August 19
Our alumni are getting ready to relive camp memories at "Indian Summer" this weekend.  They will be able to take a tour of the new dining hall, hang out by the lake and visit the camp museum just to name a few.

We love to hear your feedback! Please take ten minutes to complete the Foundation For Jewish Camp Survey.  Responses will help us in our quest to constantly improve ourselves in the future.

Click Here to Take the Survey

Please note: Surveys of this nature focus on the answer of "Excellent" in their statistical reporting.  Answers other than "Excellent" will make little statistical difference as they reflect the same response.  Please consider this as you budget your time in taking the survey.  The number of overall responses to this survey is an important reflection of our camp to the Foundation for Jewish Camp.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete it.   

August 16
At 10:04 AM, the staff busses pulled away officially concluding the camp season.  We have rentals occurring over the next few weeks, including a football camp, marching band, alumni events, and even a music festival!  While we will be busy, we will definitely be missing all the experiences we had together this summer.  We can't wait to see you next summer!

For those of you on the LV side, pictures from the last few days of Maccabiah have been added to Bunk1, so keep a look out for those (the folder is called "Maccabiah/Last day of camp")

Remember: you can always get a head start signing up for next summer.  Simply click the 'register for camp' tab above.

We may be a bit delayed in responding to some of your queries over the next couple of days.  We are working hard to make sure lost and found, camp pictures, yearbooks, etc. etc. are all coming your way, so please bear with us, we will get back to you! 

Miss you already, see you next summer!


August 15
Good morning from a really sad CPLV. 

The Israeli Scouts departed for Newark at 7:50 a.m.
The NJ/Manhattan bus departed at 9:00 a.m.
The Westchester bus departed at 9:00 a.m.
The Long Island buses departed at 9:05 a.m.
Van to Philadelphia departed at 9:10 a.m.
Van to Maryland departed at 9:10 a.m.

One final reminder to please check under the buses carefully for all of your children's belongings and medication before leaving from the bus stop.  Remember to check your child's backpack for photos and extra spending money. 

Sarah, Matt and Mikey will be up at camp for another week and while the phones will be answered by the answering service they will be receiving messages and returning all phone calls by the end of the day.  After next week they can be reached at the Samuel Field Y. 

Surveys will be emailed to you later today and we hope you'll take a few moments to reflect on your experience this summer and give us some feedback.  Your opinions are very important to us in our constant striving to improve CPLV.

See you next summer.. we miss your beautiful children and their smiles and laughter all ready and hope you all have a safe and wonderful winter.

August 14

Good evening from a sad, sad CPLV.  Our campers are packing their duffels, locating items in their bunks and hugging each other.

Important Information for All Families of Campers on Buses

We will be sending your campers home on Sunday :'( 

• All camper medication will be under the buses-please remember to take it home.  
• You should find camp photos and any extra spending money in their backpacks.

Tonight is Burnout.  Each side of camp will go down to the waterfront.  A wire screen with burlap molded into "CPLV" and "Shalom" will be lit for a beautiful memory.  Counselors and campers will speak about what the summer has meant for them.  Staff members who are returning next year will put their arms around each other's shoulders and call out "Keefa -Hay" toward the waterfront.  Everyone will hear the echo.  It's a very special moment.

Campers will all see slideshows of the summer, and celebrate with ice cream and canteen.  Staff will be OD (on-duty) all night to make sure everyone is safe and secure.

All camper luggage has been packed, tagged and taken to their designated locations.  We have made sure that all luggage is safe from possible rain.  The trucks will begin loading at 5 am.  The bus going to Newark Airport for the Israeli Scouts is leaving at 7:30.  The NJ/NYC bus is leaving at 8:30.  The Westchester and Long Island buses will leave at 9,   The vans to Philadelphia and Maryland will also leave at 9.

We hope you enjoy your evening of anticipation; we will be returning your campers tomorrow, enriched by a summer as part of the CPLV family.





August 13, 2010

Good evening from a partly-cloudy, cool CPLV.  We have loads of info for you as well as news about camp.

Important Information for All Families of Campers on Buses

We will be sending your campers home on Sunday :'( 

• All camper medication will be under the buses-please remember to take it home.  
• You should find camp photos and any extra spending money in their backpacks.

