of our campsite) belonging to Habonim Dror and fellow
campers is prohibited.
● Please note as of 2018 we have planted new trees; should
any tree be damaged or broken maliciously you will be fined
for R1000 to cover to costs of replacing the tree.
● Should you graffiti on a tent you will be liable to the cost of

a BRAND NEW tent.

4. Leaving the campsite is prohibited (including across the river and
lagoon).

5. Cell phones are only permitted during free time, and all campers

must obey the instructions of the Madrichim if asked to put their

phones away. Habonim is not responsible for lost or damaged cell

phones on camp.

6. No firearms, knives, or weapons of any nature may be brought; and

if found may be confiscated.

7. Intimidation of fellow campers is prohibited.
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8. Channichim may not bring their own tents to machaneh.
9. It is compulsory for all channichim to have a Habonim Dror Chultzah

(movement uniform – blue shirt with red string).
10. Channichim are not permitted to assist in security duties. This is the

task of the professional protectors of the CSO.
11. We expect every channich/ah to treat their madrichim, staff, fellow

channichim and the Machaneh environment with respect.

Habonim Dror reserves the right to discipline or send home any channich/ah
for rude, disruptive or abusive behaviour. These rules will be applied both
on camp transport and at Machaneh.
● Items 2 & 3 can be criminal activities and Habonim Dror will not protect

perpetrators from the law.
● Items 2, 3, 4 and 6 will result in immediate expulsion from Machaneh and

travel home will be at the expense of the camper.
● Habonim Dror reserves the right to disallow channichim the right to

attend future events should their behaviour on Machaneh not be found
to be satisfactory.
● Please note: Habonim Dror reserves the right not to refund any monies.

Weapons
No firearms, knives, handcuffs or weapons of any nature may be brought to
machaneh. If these are found in a camper’s possession, they will be
confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken. Habonim Dror is not
responsible for the loss thereof.

Alcohol, drugs and other substance abuse
Substance abuse of any kind is not tolerated at Habonim. Substance abuse
(including the holding of any such items in a camper’s luggage) is an offence
that will result in the camper being sent home immediately. Camp is a safe
and secure environment where there is a ZERO tolerance policy for any
substance abuse including alcohol or drugs of any kind. We will have sniffer

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dogs at the luggage drop offs and we reserve the right to arrange random
searches throughout machaneh.

Security Arrangements

Security will once again be undertaken by the Community Security
Organisation (CSO). All aspects of the machaneh, including camp travel,
tiyulim and the beach are protected by trained and experienced security
teams. We have been working with the CSO for many months, they have
visited our site on a regular basis and we have made every necessary
arrangement to ensure the safety and security of your children. In the
nineteen years that the CSO have secured Habonim Dror, we have had no
major incidents. We have complete trust that this will once again be the case
at Machaneh’18.

Letter from CSO

Dear Parents,

The time is nearing as we all look forward to yet another successful Habonim
Machaneh! CSO is working closely with Habonim Management in ensuring the safety
of your children is maintained at the highest level. As such, the purpose of this
particular communication is to advise you as the parents on certain security protocol
that CSO has put in order to create on-site fluidity from a security perspective.

Kindly take note of the following protocol, which needs to be adhered for security
purposes:
BUS TRAVEL TO THE CAMPSITE

• CSO as in the past will be accompanying the buses up to camp
• CSO Medical personnel will form part of the CSO convoy travelling

on the road to camp, so in the event of any reason for an
emergency stop whereby medical assistance is required there will
be a medic as part of the convoy to deal with the situation
• Please ensure your children have made a toilet stop before the buses leave,
as there will be no bathroom stops along the way
• We need to emphasise that it is very important to ensure your children are
ready to depart on time

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PARENTS WISHING TO ENTER THE CAMPSITE DURING MACHANEH
• CSO have very strict access procedures, which we are sure you can
appreciate as this concerns the safety of your children
• Due to this, any parents/family wishing to gain access to the

campsite need to make prior arrangements with Eden Plein

([email protected] ) at least 48 hours prior to visitation

• Please note that any parents/family arriving on site unannounced will
be denied access or reverted to the beach by security if no prior
arrangement has been made

