More than Just a Retreat

Plans are underway for the 7th annual Jewish Girls Winter Retreat. Girls ages 8-15 are expected to fly in from as far as Atlanta, Montreal, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

The Winter Retreat will be held at the Dunham’s Bay Resort in Lake George, NY from Wednesday December 26th to Sunday December 30th 2012.

The packed schedule includes snow tubing, bonfire, swimming, performing arts, arts & crafts, Jewish learning workshops, talent show, dance night and a concert with star singer, Esther Freeman. The resort will be rented out exclusively for the retreat and offers a beautiful setting with gorgeous lake views, an indoor pool, fireplaces and cozy cabins.

Participants will also be celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of a Capital Region Bat Mitzvah Club member. Kira Gold was inspired to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah with friends at the winter retreat because her friend, Niah, marked her Bat Mitzvah at the past Summer Retreat.

Niah’s mother writes: “My daughter got the experience I wouldn’t have been able to give her myself. The camp, counselors and all her peers, put together an amazing celebration. They took her on as their own family and helped her learn and become proud of this incredible milestone. They gave her a Siddur and encouraged her to grow spiritually as well as to use her talents.

“She wrote a song rather than a speech. It was an incredibly special experience because all the staff and campers played an important role in planning for the celebration. With every retreat experience, my daughter comes home more confident, proud and with lasting friendships.”

Niah said, “I think the experience was wonderful, especially because I’m not very religious at home. I enjoy the retreats because it’s like a vacation but it still feels like home. The counselors and campers feel like a second family to me. I enjoy the activities. There are always ones that pleasantly surprise me, like my Bat Mitzvah party. The campers and counselors created an exciting and meaningful experience that I will never forget.”

The theme for the Winter Retreat will be “Hidden Treasures Within”. Girls will discover their hidden soul and talents through creative expression and team building activities. Campers will unite to do their part to bring peace to Israel through lighting Shabbat candles, sending messages of hope to soldiers and adding in good deeds. “When we create an atmosphere of unity and peace between girls of all backgrounds, it will have an impact on our brothers and sisters worldwide,” says Nechama Laber, founder and director.

“These retreats are an incredible and uplifting experience where girls grow in so many ways and form friendship that last a lifetime,” says Leah Caras, YALDAH magazine publisher and retreat program director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for YALDAH readers and staff to meet each other in person.”

The Jewish Girls Retreat also offers a 4-week summer camp, and is a project of Chabad of Southern Rensselaer County. For more information visit www.JewishGirlsRetreat.com or call Nechama Laber at (518) 727-9581.

Jewish Girls Retreat Staff are selling raffle tickets for a SUPERBOWL PACKAGE or  $5,000.00 CASH PRIZE to raise scholarship funds for girls living in places that were hit hard by Hurricaine Sandy. We know the financial difficulties that Sandy has caused and we hope to bring joy to more Jewish girls who can benefit from the incredible JGR life changing experience!
 
Drawing will be held on January 22, 2013! Ticket Prices are 1 for $50 or 3 for $100.
Tickets may be purchased at www.jgrraffle.com.