For the campers of CGI Poconos, the fun and energy of camp never ends. The Camper engagement office, run by Sara Levertov and Rochele Klein, organizes programs and activities for the campers throughout the year, arranging weekly Shabbos candle campaigns, reunions, and birthday celebrations.
With Chanukah approaching, they knew they had to do something special for the campers, so they put together a three-part plan: A Chanukah package shipped to each camper’s home, a DIY Menorah contest, and a Menorah lighting challenge with a special auction.
The Chanukah package included a Menorah craft, Chanukah scratch arts for the whole family, chocolate gelt, dreidels, and a cute Chanukah poem. “When the camp package arrived, my younger children were all excited to see included fun crafts for them as well,” said Jennifer T from South Carolina. “It’s so kind that you had everyone in mind.”
For the DIY menorah contest, the rules were simple: Create a usable menorah with eight candles in a row, all the same height, and one taller candle for the Shamesh.
The camp “family” WhatsApp group exploded when the announcement was made. The chat of the over 150 campers and staff from this past summer quickly began talking about who would be the lucky winner. The competition was on. The excitement of the campers peaked when the Judge was announced. The talented Yossi Rodal would decide the contest winner who would receive Apple Airpods!
The results of the contest were amazing, with many girls participating, creatively making their very own menorah out of sand, Lego, wine bottle corks, etc., The lucky winner of the Menorah contest was Arielle De Haas from Panama!
In addition to the DIY Menorah contest, the Camper Engagement office announced a special Menorah lighting challenge, “Eight Nights. Eight Prizes”. For every night they lit the Menorah and sent in a selfie, they received a ticket into an exclusive auction filled with unique prizes. Excited and encouraged to take part in the challenge, the campers and their families, some of who may not have lit the Menorah otherwise, were very involved in the challenge, some taking part in the Camper engagement activities for the first time.
The auction took place during the grand banquet of the CGI Poconos Winter Camp, giving the campers an opportunity to put their tickets in the prize boxes they desired.
Auction winners:
Ultimate camp package: Leora A.
Room decor: Noa L.
Beats headphones: Shai S.
Gadgets: Leora G.
Creative pack: Alexandra F.
Cozy corner: Eva C.
Karaoke Mic and CGIP bottle: Ariella D.
Comfy Package: Natalie G.
“We are very proud of all the campers that participated in the challenge and contest,” said Sara Levertov, one of the Directors of Camper Engagement “many of the campers participated for all eight nights, lighting the menorah with their families and some lighting the last few nights together in Winter Camp.”
To learn more about CGI Poconos, refer a camper, or join its staff, visit cgipoconos.org.
