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Netzer celebrates 25 years in style
Winter camp 2004 has finished - and it was definitely one to remember. With over 170 participants from
Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth, from years 3 - 12, this truly federal camp was an
overwhelming success. Held in the beautiful but chilly Licola, VIC, our chanichim (campers) spent 7
days interacting with other young Jews from around the country, exploring their Jewish identity, learning
about Israel and examining what being a Progressive Jew means. Between the informal learning, sliding
down the flying fox, climbing the high ropes, singing crazy songs, exploring the area on mountain bikes,
Rikudei Am (Israeli folk dancing), sitting around the camp fire, playing on the oval and dressing up for
"theme" meals, we also found time to celebrate 25 years of Netzer - and this culminated in a magical
Shabbat. We were joined by approximately 20 past Netzer madrichim - who brought with them some of
the history of the movement - and it was wonderful having them with us.
We were lucky to be joined at camp by Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black and family from the Leo Baeck
Centre, and Dr Janice Alper, the new UPJ Director of Education, and it was wonderful to see first hand
the support we enjoy from our communities and roof body. Also, Student Rabbi Kim Etlinger joined us
for part of camp and added a special touch.
Our 25th year began in February with a Bogrim tour to Israel run for the first time in many, many years -
22 Bogrim who returned to Israel to re-connect. Our celebrations continued with this unique camp - the
first time a federal all ages camp has been held - and plans are underway to continue the celebrations
with another event later on in the year.
Netzer are led by a fantastically energetic, committed group of madrichim, who put in endless hours of
their time to make sure that your communities have a vibrant, active and successful youth movement -
which one day will provide the leaders of your community. Our success does not depend on our
numbers - but without our chanichim, there is no movement. Your continued support of Netzer - by
sending your children to camps and activities - will enable us to continue doing our part in Jewish
continuity, promoting Israel and exploring what being a Progressive Jew means. Activities will be
underway soon in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Summer camps are the next big event to occur -
Senior Camp (Yr's 10-12) - from all States - will be held from January 4th - 14th 2005, in Bright, VIC.
Junior Camp (Yrs 3-10) will be held in both Melbourne and Sydney, from January 18th - 24th 2005.
For more information about Netzer and contact details for all states - go to www.netzer.org.au
Year 12’s getting ready to tackle the climbing wall at Netzer Winter Camp.
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