Bulgaria Update #1
Posted on 06/28/2011 @ 06:09 PM
Dear BBYO’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Parents,
After a successful journey from Ne w York to London to Sofia to Varna, we have arrived in Bulgaria excited for the experiences ahead! Our group of 38 teens from all over the USA was met by Vitalyia, Polly, and Alina – the Bulgaria and Serbia BBYO staff – and about 25 teens from Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania at the airport off the Black Sea with cheers, banners, and song. On this journey and after arriving this evening, we began our process of relationship and community building. Tomorrow we look forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships and this unique community with ice breakers, games, and swimming on the Black Sea beach.
We will keep you updated about the fun and meaningful experiences that we share together here in Bulgaria. We will also try to upload some photos for you to see as soon as we can.
Sending our best regards from an incredible BBYO summer experience in Bulgaria,
Amanda and Ira
Co-Leaders of BBYO’s Ambassador to Bulgaria
Message from Jesse - CLTC 2
Posted on 06/28/2011 @ 06:04 PM
Hello and welcome to the CLTC blog page!
I am Jesse Schor, AZA Teen Coordinator for CLTC 2 2011!
We've reached a point in the conference where people are realizing the little amount of time left here. After an emotional Friday night Shabbat service, songs like "Hey Jude" by The Beatles brought out many of the participants emotions.
Following a moment of reflection in between the service, the true faces of many of the participants came out which strengthened the bonds between everyone.
This led us to an amazing Havdallah service on Saturday night planned by one of the AZA chapters. The program began with a trust walk to one of the courtyards of the camp where we continued the service with prayers and songs. Havdallah concluded and Irene and I began a cheer session with the kids that led into a large Hinei Matov with everyone at CLTC.
The first Shabbat was incredible overall and really helped bring everyone together. It was extremely moving to see everyone bonding over the Sabbath.
The next day, as a CLTC body, we went to the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game! The game was very exciting as was the opportunity to leave Bethany Camp.
The participants loved being at the ballpark with all their friends. The game was a blast, even though in the end the Pirates lost. Being the first CLTC to ever leave the camp site was truly an exciting experience. Once we got back to Bethany, Irene and I battled in an intense game of Jello Jousting! The jousting helped decide who would get to choose folds first for their chapter's program.
In only a short time, I defeated Irene giving the AZAs the first choice. The chapter's Vice President's (S'gan's) then battled to see which chapter would choose first. This repeated with the girls as well. The jousting was a fun way to help chapters choose their folds and we are all awaiting the exciting programs in the next few days.
Be sure to keep up with the blog and CLTC 2 2011!
Thanks for reading!
Fraternally Submitted,
Jesse Schor
Message from your Coordinators - CLTC 2
Posted on 06/28/2011 @ 06:02 PM
Hi! Jesse and Irene updating you on the past couple days here at Bethany.
The other day, the chapters began to work on their chapter's spirit of banners, t-shirts, and songs. As the days pass, the ties between each member to their mock chapter is strengthening along with the other members as well.
Following the work on their chapter spirit, the Alephs and B'nai B'rith Girls experienced an emotional March of the Living program. This program really helped bring everyone together and it surfaced just how much everyone cares about each other.
This leads us to today, where one of the AZA chapters and one of the BBG chapters will run a program with the entire CLTC body. These programs will utilize the folds assigned and are sure to be eventful.
Stay tuned for more updates of the chapter's programs and the rest of the time here at CLTC 2 2011!
Respectfully Submitted,
Jesse Schor and Irene Tabas
Message from Irene - CLTC 2
Posted on 06/28/2011 @ 06:00 PM
Hi, I am the CLTC 2 Teen Coordinator, Irene Tabas.
Today is the third full day of CLTC. It’s incredible to watch such close friendships form in only a short amount of time. Last night, in particular, I feel as though the girls and boys were brought together through their mutual love of cheers.
The BBGs and AZAs separated as they screamed the cheers on the top of their lungs. We all came together at the end for a closing friendship circle and song session with our song leader, Steve. The participants don’t just have passion- but they also have such a strong ability to lead. So many participants ran for their mock chapter boards, and even though some didn’t get elected- they still want to help their chapter just as much.
The chapters are currently planning for Shabbat tonight and I can’t wait to see what they have come up with.
We’ll keep you updated!
I remain,
Irene Anna Tabas
Spotlight On...
Posted on 06/28/2011 @ 01:16 PM
Impact: Boston
Eliot Human Services
Elmbrook Place and The Renaissance Club are two of the Eliot Human Services (EHS)’s clubhouses. Clubhouses are an international movement to empower people with mental illness to build their own community.
Our IMPACT:Boston group is learning about the obstacles that go along with living with mental illness and what services are available for this population. During our time at the clubhouses, each of us took turns performing different tasks alongside members. These tasks included cooking, working the snack bar, teaching computer skills, making birthday cards, and making sales calls. We had ample time to spend talking to the members and hearing their stories. The members were welcoming and grateful for our volunteering. It was hard to leave at the end of the day. In two short days we have all fallen in love with this organization. The best part was simply spending time with these incredible individuals and listening to their stories. We were all really inspired.
- Rebecca Fuhrman, IMPACT Site Educator, Eliot Human Services
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