• Also please note that parents cannot enter the camp site via the beach
gate entrance – beach times will be communicated to your children and
the necessary meeting arrangements between parents & children must be
made privately and cannot extend into the campsite itself

PARENTS & FAMILY VISITOR’S DAY – 23 DECEMBER 2018
• Any parents or family wishing to attend the Visitors’ Day are required to

provide us with the following details for security reasons:

Name of Child Visiting

Number of People coming to visit

Vehicle type and registration

• All visiting parents need to please email these details to
[email protected] before the 27th November 2018 and from 12th
December 2018 to [email protected]. All information must be
sent before 14:00 Monday 17th December 2018

• If you have not provided us with the requested details above, you may be
subject to thorough questioning and a vehicle search

• It is of the utmost importance that if you do plan on attending this
event that you provide us with these details timeously so as to ensure

easy flow of access into the site and prevent a vehicle back-up

Yours and your children’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. Your co-
operation in this regard will be greatly appreciated by all concerned.
Kind Regards,

CSO Security Team, CT

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Transport Information

Cape Town

A compulsory merchandise collection will take place for AT LEAST ONE PARENT of
every Cape Town channich in the atrium of Herzlia Middle School on Monday, 26
November. Channichim do not need to attend.

In order to ensure that you do not stand in long queues we have split up the session
into two slots:
Monday, 26th November 2018 from:
16h00 – 17h30: Shtilim, Bonim and Amelim (Grade 5 - Grade 8)
17h30 – 19:00: Sollelim, Sayarim and Shomrim (Grade 9 – Grade 11)
If you have children who fall in both these categories then please attend in the later
time slot.

At this session you will be able to:
● Receive luggage labels for your trunks and mattresses/stretchers
● Receive your merchandise (hoodie and chultzah) so you can label both before

camp
● Speak to the camp leadership
● Check outstanding or unclear information on your child’s application

We urge you to complete your signup on www.habo.org.za/signup - If you have not
completed your signup and arranged payment, you will not be able to receive your
merchandise.

Cape Town luggage will be loaded at the Old Green Point Stadium Parking lot
between 13h30 – 16h00 on Monday, 10th December 2018.
Please note the following times to bring your child’s luggage:
13h30 – 14h30: BONIM, AMELIM and SOLLELIM channichim
14h30 – 16h00: SHTILIM, SAYARIM and SHOMRIM channichim
Upon arrival, please follow instructions for your child’s age group. If you have
children who fall in both these categories, please attend in the earlier time slot.

Please note that there will be sniffer dogs at the trommel drop off to ensure no
illegal substances are being transported onto our campsite. HDSA reserve the rights

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to terminate anyone’s application should they be found with drugs and/or alcohol
in their trommels.

Cape Town channichim will be departing from the Old Green Point Stadium Parking
lot at 9:00am on Wednesday, 12th December 2018. Please arrive by 8:00am to
register.
Due to the limited parking available, we ask parents to please drop their children and
leave once they have been registered. When you arrive, please find the appropriate
table for your child’s shichvah and queue to register. No channichim will be allowed
on the bus without a registration sticker. These stickers will only be available at
registration.

Cape Town channichim and luggage will return to the Old Green Point Stadium
Parking lot, Vlei Road. Please enter via Western Boulevard Road ONLY on Sunday,
30th December 2018.
We will be staggering the times at which the busses will arrive. We request that
parents of channichim in SHTILIM, BONIM and AMELIM collect their children and
trunks at 09h45 and that parents with channichim in SOLLELIM, SAYARIM and
SHOMRIM collect their children and trunks from 10h15. If you have children in both
groups, you may arrive in the earlier time slot. We implore you to please park as
directed and be patient.
NB Note: We have no facility to store any luggage sent to CT and so any uncollected
luggage will remain in the parking lot. Therefore, we ask that everyone collects their
luggage with their child, or organises a family member/ friend to do so if you are
unable.

