Teens

Shalom All,

Christle and I are excited about the teen program at Sukkot this year.  Some of our main goals for the teens is their overall level of involvement in the festival and their example displayed through their actions.  From setup & cleanup to participation in many of the group activities we plan to engage the teens as much as possible while enhancing their spiritual growth.  Additionally, we hope the teens can portray their Yeshuic Halacha by being examples of spirituality and modesty, thru their attitudes, actions and attire .

A schedule is shown below with the teen items in blue.  Note that many of the activities end late at night.  We will not be providing transportation or chaperone services after these activities so please plan accordingly.  Below is a brief synopsis of the activities:

-         Teen Intro Meeting:  Our first scheduled meeting will be to outline the activities scheduled for the teens as well as the festival group activities that the teens will play an important roll in.  Many activities during the festival will require a sign-up list so we encourage all teens to attend this first meeting.  This meeting will be held in the tent to the east of the lodge, between the check-in desk and the dock on the lake.

-         Daily Focus Point:  We plan to have daily meetings with the teens  from 10~1115am.  Our vision for this meeting is that it will be an opportunity to outline the day’s activities.  It would also include a brief (30min) discussion or talk about one of the previous day’s teachings or another teen-related subject.  I would like for this discussion to be led by a different teen each day OR by an adult who might still be a teen at heart – if you would like to give a 30 minute talk to / with the teens, let us know as soon as possible.  We will discuss a schedule for this at the first Teen meeting on the first Sabbath, Sept. 27th.

-          Teen Circle Dance Nights:  We hope to have 2 nights, Thursday, Sept. 27^th and Sunday, Sept. 30^th, to provide the teens with dance instruction.  It will be tailored to help all the teens, from the beginners to the advanced dancers.  The idea here is to provide the teens an opportunity to get together at night following two of the community dinners.  This would be in addition to the congregational night dancing provided in the main hall.  We’d love to have new and exciting dances taught by the teens at these activities so please bring your music and the album / song title for us to write down for future use.

-          Lake Day : Two afternoons, following the second Main session, we plan to provide the teens with waterskiing, tubing, and swimming.  We also plan to arrange for the teens to use the Lake Murray Watersports facility adjacent to the lodge where they may rent a 30min boat tour, minature golf, paddle-boats, etc.

-          Bowling in Ardmore :  This was a huge hit last year with almost all of the teens and requires drivers and vehicles.  It would also require a bit of coordination with the bowling alley.  Pizza will be provided at the bowling alley by Seasons-of-our-Joy. 

-          Senior Citizens Luncheon:  As in past years, 6 teens (w/ 2 alternates) will be needed to assist with the senior citizens luncheon.  This typically takes 2-3 hrs in the afternoon and is a great opportunity for the teens to serve.  A sign-up list for this activity will be available on the first teen meeting (Sept. 27^th).  Clothing – requires black slacks / skirt and white long-sleeved shirt or blouse. 

-          Setup Takedown:  While not a formal teen activity, we’re encouraging all teens to assist as much as possible in the setup and takedown of the multiple events throughout the festival.  Many of these events are currently shown on the schedule.  We would like to have a sign up list for which teens will be assigned to help at these events.  Reminders will also be given at the daily Focus Points.

-          Daily Snacks and Cookout:  Last year, “Season of our Joy” provided food for the teens for multiple activities.  Our plan for this year is to provide lunch during the bowling day as well as light snacks during the other activities.  If you would like to be responsible for purchasing, setup, and cleanup of the food; we definitely need your help. 

-     Teen Midnight Midrash:  Held at Sukkot City on the peninsula south of the lodge, this activity will bring the teens together with the opportunity to discuss important teen topics in an informal comfortable setting.  A few of the festival speakers will drop-by to contribute to the discussions.  This activity is planned for 10pm until 1am on Saturday, Sept. 29^th and Monday, Oct. 1^st and is open to parental participation –at the discretion of their teens.

Because we know we need help, if you’d like to participate or organize one or more of the activities let us know in advance.  Also, if you have ideas for additional activities that you would like to organize contact us as we are happy to readjust the schedule.

Jason, Christle & David

For more information about Jason and Christle Kelley, please go to the speaker's page.