By Aaron Melemed
Migdal Specialist

Shalom! My name is Aaron Melemed, and I’m the Migdal Man this summer. I started going to camp in second-year Shoresh, and I’ve gone every year since. This is my third year on staff. GUCI has given me so much, so I’ve done everything I can to help give back to this great community. Counselors Carrie Seleman, Rebecca Meltzer, Ellie Morrison, Sam Rheins, and Tony Satryan round out the Migdal team, along with a rotating group of Avodahnikim.

The Migdal is a 55-foot climbing tower with six different routes. The tower offers many unique challenges, including climbing holds, a rope net, a plank ladder, two swinging logs, and countless different paths to the top. It is a Challenge-by-Choice program, where campers individually push themselves while staying in their comfort zone. As the Migdal Man, I motivate the climbers while maintaining a safe and secure environment on the tower.

The Migdal program is one of the most fulfilling parts of the summer. Campers set their own goals and push themselves to accomplish them. They bond as a cabin, cheering on one another throughout the climb. The program creates a healthy, positive environment where each camper has the opportunity to learn and gain self-confidence.

This summer, I wanted to be Migdal Man to continue the program’s success and offer a few improvements. My staff and I are exploring new team-building activities to build cabin unity before the climb. We work to make the experience better and more efficient, limiting each camper’s time in the hot sun every afternoon.

All in all, the Migdal is an integral part of GUCI. Campers have the opportunity to grow both as individuals and as a cabin, and I do everything in my power to make it a fulfilling experience. I’m excited to continue the rest of the summer as Migdal Man!