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Durban

Durban parents are requested to URGENTLY book their child’s own aeroplane ticket
on the following flights:
TO CAMP, 12th December 2018: BA6300. Departing 07h45; Arriving 09h45
FROM CAMP, 30th December 2018: BA6309/5. Departing at 12h00 OR 13h20;
Arriving 14h00 OR 15h20
Please note that all arrangements regarding these flights must be made at your own
expense, and that Habonim will not be responsible for booking tickets on these
flights. The airline has assured us that tickets booked soon will be both affordable
and available.

All Durban luggage must be carried on this flight/s. Luggage (including channich’s
trunk/bag) must weigh less than 20kg. Any fee for weight exceeding 20kg must be
covered at your own expense.

Your travel fee: As all Durban applicants are required to book their own tickets, we
will only be charging you for transport to and from the Cape Town airport (R555 each
way – R1110 return). If your child is only travelling on one of the above flights,
his/her travel fee will still include R555 (for one way). We will not be sending a
madrich to travel with your children on these flights, however there will be a madrich
to accompany them to and from the campsite. Please note that no channich from
Durban will be accepted without booking on the above flight/s first.

You are required to submit your airline confirmation before being accepted to
machaneh (see online form). Please forward a copy of your air ticket to S’ganit Rosh
Machaneh Eden Plein by email on [email protected].

Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape parents are requested to urgently contact S’ganit Rosh Machaneh Eden
Plein by email on [email protected] in order to make suitable arrangement. Please
note that you will be responsible for booking your child’s flights.

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Johannesburg

A compulsory merchandise collection will take place for AT LEAST ONE PARENT of
every Johannesburg channich on Thursday, 22 November from 17h00 – 19h30 at the
Habonim Dror Bayit, 34 10th Avenue, Highlands North. Channichim do not need to
attend.

In order to ensure that you do not stand in long queues we have split up the session
into two slots:
Thursday, 22 November 2018, from:
17h00 – 18h00: Shtilim, Bonim, Amelim (Grade 5 - Grade 8)
18h00 –19h30: Sollelim, Sayarim, Shomrim (Grade 9 – Grade 11)
If you have children who fall in both these categories then please attend in the later
time slot.

At this session you will be able to:
● Receive luggage labels for your trunks and mattresses/stretchers
● Receive your airplane booking code
● Receive your merchandise (hoodie and chultzah) so you can label both before

camp. All channichim must wear their chultzah on the plane!
● Speak to the camp leadership
● Check outstanding or unclear information on your child’s application

We urge you to complete your signup on www.habo.org.za/signup - If you have not
completed your signup and arranged payment, you will not be able to receive your
merchandise or flight details.

Johannesburg luggage will be loaded at Oxford Shul Parking Lot between 09:00-
12:30 on Sunday, 9th December 2018.
Please note the following times to bring your child’s luggage:
09h00 – 11:00 BONIM, AMELIM and SOLLELIM channichim
11h00 – 12h30: SHTILIM, SAYARIM and SHOMRIM channichim
Upon arrival, please follow instructions for your child’s age group. If you have
children who fall in both these categories, please attend in the earlier time slot.

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Please note that this year there will be sniffer dogs at the trommel drop off to
ensure no illegal substances are being transported onto our campsite. HDSA
reserve the rights to terminate anyone’s application should they be found with
drugs and/or alcohol in their trommels.

JOHANNESBURG TRAVEL- AIRPLANE PROCEDURE (Wednesday 12th
December 2018)
Please arrive at your assigned airport at the designated times below. You will receive
an email as well as details in your pack at the collection day with information of
which airport your child will be leaving from. Please ensure that you are on time to
the airport as we cannot hold the flights under any circumstance.
Please note, if you have siblings, they may be flying on separate flights.

*this year we have two different flights leaving from OR Tambo, so please take
note of the Flight Number here and when you receive your ticket at merch
collection so as not to get confised.