Attention Parents of Our Counselors

Counselors going on the Counselor buses on Monday (either to Port Authority or Samuel Field Y in Little Neck) are only permitted to put one piece of luggage under the bus.  All other luggage will have to go on the luggage trucks to the LI, NYC, or Westchester locations on Sunday with the campers' luggage.  Please confirm where the luggage will be delivered with your counselor child.  This only effects counselors, not campers.  All camper luggage will be delivered as specified in your departure letter.

We don't want anyone to go home, but if they have to, we want everyone and everything to go home to the right place!


August 12

Good evening from a rainy, cool CPLV!  A little rain doesn't dampen our spirits.  Poyntelle campers searched high and low for scavenger hunt items.  Some requests were a 2008 Yearbook, a picture of a staff member here 20+ years (that's Katie Albers, our longtime Waterfront Director), a camp sports roster and other unusual items.

Lewis Village campers also continued their Maccabiah pursuits.  Captains are busy writing songs:  a cheer and an alma mater (get ready to cry)!  Other captains are supervising the painting of shields and banners representing their teams.  Still other captains are helping to write an oneg, or play about the Jewish values displayed in their teams (the Simpsons vs Family Guy.)

Important Information for All Families of Campers on Buses

We will be sending your campers home on Sunday :'(  After the bus rides, the emotions of the last night and the excitement of seeing their families, many campers tend to end their camp experience by leaving items on the bus.  While we do sweep the buses, it still happens.  In order to save time, after you hug your camper and notice how gorgeous they are, please ask them if they have their backpack and bedding from the last night of camp.  Ask if they have any garbage or laundry bags filled with items that didn't fit in their duffels.  You should find camp photos and any extra spending money in their backpacks.


Have a wonderful evening.

Reuben I., a longtime camper and staff member remembers opening a package with a stuffed animal with candy sewn inside to try to circumvent our "no food in packages" rule!  Our staff found it and helped ensure that we enjoy the local wildlife by seeing them outside the bunk, not inside!

Anyone remember anything else?

Another favorite camp song from Mindy, Maddie and Zoe's mom:

Friends Friends, Friends
We'll always be!
Whether in fair or in dark stormy weather,
Camp Poyn-telle
Will keep us together...

She also remembered James Taylor songs including "You've Got a Friend" as a great way to end many a LV night!

Here's a new question for parents:  What is the most unusual item your camper requested you to send up to camp (or if you were a camper here, what's the most unusual thing you saw or asked for?)

August 11

Good evening from a sunny, warm CPLV!  The weather is gorgeous, perfect for Rope Burn on both sides of camp as part of our Maccabiah 2010 competition.

Rope Burn is one of the highlights of the summer.  Campers with the most years at CPLV in the oldest age group (LITs on Lewis and 7th graders on Poyntelle) are carefully supervised as they build a fire high and strong enough to burn through a rope on 6 foot poles.  The rope has been soaking in the lake for days!  The whole camp gathers to watch and cheer.

Today's competitions included scavenger hunts on Lewis (anyone with a grey Menorah CPLV shirt or food voucher from Baltimore?), water polo, Iron Woman and other events.  Our Poyntelle campers had swimming events, triathalon and track and field.

Important Information for Families of Campers on the NYC (Manhattan only)  and NJ Buses

There have been time changes for the NYC (Manhattan) and NJ buses only.  NJ campers will arrive at their assigned location between 11:15 am and 12:15 pm.  All NJ luggage will be under the bus.  New York City (Manhattan) campers will arrive between 1pm and 2pm.  Their bedding will be under the bus, but their luggage will arrive on a separate truck at approximately the same time. 

All other buses, including LI, Westchester, Maryland and Philadelphia will arrive as originally scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding so that we can utilize more environmentally responsible routes.

Here are some responses to our favorite camp song question.

Rachel I., Jonathan's mom, recalls Alan Sherman's "Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda" with classic lines such as:

Dearest Fadda, darling Mudda
How's my precious, little brudda
Let me come home, if you miss me
I would even let Aunt Bertha hug and kiss me

(unlike CPLV campers who would do anything to stay!)

Susan P., Max and Arianna's mom, remembers singing "10 Little Angels all dressed in white trying to get to heaven on the edge of a kite..."
'

Melissa S. remembers being at Poyntelle about 28 years ago listening to her counselor singing "Cats in the Cradle" and playing it on the guitar.  She's loved that song ever since.

