MBI Tzevet is in Israel!

MBI Tzevet is all in Israel and has started Chalutz, the planning period before MBI. We have madrichim from Habonim Dror North America, as well as 2 madrichot from HD Australia and one nice Scottish bloke from HDUK. And of course, each bus will have a madrich and a bus madrich (tour guide) from Hanoar Haoved, our Israeli sister movement.

The first thing tzevet did together was Rafsodia training, where professionals certify the MBI madrichim in how to build rafts and sail them across the Kinneret. Here's a few pictures of the day:

Here's Tzevet MBI as the begin to set sail:

Rosh's Advice for MBI

Here's some advice, from George, the Rosh of MBI:

1. Arrive with a bit of cash. A debit card is very helpful, but the first time MBI goes out into the city, sometimes there's a 100 person line-up to get some shekels. Having shekels on you to start off with will definitely make your life a little easier. And bringing dollars will also help, because a money exchange service is visiting MBI early on.
2. Make sure you have good shoes. You need serious close-toed shoes (not Tom's, for example) for every outdoor activity. And you need serious sandals with a back (these don't count) or closed shoes for day trips around cities and kibbutzim.
3. For Rafsodia, bring shoes you can get wet and dirty. When we build a raft and sail across the Kinneret, you need to wear closed-toed shoes during both building and sailing. Your shoes will get soaking wet and possibly dirty. I use my old sneakers so I don't have to worry about messing them up.
4. Bring a sheet with you. You need a sleeping bag, but camping out in the Israeli summer can be quite hot in a sleeping bag. A sheet or two can really help.
5. Don't bring unnecessary valuables, and always lock your doors. Kids on MBI have lost cameras, phones, computers, and more. Think about what's fully necessary before you bring it, and always make sure to lock your doors and take care of your stuff.
6. Bring a back-up pair of glasses or Rx sunglasses. On websites like zennioptical.com, you can by prescription glasses starting at $7 plus shipping. Rx sunglasses start at $11, and are incredibly helpful in Israel during the summer. I personally wear prescription sunglasses from that website that I got for $14, and it's made my life in Israel much better! Always better to have a quick fix in case you lose or break a pair.
7. Hats yes (2 of them!), tank tops no. Every day MBI participants will be required to wear a proper hat as we travel around Israel, so make sure to bring a good hat and a backup as well. Tank tops, however, are not allowed on MBI besides at night. ALL shirts must fully cover your shoulders and upper arms. Make sure to pack correctly now – it'll make your life a lot easier later!
8. Water bottles that can old 3L. Every time we hike or raft, you need 3L of water minimum. Make sure you come with enough water bottles, or else you'll need to buy some in Israel.

Can't wait to see you all!