Lanseria (Please arrive by 04:30am)
Mango – JE701
Depart – 06h30

OR Tambo FLIGHT JE123 (Please arrive at 04:30am)
Mango - JE123
Depart – 05h55

OR Tambo FLIGHT JE125 (please arrive at 05h00)
Mango – JE125
Depart – 07h00

It is imperative for security reasons that all campers wear the blue Chultzah at the
airport. NO CAMPER WILL BE ALLOWED TO CHECK-IN WITHOUT THIS UNIFORM
SHIRT. The Chultzah can be purchased on the camp form before Machaneh, and will
be handed out at the Johannesburg merchandise collection on Thursday 22
November 2018.
Campers will NOT be allowed to check any luggage in on the flight. Please make sure
you send your stretchers/mattresses with your trommels on the 9th of December.

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WHAT ARE THE RULES ONCE WE ARE ON THE PLANE?
Once on the plane, the camp rules apply. Over and above this, please take note of
the following rules:
-Damage to airline property will not be tolerated. Campers will be liable.
-Always follow the instructions of your madrichim.
-If you need any medical care, please speak to your Madrichim who will liaise with
the medics who are on hand to assist you.

WILL I GO HUNGRY ON THE PLANE?
Drinks will be confiscated by security due to airport regulations. You may send your
child with some money for food and a drink on the flight should you wish to.
Water and snacks will be provided for channichim when they board the buses at
Cape Town Airport.

Please pack ALL of your toiletries in your trommel. Any liquids will be confiscated
by airport security. We do not allow channichim to check in luggage!

We will be flying back to Johannesburg: 30th December 2018
*Again, there are two flights on the 30th. You will receive an email a few days prior
to the 30th confirming which flight your child will be on.

FLIGHT 1 - Mango flight JE152.
Departing 12:25 arriving at OR TAMBO airport at 14:20.

FLIGHT 2 – Mango Flight JE154
Departing 13h45 arriving at OR TAMBO airport at 15h40

Johannesburg luggage will return to the Habonim Dror Bayit (34 10th Avenue,
Highlands North) Monday, 31st December 2018 and must be collected between
15h30 and 17h00.

Luggage not collected during these times at the Habonim Dror Bayit can be collected
after Wednesday, 16th January 2019, when our offices re-open. All luggage not
collected by Thursday, 31st January 2019 will be kept at a charge of R50 per
channich. This luggage will only be kept until Thursday, 22nd February 2019. After

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this date, everything will be donated. Please make arrangements to collect luggage
by this date as all remaining property will be donated to charity. Habonim Dror takes
no responsibility whatsoever for any luggage stored at the Johannesburg Bayit.

Shtilim 10-Day Camp

All 10-day campers will be departing for camp with all other channichim from the
venues listed above.

10-day campers returning to Cape Town will arrive at Herzlia Bus Park (below the
High School) at approximately 10h45 on Friday, 21st December 2018.

10-day campers returning to Johannesburg will be flying on Mango flight JE148,
departing at 11h00 and scheduled to land at O.R Tambo at 12h55 on Friday, 21st
December 2018. No channichim will be allowed to leave the airport until they have
been checked off by the accompanying madrich.

10-day campers not returning on either the Johannesburg flight or Cape Town bus
must contact on [email protected] by Sunday, 11th November to facilitate
arrangements.

Garden Route (Plett) After Camp

We will be offering our regular transport to Plettenberg Bay, George, Knysna and
Sedgefield. We will be sending a bus from the campsite leaving at 06h00 on Sunday,
30th December 2018 which will arrive at the Beacon Isle Hotel in Plett in the early
afternoon (by 16h00). Final times of arrival will be confirmed at a later date. Please
contact Eden Plein on [email protected] for more information.

Should you wish your child to take this option, please select the ‘Plettenberg Bay’
travel option on the online form.

Other Centres

Travel to/from Zimbabwe or Botswana can be arranged with Eden Plein on
[email protected].

