Happy July 4th from Impact: DC
Posted on 07/02/2010 @ 11:59 AM
Impact: DC Jam 1
Happy July 4th from Impact: DC!
We hope that everyone has a wonderful and SAFE holiday!
We've been enjoying the beautiful weather up here in Washington, DC -- have you ever taken a bike ride around the Washington Monument? If not, you should!
Impact: DC Shabbat Shalom
Posted on 07/02/2010 @ 10:57 AM
Impact: DC Jam 1
Hi Impact DC JAM Followers-
We are busy wrapping up our first week here in DC. This morning, the students returned to their two service sites: Bright Beginnings and The Creative Center for Non Violence. Following service, we headed over to the National Mall to check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. It’s been a great, but busy week. The students have all been working on Committees to plan our community Shabbat. Every student has signed up for one of four committee groups: Tefillah (planning our Friday night prayers), Ruach (spirit and songs), Hiddur (building beautification and Shabbat-o-grams), and Oneg /Limmud(fun organized activity and learning sessions). Tomorrow morning we’ll be visited a couple different synagogues in DC and we’ll likely head over to the Lincoln Memorial for Havdallah.
Shabbat Shalom! Natalie
First Shabbat at CLTC 3
Posted on 07/02/2010 @ 08:52 AM
CLTC 3
Through chapter elections held yesterday at CLTC 3, the teens prepared by composing a candidate platform and writing a speech, as well as learning election and voting procedures. The elections are not really about the end result, but, more about the process. We also stress that leadership is not about a title, but, more about the decisions they make, how they treat one another - basically, how they live their lives. There is so much to do here that involves everyone, not just those elected to chapter board. It's all about teamwork.
Last night, the teens participated in an exciting program that focused on how they can use their talents and leadership skills to make a difference in the world. They learned about the Stand Up! Campaign, BBYO’s local service and advocacy effort, and immediately started talking about how they could initiate leadership projects around service, philanthropy and advocacy. Last year, as part of Stand Up!, BBYO teens volunteered over 80,000 hours and raised over $120,000 for over 120 organizations!
An example of one young person who has made a big difference: Jackie Rotman, who attended a Panim el Panim program at age 14, was inspired to found Everybody Dance Now! In the five years since, her program has grown to serve hundreds of students weekly and was featured on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew this spring.
To give you a taste of the program they experienced, we would like to share with you a video that introduces the Stand Up! campaign below.
What do you think of the video? We want to hear your thoughts!
Tonight begins our first Shabbat together and our four chapters are preparing various aspects of observance - creating a Shabbat atmosphere, planning innovative or themed services and presenting meaningful programs in the spirit of Shabbat. I look forward to sharing all of this with you when Shabbat is over.
Impact: DC Goes to the White House
Posted on 07/01/2010 @ 10:59 AM
Impact: DC Jam 1
Oh Parental Units/'rents/Mothers/Fathers/Abbim/Emmot/Guardians,
Ahoy from Impact: DC JAM! Our names are Jake Janofsky and Sarah Seldin. and we are the teen coordinators for this summer's adventures.We are rising college freshmen who are here to enrich your child's time at JAM by bridging the gap between the incredible participants and the fabulous staff.
Today at DC JAM, we explored the extremes of American society. Our day began with a quick jaunt down to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, or the White House, looking sharp in our suit jackets and skirts. The tour through the House's show rooms felt rather short, but we snaked our way through the stately grandeur of the East Wing, meticulously inspecting our surroundings. We learned that President Obama was, in fact, inside the building at the same time as our tour! Although we didn't see the 44th President, all of us loved the opportunity to see the Obama family's residence.
After some free time to explore the Smithsonian museums, we smplit into several groups. Some of us walked through the Capitol building, and others went to museums, but we all came back together to address the opposite extreme of America: the homeless. The National Coalition for Homeless facilitated a panel of two speakers, both of whom graciously shared their experience of having been homeless in the DC area. What surprised many participants, and even staff, was that both speakers, named Alan and Sheila, sounded remarkably like us. They were people who had families, who went to private schools, attended college, and worked well-paying jobs, but for their own reasons, ended up in debt and unfortunately, on the streets. Later, Alan and Sheila acted as our guides as we left the isolation of the Hillel building and took the Metro to McPherson Square. Our task was the study of Street Torah... which you should ask your child about when they get home!
We will be sure to keep updating you on our activities, and maybe your son or daughter will be sending out a blog as well, so keep in touch!
Sarah and Jake
PS Peace out Cub Scouts!
CLTC 3 Teens Arrive Safely
Posted on 06/30/2010 @ 03:52 PM
CLTC 3
Hello Everyone!
The teens have arrived safely to camp!!!!!!!!!!
Over the course of the next twelve days, the teens will learn skills to help them become more responsible leaders; they will plan and implement new and unique programs; and create meaningful Shabbat experiences. Additionally, they will be attending sessions on Jewish Experience, Shira (singing) and Rikudim (Israeli Dancing.) They will also benefit from Problem Solving sessions and How To Workshops.
An important aspect of leadership training is character development and the CLTC curriculum will include the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens," based on the acclaimed book written by Sean Covey. Our goal is to help the teens to formulate good work habits, to teach them how to work with their peers in a positive environment and to help them recognize their strengths, build on their potential and to set standards for themselves now and in their future years as adults.
As you can see, we have a full schedule for the next twelve days and I can't wait to share all of our experiences with you. Please check your e-mails and http://bbyo.smugmug.com for my updates and pictures.
That's it for now! I'll be in touch.
Take care.
Sherrie Stalarow CLTC 1, 3, 5, 7 Director
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