Betty C., Jeremy's mom, loves the Bear Song.  It starts "The other day (echo) and gives the moral of the story as "Don't talk to bears in tennis shoes!"

Melanie K., remembers "Rise and Shine" every morning!

Anyone else?

Have a wonderful evening.

August 10

Important Information for Families of Campers on the NYC (Manhattan only)  and NJ Buses

There have been time changes for the NYC (Manhattan) and NJ buses only.  NJ campers will arrive at their assigned location between 11:15 am and 12:15 pm.  All NJ luggage will be under the bus.  New York City (Manhattan) campers will arrive between 1pm and 2pm.  Their bedding will be under the bus, but their luggage will arrive on a separate truck at approximately the same time. 

All other buses, including LI, Westchester, Maryland and Philadelphia will arrive as originally scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding so that we can utilize more environmentally responsible routes.

LV Breaks Out Into Maccabiah!

Lewis Village is blue and white with The Simpsons vs Family Guy!  Last night at evening activity with Bible Rap, clues were interspersed with the LIT production.  Then, the lights went out and the Captains (all of the LITS) came in with blue and white glow sticks.  The lights came on and color war began! 

Campers all over CPLV are participating in waterfront and field sports.  It's Gaga, kayaking, volleyball, biggest splash and loads more fun!  Special Poyntelle competitions are Silent Lunch, Loudest HaMotzi and Good Sportsmanship.  Look for pictures of our blue and white atheletes on Bunk1.

Tonight's evening activity on both sides is College Bowl.  Team members come up and compete to see who knows the most trivia.  The trivia is based on pop culture, history, Judaism, camp history and more, and is fine tuned to Poyntelle Jrs, Inters, LV campers, counselors and captains.  Future activities will include talent shows, scavenger hunts, and Sing! on Friday night.  Keep your eyes on this blog for the latest info.

Now, it's time for some CPLV family "College Bowl!"  Chime in and respond to office@poyntelle.com with your answers.  This is opinion only-don't get nervous.  We'll give you a shout out on the webpage.  Here goes:

What is the best "camp song?"

Have a wonderful evening.


Hey, did you notice the date is 8/9/10??

Important Information for Families of Campers on the NYC and NJ Buses

There have been time changes for the NYC and NJ buses only.  NJ campers will arrive at their assigned location between 11:15 am and 12:15 pm.  All NJ luggage will be under the bus.  New York City campers will arrive between 1pm and 2pm.  Their bedding will be under the bus, but their luggage will arrive on a separate truck at approximately the same time.  All other buses will arrive as originally scheduled. Thank you for your understanding so that we can utilize more environmentally responsible routes.

Important Information for All Families of Campers on Buses

We will be sending your campers home on Sunday :'(  After the bus rides, the emotions of the last night and the excitement of seeing their families, many campers tend to end their camp experience by leaving items on the bus.  While we do sweep the buses, it still happens.  In order to save time, after you hug your camper and notice how gorgeous they are, please ask them if they have their backpack and bedding from the last night of camp.  Ask if they have any garbage or laundry bags filled with items that didn't fit in their duffels.  You should find camp photos and any extra spending money in their backpacks.

Poyntelle Breaks Out in Maccabiah 2010!

It was a lovely, pizza lunch.  The children were all sitting at their tables, angelically, enjoying one of the last few meals in our old dining hall.  Then, 8 campers dressed in all white or all blue came in yelling "Break-Out, Break-Out!."  This year's Maccabiah would have camper captains!  All of a sudden, a band of Ninjas came in and kidnapped our captains.  Oh no, what will we do?  A ransom note was found; the captains were being held at the waterfront.  The entire camp ran down to try to save them.  When they got there, the Ninjas had tied up the captains.  All of a sudden, the motorboat roared over to the dock, and pirates exploded onto the scene.  While the Ninjas and Pirates were fighting, the captains were released!  It's Maccabiah 2010, White Ninjas vs Blue Pirates (aarh, matey!)

The opening ceremony and lighting of the torches was held at the waterfront, holding with  longstanding CPLV tradition.  Tonight's activity will be live action Clue! for points.