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Medical Information

By completing your medical form online and by submitting a doctor’s medical form,
we assume that every child has had a medical examination. This is insisted upon by
our team of camp doctors, who will comply with any special treatment that you have
indicated that your child needs at machaneh. If your child has not yet had a medical
examination, we insist that he/she has one before coming to machaneh. Please
make sure that if the camper is on any maintenance medication, the details of this
medication are written on his/her camp form and that the medic in his/her shichvah
is aware of this. Please send medication for us to administer in a zip-lock bag with
detailed written instructions. The onus rests on to provide us with the correct
medical information.

Please ensure that your child reads the letter below before machaneh!

Letter from the Camp Doctors to Channichim:

Shalom Campers

In the past, unhappiness at machaneh has been caused by campers not adhering to
very simple procedures. The following is a list of those procedures. Please take note
of them and we are sure you will have a healthy and happy Machaneh.

● You must receive a Tetanus Toxoid Booster dose before machaneh. Don’t
worry, this is not painful.

● Bring your maintenance medicines to machaneh, and hand these in to the clinic
or your shichvah Rosh on the first day.

● If you have an asthma pump, be sure to bring refills.
● If you require Insulin, this must be kept in the clinic fridge and you can self-

administer your injections in the clinic in private or you can receive help from
the doctors should you wish.
● Inform the medical staff of your allergies at each medical visit.
● If the doctors prescribe medicine to you, be sure to take it as instructed. Please
comply with the doctors’ and nurses’ requests.
● The clinic has specific consulting times and will otherwise be closed, except in
the case of an emergency. There is always a doctor on the site but doctors can
be consulted with at free-time; not during formal time.

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● Do not put any part of your body outside bus window.
● Do not walk barefoot at any time.
● Fresh fruit is always available outside the main stores – eat it!
● Inform your madrichim if you feel ill.
● Drink a lot of liquid every day.
● Shower every day, and after swimming.
● If any girl is menstruating for the first time, feel free to speak to a madricha,

the nurse, or one of the doctors – whoever you feel most comfortable talking
to. We do keep supplies for such occurrences at the office and the clinic.

If you have any medical problems at all, please come and see us during consultation
times. That said, we would much rather meet you on the beach than in the clinic.

Happy camping!
The Camp Doctors

Letter from the Camp Doctors to Parents:

Habonim Dror Machaneh always provides an incredible holiday for all campers. Each
child’s physical, emotional and social needs are dealt with effectively by our
experienced medical team.

Dear Parents

The leadership of Habonim have instituted a childcare resource facility at machaneh.
In an unfamiliar environment, children may experience medical, social and emotional
difficulties.

To combat these problems, Habonim Dror provides the following free medical
facilities and services on the campsite:

● A team of doctors, nursing sisters, trained medics, shichvah medics and
psychologists are immediately available 24 hours a day. If need be,
specialists are on call in Hermanus, as are private and public hospitals in the
area.

● A 16 bed, modern hospital for sleep-over patients.
● A clinic with an examination room, treatment facilities and a well-stocked

dispensary.

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● All madrichim are trained and assisted by a team of psychologists before and
during machaneh to handle any problems.

In order for us to provide the best possible medical care, we require the following
from you:

Honest and full completion of the parents’ medical, doctor's medical and
counsellors’ forms. In the past, some parents have, in collusion with their doctors,
omitted important medical information (e.g. ADHD, epilepsy), for fear that their child
may not be accepted to camp. We have found that most medical conditions, if well
controlled, can be coped with at machaneh.

Medical aid details and an indemnity form must be completed in full to facilitate
referral. Please be aware that Habonim is not financially responsible for any X-rays,
medication or consultations of any nature arranged at any outside (private or public)
hospital. These costs must be covered by parents or medical aid. Payment will be
requested prior to Habonim making any purchase or payment on your behalf. Before
this occurs, Habonim will inform you of the situation and request your consent.
Receipts will be provided so that you may claim the expense from your medical aid.

