Over the weekend of May 14th to the 16th , over 50 teenagers attended LOL [ Leadership on the Lake] Shabbaton that took place in gimli, at a wonderful hotel near the beach The weekend was not only to welcome new members to the program, Machon Madrichim, but also concluded the program for some of us.

Two years ago, Machon Madrichim, a two year Jewish youth leadership program was launched. Machon Madrichim, which was founded by a group of parents eager for youth involvement, had at first attracted a fairly small group of teens. The group consisted at first of a very diverse group with students originating from South America, France, Israel and of course native Winnipeggers. The new program was successful and teens were able to get involved in the community as well as gain leadership experience and skills.
During the course of these two years the group’s leaders changed. Some people came and went, but above all, lessons and friendship they gained would stay with them for their lifetime. Our group is currently led by Avi Posen, who truly inspires all of us.

With all of the events that happened and the bond within the group, it was time to put on   a last and meaningful event for the very first group of youth from Machon. For a few weeks, our group which meets every Wednesdays prepared this LOL Retreat by planning programs, arranging the schedule and suggesting ideas.

The schedule at the Shabbaton was packed with interesting programs, led by Machon Madrihim, Aaron Horn, [from New York], Avi Posen and other advisors. Free time was also offered so people could soak up the sun on the beach and walk around. A Havdalah service took place on Saturday night on the beach and then we all sang songs around a bonfire. The perfect weather was simply the icing on the cake for the weekend.

I am a proud member of Machon Madrichim, and I would like to thank Avi Posen, Aaron Horn, Faye Rosenberg-Cohen, Judi Price Rosen and all the other advisors, speakers and hotel staff who made this weekend absolutely amazing. As I leave Machon, I hope that many more members will join and learn from this program. I will keep these experiences with me and will use them over the course of my lifetime

Gray Academy’s Song Festival: A Wonderful experience!

By Ilana Elbaze
May 10, 2001

This year the 37th annual Song Festival organized by Gray Academy an unforgettable event.. For the second year in a row, the event took place at the Shaarey Zedek synagogue where the audience experienced a varied and warm show.
With participants from grades 5 to 12, the spectators were sure to have a bit of everything. From melancholy solos to upbeat groups, and even some rap, the whole evening was filled with interesting and different performances! The event was also hosted by two Gray Academy students who were also part of  overall joyful mood of the evening.

For weeks, each participant practiced their masterpieces after presenting them during their auditions. A few rehearsals were set up in the music room at the school and an all day rehearsal also took place the day of the show. The rehearsal took place at the Shaarey Zedek and for some of the participants, this was their first time on the stage. The younger age group simply admired the experienced performers and the older age group smiled as the novice singers came up on the stage full of confidence and determination.

I also took part in Song Festival by entering my song called “Promise Me”, which I had written a few weeks in advance. The overall experience and the whole mood of Song Festival is something I am quite attached to. On the day of the show, we spent the day together, between singing on stage, giving each other feedback and simply mingling. Our entire group bonded from this experience. Even if Song Festival was a competition, the light mood  made it possible for the participants to enjoy themselves just as much as the audience did.