Brian R. fondly remembers another great Breakout from 2001 riding fire trucks with sirens wailing (thanks to our local fire company) into camp.  Does anyone else have any memories?

Lewis has not yet broken out, but it's soon!  Today they enjoyed "Bible Rap" with Matt Bar (www.bibleraps.com) where rap and hip-hop enliven core Jewish texts.  These are some of our favorite CPLV guests.

Tipping Information

Please remember that tipping in any amount is optional and completely at the discretion of each camp family.  If you would like to send tips up to counselors, please send individual checks for each counselor in one envelope to
Camp Poyntelle
PO Box 66
Poyntelle, PA 18454
Attn. Office

Please call the camp office if you are need any staff names.  We will be happy to distribute all checks received by August 13.

Have a wonderful day!

August 8th

Good afternoon from a sunny, delightful CPLV!  We are having the best day.  First, we got to welcome our second session Visiting Day guests.  Then, we welcomed more CPLV family as we dedicated the Claire Field Perlman Family Dining Hall.  Thank you to all of our generous donors.  These gifts have made it possible for future generations to say a proud Hamotzi in a beautiful, environmentally-conscious facility.  Matt introduced our Green Team, who discussed the different ways that CPLV can reduce our carbon footprint.  The new Dining Hall will enable us to stop using disposable plates, cups and silverware.  In three years, we expect to save 1,000,000 pieces of styrofoam from being deposited in landfills.  Go green!

All Poyntelle and Lewis campers, staff and guests gathered at the Pavillion for the moving Dedication.  Sarah thanked everyone for their support this season, and recognized alumni and honored guests.  Poyntelle campers presented a play about "A Day at Camp."  LITs told us what CPLV means to them.  Phrases included "CPLV is our second home", "two months of adventures" and "a place to be me."  Guests from the Sam Field Y and UJA Federation shared their experiences with CPLV and the family of Claire Field Perlman introduced their mother.  We continued with a brief dvar torah about the importance of dedicating homes and said the shehecheyanu, the blessing to give thanks for new experiences.   We then ended with joyful Israeli dancing led by our Poyntelle G2 girls.  After the dedication, there was dessert for all!

Our afternoon continues with an all-camp free swim!  Lewis Campers will enjoy Clue! a live-action whodunnit inspired by the board game.  The campers will be given the backround for a "murder" and visit stations and interview suspects to determine the method, the place and the killer!  This evening activity is one of the highlights of a summer on Lewis Village.  Poyntelle Campers will enjoy an awards ceremony. Look for pictures soon!

Sadly, we are coming to the end of another great summer.  If you have not received information about your child's bus home, please call the office at (570) 448-2161. 

We are also getting closer to Maccabiah, our 2nd session Color War.  If you are a CPLV alum and would like to share a special Maccabiah memory, e-mail office@poyntelle.com.  We'll try to give you a shout-out on this blog

Have a wonderful evening.

August 7th

Shabbat shalom from a sunny, gorgeous Camp Poyntelle.  It is absolutely beautiful here today! 

There is so much going on today.  After our morning Shabbat programming, our campers enjoyed a delicious, make-your-own deli sandwich lunch, along with our fabulous salad bar.  Then came rest hour and our weekly Poyntelle vs Lewis staff game.  Congratulations to the Lewis counselors for their victory in a well-played game.  Siblings and friends from both sides of the lake had the opportunity to visit and catch up on the past week.  Tonight, Poyntelle and Lewis will each participate in Powerhouse Entertainment's Big Game Show.  Campers look forward to a variety of exciting productions by Powerhouse each year.

Tomorrow is Visiting Day for our second session families.  We can't wait to see you!  When you get close to camp, you'll be directed where to park your cars and you will see your campers' smiling faces!  Remember your bathing suit and towel; the weather should be perfect for you to enjoy our waterfront.  Some of our paths are rocky and hilly, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.  As always, pets are not permitted on the grounds.  All pets will have to stay in the parking lot, and a family member will need to stay with them at all times.

Just a reminder about registration for 2011.  At this point we have had many returning campers and many new families who have registered for next summer.  We know your children are having a fabulous time this summer and would hate to miss out on another great summer at CPLV. Some bunks are close to filling up and if you haven't registered for next summer yet we encourage you to do so. 

