MACHANEH 2025

From the 7th-24th of December, Habonim will be holding our annual Machaneh, which promises to be a programme full of fun with friends, spending time away from the screens and making memories. The Machaneh programme is built to provide a unique space for children to be free and explore their identities in safe, fun, and nurturing ways.

When can I visit my child?

We will be hosting a Visitors Day on Tuesday, the 16th of December. More information about the event will be sent closer to the time with all the details. You are welcome to visit your child during beach time at Onrus Beach. The first beach time is from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, and the second is from 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm. If you plan on visiting your child at the beach, we recommend scheduling this beforehand or letting us know via the emergency phone. This is to avoid conflicts with the dynamic nature of some days on our machaneh calendar, such as tiyulim or projects.
What activities do they do?

Each day consists of three peulot, during which the kids participate in fun and educational activities such as colour wars, water fights, water balloon battles, and beach games. They also have projects, which are often the highlight of the machaneh. These are multi-day experiential processes in which the channichim are empowered to build, write, and run a project in line with their educational theme. For example, in the “Shtilim Wedding,” the Grade 5/6s organise a wedding while learning about the value of relationships and Jewish traditions, and the Grade 7s take part in an “illegal immigration” activity in which the channichim learn about the waves of aliyot and fleeing Poland. There are also machaneh-wide events such as hikes, a carnival, a band night, a talent show night, movie nights, access to the beach, a soccer court, and so much more to enjoy.
How do meds work?

Each age group, or shichvah, has a shichvah medic who is responsible for the dissemination of medication and assisting with cuts or bruises. All medication is collected by the shichvah medic at the start of camp and cross-referenced with the information provided on the signup form. The medic will ensure your child takes all their necessary medication. In addition, we have a fully staffed Docsville, which includes a clinic and doctors’ rooms. In Docsville, there will be doctors, social workers, and psychologists present for the entire duration of the camp. Any issues that go beyond the shichvah medic’s jurisdiction will be referred to the top-rate, 24-hour professional medical care available on site. The cost of consultations and doctors’ visits is not additional and is covered by Habonim. For any serious injuries (while highly unlikely and uncommon), we are a 10-minute drive from the Hermanus Medi-Clinic.
How does bedtime work?

Grade 5–6 Bedtime: 10:00 PM Tent time: Tentmaddie checks in with campers, discusses the day, does a meditation, and addresses any issues. Time for fun, laughs, and emotional support if needed. Grade 7 Bedtime: 10:30 PM Tent time: Same as above. Grade 8 Bedtime: 11:00 PM Tent time: Same as above. Grade 9 Bedtime: 12:00 AM Tent time: Same as above. Grade 10 Bedtime: 1:00 AM Tent time: Same as above. Grade 11 No set bedtime — entrusted to manage their own sleep schedule.
How do they deal with any emotional issues/anxiety/fighting etc?

The maddies are trained in handling baseline emotional stress and anxiety, as well as conflict between kids. We have the experience and institutional knowledge to mediate these issues. However, any issues that go beyond the maddies’ abilities (as we are not professional healthcare workers) will be elevated to the professionals in Docsville.
What needs to be sent with food/snacks etc?

Habonim provides three delicious, kosher, and nutritious meals every day. These cater to any and all dietary requirements. There is also a tuckshop fully stocked with snacks for your kids to enjoy during free time. We also provide fruit daily, available to all kids. You are welcome to send snacks on top of this, such as two-minute noodles, biltong, or other treats. We are aware that at this age, kids can be fussy eaters. Our madrichim are able to be flexible on the ground to get your child something they will eat if they refuse to eat the camp meal that day. However, we will always encourage the kids to try the food, as the menu has been created in consultation with a dietitian to ensure a healthy and yummy machaneh.
What's the cost?

The cost of camp is R11,785.00 excluding Merch and travel. JHB-JHB: R4800 CPT-CPT: R2200 JHB one way: R2400 CPT one way: R1100 Plett one way: R1600 No child left behind policy: Habonim will be able to provide subsidies, and payment plans to ensure cost is never a reason to miss a Habonim programme. Email admin@habo.org.za or mazkir@habo.org.za to find out more information. But all information is available in the signup form.