During the weekend of 16 – 18 March we had our traditional star activity of the year, the Belsize Mini Machane (BMM as some of us call it or Youth Weekend Away, as some others do). We spent a wonderful time at the Scout Park, a little pocket of woodland in the middle of North London that is host to that ‘camping feel’ that we enjoy so much.

This year, more than twenty little earthquakes attended the activity. As always, it was a magical weekend full of fun and exciting activities.

This year’s theme was “Cinema Belsize” and we did all sorts of activities around that theme. We had a treasure hunt, inspired by the Wizard of Oz (no place like home – no place like Belsize). Had we not been rained in, we would have even made our own film… Oh well, even the best film makers face weather inconveniences, right?

We had our traditional outdoor adventure activities like rock climbing and archery. On Saturday night we also had a fantastic campfire that, in spite all odds (and all rain), lit like magic! Our dear Rabbi Altshuler joined us for Havdallah when we had the chance to reflect on its meaning and on the meaning of good deeds.

We will never be able to stress enough how important it is for parents to help us by supporting our activities. It is thanks to them and their trust in us that we are able to have this wonderful activity, as well as the other activities of the Youth Committee. We are very proud to say that this year has been our largest BMM and this is all thanks to the parents’ support. A big thank you to you all! And, last but not least, a big thank you to Adam Rynhold and the Youth Committee for their support and a huge thank you to our Madrichim team which made the BMM possible: Zoe Cowan, Theo Cowan, Charlotte Samuelson, Emily Goodman and Jake Saul.

See you all next year at the BMM 2013 and at all our fun activities in the meantime!

Jonathan Davidoff (Belsize Youth worker)