What started off 11 years ago as an overnight camp for Bat Mitzvah age girls from public school, called B-Me, is now just one of the three divisions of Camp Gan Israel Poconos.
The “Bat Mitzvah Experience” is for girls entering grades 6 & 7 and is a uniquely designed division in camp that combines all the classic fun of overnight camp along with special activities and learning to help deepen a girl’s understanding and appreciation of entering adulthood.
This summer, after several weeks of preparation, a beautiful and meaningful Bat Mitzvah was celebrated in CGI Poconos. Not a Bat Mitzva for one girl, but for 30. It was the B-Me division’s night to shine.
The staff worked tirelessly to create a program that the campers will never forget; a celebration that each Bat Mitzvah girl will walk away feeling special and their Neshama ignited.
The results from their hard work were evident when looking at the Bat Mitzvah girls that night. You can see the sparkle in the girls’ eyes, and the glow on their faces. Tonight, was their night to celebrate. Tonight, they were each celebrating their Bat Mitzvah!
The evening started with Director Gershon Sandler reading the letter of the Rebbe addressed to Bat Mitzvah girls, followed by a video of the Rebbe speaking to girls who were reaching this great milestone in life.
Following a special meal, each of the 3 bunks in the Bat Mitzvah division had their chance to present something to the rest of the camp. While one bunk sang an original song about what it means to turn Bat Mitzvah, another bunk presented the chain of Jewish women, explaining what we can learn from each of the Imahos and other special women in Jewish history. The girls in the third bunk shared how they are adding light in the world by taking on hachlatos they each will do in honor of their Bat Mitzvah.
For many of the girls this was the only Bat Mitzvah celebration they would have, and they wanted to make it memorable. “I’m adding light in the world by saying Shema before going to bed from now on,” shared Lana, who just turned Bat Mitzvah the day before.
The younger and older “sisters” in the Junior and Teen divisions had the opportunity to give Brachos to the Bat Mitzvah girls, and the Bat Mitzvah girls gave Brachos in return. “Seeing the deep friendship and unity between all the campers express itself in giving Brachos to each other that night, was truly an inspiring scene,” said a counselor.
It was an inspiring evening, and the energy in the room was incredible.
After the official program was over, the girls all headed over to the gym for joyous dancing led by @dancewithraizy. The entire camp sang and danced celebrating with each of the Bat mitzvah girls. “The way each one of the 30 Bat Mitzvah girls had their own entrance to the dance floor, and had special shout outs throughout the dancing, was amazing, it made each one of them feel special,” said Sara Levertov, the Head Counselor of the Bat Mitzvah Division who planned the celebration.
Camp Gan Israel Poconos is proud to be able to provide these girls with this life changing experience.
CGIP is the most incredible camp I’ve ever been in!