If your child is on chronic medication (for any medical condition), please have the
prescribing doctor notify us with the name of the drug, the dosage and when the
drug is to be taken.

Please provide your child with sufficient maintenance medication:
● Asthma inhalers must be sent with your child and spares should be placed
in the clinic for safeguarding. These will be returned at the end of machaneh
if not used.
● Ritalin and other medication for behavioural issues: In the past it has been
extremely difficult for madrichim to manage channichim who have been
taken off their long-term medication. Camp is an environment which
requires concentration and good behaviour. For your child’s sake and
his/her enjoyment of the machaneh, continuing his/her medication is
essential. At the very least, this medication must be sent to the camp
doctors or your child's Rosh Shichvah with a covering note from your doctor.

We strongly advise you to take your child to the dentist or orthodontist before camp
for a check-up.

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Please note that all participants require a tetanus vaccine before camp.

The medical team ensure that only trustworthy and reputable medication is used;
however often generics are more cost effective. If you are not happy about the use of
these generics, please ensure that you send an antibiotic or other suitable
medication with your child. It is compulsory for your child to hand these to the
doctors for safekeeping, preventing inappropriate self-dispensing.

We are available for any discussion if necessary. All information will be kept strictly
confidential.

Yours sincerely

The Machaneh Medical Team

Contacting the Camp Office

During machaneh
The machaneh office can be contacted using the following details:
E-mail: [email protected]

Before machaneh
The JHB office:

Telephone: (011) 786 7046
Rosh Machaneh E-mail: [email protected]

In an emergency
Please mark all correspondence accordingly. In the event of an emergency during

Machaneh: If you need to make urgent or emergency contact with us on the
weekend or on a public holiday, please contact the emergency number on 062 395
9778. The person/s will pass the message onto the Rosh Machaneh. Note that this
cell phone number will only be available during machaneh and not before, and may
ONLY BE USED FOR EMERGENCIES!

In past years we have had problems with certain parents using the emergency contact
numbers for anything but emergencies. This is not fair on those who have to deal
with the calls and those who need to make urgent contact with us. Please refrain
from doing this. Thank you.

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Contacting Channichim

Your children can be contacted in the following ways. Correspondence will be
delivered once per day:
Email
Emails can be sent to [email protected] Please ensure that you mark on the
email your child’s name and shichvah (e.g. Jonathan Cohen, Bonim). Note that you
will not be able to receive emails back from your children.

Some General (but important!) Information

What about the beach?
Swimming on the beach is strictly controlled and takes place only during specific
times of the day. Swimming is only permitted when the life-guards are on duty and
within a designated area. Nobody is permitted on the beach without a hat and
sunscreen.

What about the tiyul (hike)?
Every shichvah goes on a Tiyul in the nearby nature reserve, one of the highlights of
Machaneh. Should your child not be able to walk for medical reasons, this must be
stated on his or her medical form. To make the Tiyul experience as easy as possible,
please make sure your child brings good walking shoes, cotton socks, a sun hat and a
water bottle with to camp to use on this day.

Do I need insurance?
Your Medical Aid subscription should be up-to-date. Please include all Medical Aid
details on your form, and supply us with a copy of your Medical Aid card. Personal
baggage and belongings are not insured by Habonim Dror (this applies to madrichim
as well as channichim). Habonim Dror accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to
camper’s clothing and personal belongings. Please do not bring any jewellery or
valuable items to Machaneh. A cheap watch is advisable. We recommend that
parents insure their child’s luggage in full.

What about the Tuckshop?
A well-stocked Kosher tuckshop is available at specific times each day (besides
Shabbat). A recommended amount of R350 has been set on the form. If you have not
submitted money, please do so immediately. Our tuckshop runs on an account

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system and thus no cash needs to be brought to machaneh. Please note that all
leftover tuckshop money will be donated to the Alec Rogoff Assist-A-Camper Appeal.

