Sunday, July 3rd

Campers arrive. Amid much excitement, tents and madrichim are assigned. Among last year's haverim, there is great rejoicing over the new outhouse, and the exclamation, " Oh boy, is it swell to be back!" echoes and re-echoes to the bewilderment of the newcomers. Washing is over, and everyone, in comfortable camp clothes, leans back (on his neighbor) after a much-needed supper and listens to Dave's welcoming speech. Then a camp fire, with dancing for those who are not too tired after the long train ride, and singing for all. Sleep now, and quiet.

Monday, July 4th

Today the regular daily program begins: Rise and shine-exercise-washing-breakfast-clean-up-discussion groups-activities-dip-lunch-rest and correspondencesports-swimming-supper-and one of the many evening activities possible in Kvutza. Tonight we have an amateur hour, under the direction of Benny, to find talent for the Drama Circle-to-be. Stan and Sol are prize kibbitzers, to say nothing of Avram. And so to bed. The regular program again today. This evening we have a hike to Accord via the new route discovered by Benny and Yehiel. First and last stop is the place of business of Mr. Block. Here we are refreshed by popsicles and exactly $.01 worth of candy-no more, no less. Tiptoeing through the metropolis so as not to wake the immense population, we finally reach home, tired but happy, to drop right off to dreamland.

Wednesday, July 6th

It is agreed that "Harishona" is a suitable name for our Accord Kvutza since we were literally "the first."

Thursday, July 7th

Looking about this morning, one sees a veritable hive of industry. The library is open, to the great delight of our intelligentsia, and the boys are working on an aquarium in which to keep material for Sammy's dissection mania. The camp paper-The Cookooricoo-is begun under the expert direction of Judy G. We have free time tonight. Struck by the magnificent beauty of the sky and surrounding mountains, we gather together on the grass to sing. As the haverim tear themselves away to bed, they feel that the stars sparkling in the velvet heavens have come nearer to earth and are watching over Kvutza.

Friday, July 8th

All day today is given over to preparation for Shabbat. We do our laundry in the creek. Two haverim volunteer to wash the dining room and kitchen floors. At lunch the Celibates Club is organized at a special table which excludes haverot. Their motto is: O.F.F.-Off Fems Forever. Sammy and Marvin (who declares that at least he is a confirmed bachelor) are the unworthy specimens of humanity who lead this ridiculous movement. Everyone is dressed in white shorts and blue Habonim shirts for Friday night, and we march down the hill singing happily. At the table the candles are lit and the prayer sung by Edna before we sit down to eat. Gathered on the hill, we hear The Cookooricoo read by Stan and then sing songs of Shabbat.

Saturday, July 9th

Ah, luxury, we sleep an extra half hour this morning. We have a leisurely breakfast, discussion, and clean up. As the Bible circles in Hebrew and English begin this afternoon, it begins to rain. Sunday, July 10th This morning there is a talk and discussion conducted by Shlomo on the present situation in Eretz Yisrael. Parents begin to arrive. A new batch of haverim come from the city and there is much excitement during the meeting of old friends and new. Tonight we have a camp fire with singing. And then to bed, with one or two people doubling up because some trunks have not yet arrived.

Monday, July 11th

Today we are settled again. This afternoon it rains and, as on previous days, we gather in the dining room for songs and games. Finally the sun breaks through the clouds just in time to set. Later, stunt night. Each tent presents a skit or a like exhibition. The grass is very wet as we walk up the hill to bed.

Tuesday, July 12th

We are awakened this morning by reveille blown by Harriet on her trumpet. It is decided that haverim of fifteen and over will take an overnight hike tonight after supper. The elements, however, seem to regard this with disfavor for it starts to rain. Yehiel's determination is of some avail because the shower suddenly stops. "Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's off to Minewaska we go!" And amid the cheers of the remaining campers, the group sets out. So the younger haverim go to bed, begging Dave for an extra hour of sleep tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 13th

Kvutza seems empty this morning with only half the haverim. here. No morning exercises, praise be to Allah! The younger people go on a short hike immediately after breakfast while those that remained for various reasons help in the kitchen. All the haverim are back for a delayed lunch, after which much napping is done under the pine and apple trees by those campers who would catch up on their lost sleep. Reading circles are the only activities this afternoon, and following supper, we have free time. Now bed and sleep at last.

Thursday, July 14th

There are discussons this morning on the trials in Russia, and preparation for a debate-" Resolved: That Socialism as such will solve the Jewish problem." Today the equipment for all sorts of sports is spread over the camp. Down by the kitchen we have ping-pong, while at the top of the hill are horseshoe and deck tennis games. And watch the Schwartzes at the badminton net! The haverim with musical talent are in the limelight tonight as we all gather near Dubby's tent to hear them and occasionally join in the chorus. It seems a perfect antidote for insomnia, but-Miriam L. and Dave R. are on guard duty so all hopes tor a peaceful night are futile.

Friday, July 15th

This morning we again approach the serious problem of laundry and hie ourselves down to Ye Olde Creeke where we spend the morning washing clothes. After lunch, besides clean-up, we have arts and crafts and scouteraft. Ready for supper, our tents and persons spotless. For Shabbat we snap pictures of our haverim in Habonim shirts and white shorts. A "Candid Camera Fiend" or two stay behind to record on film our march down the hill. The stream goes by, and the waterfall competes with Dave's voice as he reads to us the past week's diary and news from the other camps. Still gathered on the rocks, we watch Mutzie present Barry with a diploma from Fibber's College. Back by the tents and joined by the kitchen committee, we listen to The Cookooricoo as read by Avram. Now to our tents after singing and dancing.

Saturday, July 16th

Today is the final conflict: let each stand in his place-the campers play a baseball game of chills and thrills. Amid much excitement and conflicting emotions in the cheering section, the campers beat the madrichim 17-7. What triumph! What humiliation! The drama group presents an anti-war play at the camp fire tonight, written by Benny Lappin and produced by Ruth L. and the author. Afterwards, of course, there is dancing and singing. And so the second week of camp ends.

Accord Diary, 1938