Along with welcoming our visitors tomorrow, we are also celebrating the dedication of our new Dining Hall.  Many of our camp families and alumnae have been extremely supportive and the entire CPLV family is so appreciative.  Check out our Featured Photo to see how great the new Dining Hall looks.

Some LV campers will be going on an overnight canoe trip starting tomorrow.  This is such a great experience where they canoe down the Delaware with our guides and lifeguards, have a campfire/cookout and camp out in lean-tos.  What a highlight of their summer!  Other LV campers will be painting one our camp busses a la the Partridge Family!  C'mon get happy!

Bus assignments are being finalized tomorrow.  All camp families should have received letters indicating pick-up locations.  If you have not received your letter, or you would like to change the assignment, please call the camp office at (570) 448-2161 by Sunday at 6pm.  There are a lot of logistics in sending our campers and belongings home (we miss them already!) and we appreciate your timely responses.

Lewis parents, please be aware, we have over 60 phone calls scheduled for tonite.  Calls will run late.  Thank you for your patience!

Have a wonderful evening.

August 6th
Good afternoon from a full, crowded and noisy CPLV.  We are so happy to have all our campers back at camp!

Our Lewis Village campers and counselors got in safe and sound very very late last night.  They snuggled in their beds this morning and were treated to a late brunch including krispy creme donuts! In the afternoon campers had all camp free swim and the waterfront was packed with campers enjoying the boats, the trampoline, sailing, canoeing and playing water polo.  Snack this afternoon was ice cream followed by shower hour.  Shabbat at Lewis Village will focus on the theme of Jews in America reflecting on immigration and how their families arrived in America.

On the Poyntelle side of camp, campers had a full day of activities and beautiful weather to enjoy them.  Campers are getting ready for Shabbat, donning their white shirts and we will all convene at the waterfront tonight to welcome in Shabbat by singing and reflecting on the week and how happy we are to be together.  Our theme for Shabbat this week is Jewish universalist responsibility according to Maimonides.  Maimonides was a 12th century Jewish scholar who wrote the code of Jewish Law we call the mishnah torah, based on the rabbinic oral tradition.  Campers will learn about the different levels of tzedakah (charity) and then participate in a service project on shabbat. 

We wish you a peaceful and joyous Shabbat.

Reminder: If you haven't received letters indicating your child's transportation home for the end of the summer or if the bus indicated on the letter is not the closest bus to your home please contact the Beth @ 570-448-6811

We look forward to seeing our 2nd session families for visiting day on Sunday the 8th.  Please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your bathing suit to enjoy our beautiful waterfront.  There will be no pets allowed on the camp grounds.  If you do bring a pet the pet will have to stay in the parking field and someone will have to stay with him or her for the entire day.  We are excited to be dedicating our new dining hall this Sunday and are amazed at how quickly it's gone up.  It's absolutely beautiful!

Sports Update:  Our 10th/11th grade girls soccer team had a heartbreaking loss against Camp Wayne this afternoon (6-4).  We are still so proud of them for making it to the finals and the game was terrific.  They really played so hard and stayed in the game til the very end. 

August 5th
Our Lewis Village campers enjoyed breakfast in their hotel and then travelled back to the 18th century for a tour of Colonial Williamsburg.  After their tour they departed for the Jamestown Settlement where they had lunch in the cafe and then toured the museum.  The museums engage visitors in nearly two centuries of our nation's history - from the founding of America's first permanent English setllement in 1607 to the decisive revolutionary war victory in 1781 and implementation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  They departed from Jamestown around 3:30 p.m and are on their way back to camp.  They will stop for dinner in Maryland on the way and should arrive back very late tonight.  Campers will have a late wakeup tomorrow morning and brunch will be served between 11 and 12.

All of our poyntelle campers are back safe and sound from their various overnight experiences and they enjoyed a regular scheduled day at camp exploring all the facilites CPLV has to offer.  The weather was fabulous today except for the 30 seconds of rain we had this afternoon.  Our campers hosted day campers from the Samuel Field Y day camp yesterday and today and were warm and friendly to our young visitors.  The day campers enjoyed their taste of CPLV and many are looking forward to returning as overnight campers in the near future.  Tonight's evening activity is a CP Ice Cream Social where all campers will come dressed as something that begins with a "C" or a "P".  We'll have pictures posted on Bunk1 tomorrow for you to enjoy. 