Smoking Policy

Habonim Dror Camp attempts to provide a healthy, clean and safe environment for
all campers. We strongly discourage smoking and educate our channichim on the
dangers of this habit. To this end, smoking of tobacco products and E-cigarettes
(“Vapes”) by channichim at camp is not allowed.

In line with the law, we permit only Sayarim and Shomrim campers to smoke at
Machaneh, under very strict regulations. Should a channich in Sayarim/Shomrim
suffer from a serious addiction to tobacco products and E-cigarettes (“Vapes”), a
letter can be drafted by the channich's parent/guardian to the camp executive at
[email protected]. This letter must fully explain the nature of the camper's
addiction. On receipt of such a request, the Camp Executive will contact the
parent/guardian of the channich and respond to the request. Only on approval will
the channich be allowed to smoke subject to specific conditions.

Any channich found smoking (anything) without parental permission will be
disciplined accordingly and may be sent home. In addition, smoking in Sayarim and
Shomrim will only be permitted in a designated smoking area, at specific times, with
supervision, far from the main centre of the machaneh. Failure to smoke in these
areas will be dealt with severely.

Any other campers found smoking will be sent home. In addition, the use of drugs
(including marijuanna) and alcohol is strictly prohibited for all campers and
madrichim.

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What Is An Average Day At Camp Like?

❖ 08h30 Wake up! – Time is given for showering, brushing teeth
and tidying up.

❖ 09h00 Breakfast is served by an alternating group of channichim
and announcements are made. Breakfast is compulsory

❖ 10h15 Morning peulah (activity) – This is often educational and
deals with a wide variety of topics. These peulot are run using
classic informal methodologies including activities and games to
stimulate thinking and participation. A balance between active and
passive activities is maintained.

❖ 11h30 Beach/Free time – Other options include interest groups,
sports and creative activities.

❖ 13h30 Lunch. This is compulsory
❖ 14h30 Afternoon peulah (activity) – Often building on a concept

dealt with in the morning.
❖ 16h00 Beach/Free time – Again, options include interest groups,

sports and creative activities.
❖ 17h30 Shower Time – Channichim clean their tents and prepare

for the evening.
❖ 18h15 Shichvah meeting – Meeting time for smaller groups of

channichim with a madrich to discuss how camp is going and what
was learned.
❖ 19h00 Dinner. Also compulsory
❖ 20h30 Evening peulah (activity) – This may be culturally
orientated (e.g. drama or music) and often involves the wider
machaneh.

In free time, madrichim spend time with their channichim, and it is this bond of
friendship and education that makes the madrich-channich relationship so special.
There are also tiyulim (hikes) and various projects that the channichim undertake.
These include organising a talent show, a carnival and social action projects.

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Childcare At Habonim Machaneh

The madrichim undergo extensive childcare training workshops so that they are
well equipped to make the machaneh’s social experience as smooth as possible.
Sometimes children experience social and emotional difficulties as a result of being in
unfamiliar surroundings and these are normally well handled by the madrichim. To
assist in this process, we have a team of specialist child psychologists and social
workers on site who are available for consultation with the madrichim.

Contrary to popular opinion, camp is in fact an unsuitable environment for children
with emotional or psychiatric problems. In our experience it is best for these children
not to attend. We would like to stress that camp is also not the time to take a child
off regular medication.

Cellphones On Machaneh’18 Ha’Cholmim

In 2016, in line with the current environment in which children find themselves, we decided to
allow channichim to bring cellphones to camp. An initial reason for this firstly, was that we
acknowledge that phones are more connected to youth culture nowadays, and that secondly,
we found that before the allowance of cellphones, most channichim were in fact bringing and
using them and this was creating fear and secrecy between the madrichim and the
channichim. The allowance of cellphones, is a policy which is meant to regulate the presence
of this technology and not allow it to go on uncontrolled.

It has, however, come to our attention that there is great concern around channichim having
cellphones at machaneh, and as such would like to make clear our position on phones.

