By Rachel Goldberg

March 2013

There was no better way for these 150 teens to spend their Martin Luther King Jr.

weekend than at NFTY-SW’s Social Action Weekend. With the theme being

#firstworldproblems, NFTYites stayed true to not letting their problems get to them,

and instead helped the community. The teens participated in a variety of programs

and social action projects then enjoyed a night of mini golf and laser tag at Golfland.

Religious and Cultural Vice

President Cody Rosen led a beautiful

Torah service Saturday morning

with the songleaders. Following

services, participants discussed the

plagues of the Egyptians and

compared them to the modern

plagues we all face today. After,

NFTYites decided on a few plagues

that they felt they should stand up

for. They created a poster

representing their thoughts on the

plagues and presented them to the

region.

Programming Vice President Matt

Wall and Membership Vice

President Jordan Weissman began

Friday morning with a special

karaoke mixer. Participants split up

into groups and were assigned a

song to present to the region.

NFTYites worked together to come

up with new lyrics about changing

the world and helping the

community. Of course, no one could

forget about the amazing dance

skills as well! Everyone had a blast

watching and performing!

Saturday afternoon, NFTYites

continued their education on mental

health. Maddy Ginis, Social Action

Vice President, led a program about

depression, anxiety, anorexia

nervosa, and Asperger Syndrome.

Participants engaged in a variety of

activities and learned about

symptoms, myths, facts, and

discussed different definitions.

Later, everyone gathered with their

TYGs to discuss how to help others

with a mental illness, including what

to do and what not to do.

#firstworldproblems

Programming Vice President Matt

Wall’s program dealt with the issue

of first world problems. Participants

personalized a coat of arms with

words, phrases, and pictures about

their family, what they are proud of,

what they would change about

themselves, and how they want to be

remembered. NFTYites also made

collages about their first world

problems and how they can make

those problems new solutions. Once

both were completed, people got the

chance to share if they wished.

Over 200 elementary school children joined NFTYites at

the annual Camp Swift Carnival. Participants took a

small group of children under their wings for the

afternoon enjoying games, food, music, and tons of fun!

There were a variety of activities ranging from golf and

the mummy wrap to spin art and fortune telling. Many

Southwest alum joined the event to visit old friends and

help out with the carnival.

SOCIAL ACTION

PROJECTS Friday morning NFTYites split up and went to different

locations around the valley to participate in Tikkun Olam.

The community services activities included working in

classrooms at Wilson Elementary School, preparing art

projects and serving food at St. Vincent de Paul, making

fleece blankets, organizing medical supplies, and playing

with children at the Boys & Girls Club. Everyone had a

blast and got first-hand experience in making a difference

in the world.

GOLFLAND

After two super-busy, jam-packed days of volunteering,

programs, and playing with children, participants still had

tons of energy! NFTYites spent the evening at Golfland

ready to have a blast and wear some crazy costumes. Upon

arrival, everyone was given a wristband and was off to go

mini golfing, ride go-carts, play laser tag, or just have some

fun at the arcade. The regional board and head songleader

Taylor Wachman wrapped up the relaxing night with

Havdallah and friendship circle. Everyone spent time with

their closest friends and enjoyed the last night they had

together for the event.

CAMP SWIFT

CARNIVAL