Sports Update: Our 6th/7th grade girls soccer team had a friendly game against Tioga and won 10-1. 

By now, you should have received letters detailing transportation home for the end of the summer.  If the bus indicated on the letter is not the closest bus to your home address please call Beth at 570-448-6811 before Monday so that the appropriate bus changes can be made.

We are looking forward to seeing our second session families for visiting day on Sunday August 8th.  Visiting day will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and we will provide a bbq lunch for all of our families. Don't forget to register for Summer 2011 and reserve your campers spot for another wonderful summer at CPLV.

August 4th
Our Lewis Village campers are having a fabulous time on their trip.  After having breakfast at the hotel this morning they headed over to world's most beautiful theme park: Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia.  They've had the whole day to enjoy the rides and attractions and will be heading back to the hotel tonight to enjoy the pool and comfortable accomodations.

Our Poyntelle campers packed the pool and waterfront last night for their pool party and have had a fabulous day today for camp within a camp.  Our campers who love the outdoors had three exciting options.  Some chose an overnight canoe trip and they've spent the day splashing through the rapids and will enjoy sleeping by the campfire tonight.  Other campers went on a hike into the unexplored areas in the woods around camp and will be sleeping in tents and enjoying a campfire as well.  The third option for our outdoor loving campers was to go with our well loved ropes specialist Bill and head to the Delaware Water Gap to go rock climbing for the day.  There were options for everyone today.  Some campers chose cooking for the day and enjoyed cooking pizza for lunch and making an absolutely mouthwatering chocolate bread pudding for dessert.  Other campers chose the build a bear workshop and spent the morning stuffing their new best friends and designing outfits for them. Our theatrical campers chose play in a day and spent the day writing, rehearsing, dancing,singing, acting and creating a play which they will perform for their friends tonight. The waterfront was open for those campers who cannot get enough wakeboarding and waterskiing and they've spent the day honing their skills.  Finally for those campers who needed a little vacation the waterfront was turned into club med.  Our guests enjoyed grilling out, drinking fruit smoothies, swimming, paddling and bouncing at the waterfront.  

August 3rd
Our Lewis Village campers arrived in Virginia Beach today and had beautiful weather to spend the day exploring the boardwalk and relaxing on the beach.  Pizza was delivered for their lunch and right now they are returning to their hotel to shower and change for dinner and evening activity.  Tonight's evening activity is shopping at the outlet center.  Campers have been given vouchers to use to purchase their dinner and after they return they will be able to use the pool and relax at the hotel before their exciting adventure continues tomorrow.

Our Poyntelle campers will be having a pool party of their own tonight at the beautiful Poyntelle waterfront.  They enjoyed a relaxing late wakeup with a 9:45 a.m. breakfast and then had two bunk periods in the morning and one in the afternoon.  With the Lewis Village campers gone for a few days Poyntelle campers have had full use of both camp motorboats and they have been busy wakeboarding, tubing, watersking and riding the banana boat.  We've also been prepping for tomorrow's camp within a camp when Poyntelle campers get to choose an activity and spend the whole day immersed in it.  Stay tuned for descriptions of their activities tomorrow.

Letter were sent out from camp yesterday with bus and departure information for the end of camp.  Please call us in the camp office if you haven't received your letter by the end of the week or if you prefer your camper to depart on a different bus then indicated in the letter.  Any transportation questions can be directed to Beth at 570-448-6811.

August 2nd
Our Lewis Village campers departed bright and early this morning for their 4 day adventure to Philadelphia and Virginia Beach.  The buses arrived in Philadelphia around noon and campers enjoyed their visit to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Park. Independence National Historical Park was born to preserve the story of the birth of American democracy and stands, even today, as an icon of freedom for people around the world. Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the City of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America, including the site of the meetings of the first and second Continental Congresses and the site at which the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States of America were debated and signed. In Independence Square – now a world heritage site – the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time on July 8, 1776. After a picnic lunch of delicious wraps campers headed over to the Lincoln Financial Field home of the Philadelphia Eagles for a private tour of the stadium.  The tour allowed campers to visit the field, press box, interview room, club and suite levels. Campers were then given some shopping time at Independence Mall and vouchers for meals from the food court.  After dinner campers will enjoy the imax version of Toy Story 3 before departing for their hotel for a good night sleep.