FIRST AND FOREMOST: THE ALLOWANCE OF CELLPHONES ON OUR CAMP IS NOT THE
PROMOTION OF CELLPHONES ON CAMP. Although we will not punish channichim for bringing
their cellphones, we do not by any means encourage this. We still maintain very strict rules
around cell phone usage at machaneh, preventing channichim’s machaneh experiences from
being tainted by technology. Should channichim choose to bring phones with their parents’
consent, we will not confiscate them, unless they are being used inappropriately.

The use of cellphones is ONLY allowed during free time. If cellphones are used during formal
activity time or meal time; they will be taken away and will be kept in our office until the end
of Machaneh. If cellphones are used in any way that we, the madrichim, deem inappropriate;
we reserve the right to confiscate these cell phones and keep them in our office until the end
of Machaneh.

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The madrichim are committed to ensuring that each child is protected and looked after
properly. We acknowledge our inability to monitor each child’s phone and internet usage, and
it is for this reason that we ask that, if you decide that your child is unable to be without a
phone for the 10 day or 3-week period of camp, that you DO NOT send your child with a
smartphone. Should you insist on sending your child with a smartphone, we ask that you place
parental guidelines on your child’s internet access, to prevent them from accessing sites that
you deem inappropriate. If the reason for channichim needing cellphones is to contact parents,
then we believe that a phone with only sms and phoning access is enough. We must remind
you, however, that should your child wish to contact you at any time during Machaneh, they
are most welcome to use our office landline.

It is important that you, the parents, are aware of the risks we run in taking care of your
children when cellphones are involved. Too often in the past, parents have encouraged their
children to contact them when something is wrong. Obviously, during the year this is entirely
appropriate however while your children are on Machaneh, their madrichim should be the first
point of call. Our madrichim are extensively trained on how to deal with any ailment your
children experience. We also have psychologists, nurses and doctors on site for the entire
duration of Machaneh. It is for this reason that we urge you to explain to your children that it
is crucial that they communicate with their madrichim while on camp. If your child experiences
any stressor; whether it be a headache, a cold, a sore stomach or even just homesickness, your
child is urged to tell their madrich right away. Phoning a parent instead of speaking to a
madirch only delays the process of providing your child with the help they need.

Should you have more concerns or questions as to this policy, please do not hesitate to contact
us.

Kind regards
Camp Steering Committee and Shtilim Roshim

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Habonim Dror Foundation And The Campsite Upgrades
Project

The Habonim Dror Foundation was established in February 2004 in order to transform the
movement's financial position to one of eventual sustainability. This was necessitated by ever-
declining funding and the movement's desire to be financially independent.

The primary means of attaining this goal is through the development and upgrade of the
Habonim campsite. This will see the movement support itself through income generated from
the letting of the site during the year to various groups from around the country. We aim to
make the Habonim Campsite the premier outdoor and conference centre in South Africa.

The extensive upgrade of the ‘Shtilim’ and ‘Sollelim’ areas was completed and these facilities
are in high demand during the year and have proven to be a massive success at Habonim
events. The ‘Docsville Project’ involved a complete revamp of the campsite hospital complex.
In 2010, we opened our new clinic and sick-bay which was utilized with huge success during
Machaneh and is undoubtedly the top medical complex on any campsite in the country! In
addition, new, modernized accommodation has been built for use by our medical and
administrative staff during machaneh and for rental as a conference facility during the year. As
of October 2011, all the building in our Docsville Upgrade Project was completed.

Both Habonim Dror SA and the Habonim Dror Foundation are registered Public Benefit
Organisations (PBOs). Certain individuals and trusts have given very generously in order to
complete these projects. Please contact Melissa Bennun on [email protected] or (011) 786
7046 for more information or to make a donation.

NEW CHALLENGES FOR THE HABONIM DROR FOUNDATION:

● New facilities for educational activities, multimedia presentations, discussions and
lectures

● The long-term removal of alien vegetation and replanting with sustainable,
indigenous species

● Kitchen upgrade
● Roads upgrade
● Electrical improvements
● Upgrade of waterworks, sewerage and drainage

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