Our Inter campers took over Hershey Park today and are having a sweet time exploring the park, enjoying the roller coasters and water rides.  We expect them to arrive home very late tonight and they will enjoy a late wake up tomorrow morning

Our junior campers are having a fabulous time at Knoebels Amusement park which is a wonderful family park with plenty of roller coasters and water rides.  We expect them to return around 9:30 p.m. tonight and they will also enjoy a late wake up in the morning.

August 1
Good afternoon from a cloudy, sunny, rainy, breezy day at CPLV.  We've had a little bit of every kind of weather today.  Because of the weather we had to reschedule some of the scheduled activities for camp within a camp for Lewis Village today. The day canoe trip will now be an overnight canoe trip and is scheduled for next Sunday to Monday.  Water skiing,Wakeboarding and Extreme Ropes has been rescheduled for Saturday morning and afternoon.  Repainting the CPLV busses has been scheduled for earth day - August 8th.  Campers who chose these activities participated in regular scheduled activities today.  We did have several options for campers today including Top Chef where they participated in a top chef cooking competition others chose film making where they spent the day working with "Word Up Productions" learning how to be the next Steven Spielberg.  Campers who chose  Arts and Crafts spent the day building-a-bear and doing copper enameling.  Finally, we had guides from the Delaware River Club teaching campers all about fly fishing and then fishing in our beautiful lake.   Our Lewis Village campers are very excited to get on the road early tomorrow morning for their 4 day trip out of camp.  They will be departing early tomorrow with thier first stop being Philadelphia.  Be sure to check out our blog tomorrow for more details on their exciting adventure.

Our Poyntelle campers had a great day fun filled day today enjoying all of our camp activities and for the brief rainy period this afternoon they played fun indoor games.  Campers are really excited to take over the amusement parks tomorrow and tomorrow morning early our buses will roll out with the Juniors heading to Knoebels Park and the Inters heading to Hershey Park.  They will return home late tomorrow night and will have a late wake up on Tuesday morning to recover from all of the excitement. 

Just a reminder about registration for 2011.  At this point we have had many returning campers and many new families who have registered for next summer.  We know your children are having a fabulous time this summer and would hate to miss out on another great summer at CPLV. Some bunks are close to filling up and if you haven't registered for next summer yet we encourage you to do so. 

July 31
Shabbat Shalom from a gorgeous day at CPLV.  The sun is shining and the temperature is perfect.  Right now our Lewis Village campers and Poyntelle campers are watching and exciting counselor game of Ultimate frisbee.  Shabbat afternoon is the time when siblings who are on both sides of camp get to spend some time together and relax while cheering on their counselors. 

Shabbat programming at Poyntelle this morning focused on a portion of the talmud that reads: A scholar should not reside in a city where the following 10 things are not found: A court of justice, a charity fund, a synagogue, public baths, toilet facilities, a circumciser, a surgeon, a butcher and a school master.  Campers then rotated through ten stations in which each of these institutions was creatively presented.  At a Notary station campers unscrambled a daily schedule into the corrrect time and order.  At the butcher station campers made a mural of their favorite jewish foods.  At the teacher station campers alphabetized books in our recently refurnished library.  Campers met and diagnosed a "patient" at the doctor station.  The circumcisor provides a means for people to enter and be welcomed by the community and campers created welcome signs to hang at the front gate.  Campers travelled to the shabbat spot (synagogue) and learned a new Jewish song.  For the court of Justice station campers headed up to Sarah's office and decided as a bunk what the 10 most important rules of camp are.  For the public baths/toilet facilites campers had a toilet paper mummy wrap competition in the dance studio.  At the charity fund station campers wrote on a piece of paper the one problem that they wish would be solved by charities and discussed why they picked what they did.  Campers also participated in a scavenger hunt based on the 10 stations and then finally came together to discuss what communal institutions they felt were the most necessary and whether the rabbi's list from 1500 years ago still applies to today's communities. 

Lewis Village campers celebrated a fellow camper's Bar Mitzvah this morning at the waterfront and it was an incredibly moving experience.  This was followed by a kiddush luncheon and all of camp will dance together tonight at a DJ party.

July 30
Shabbat Shalom from another sunny beautiful breezy day at CPLV.  Today was second session photo day and all of our campers will receive bunk photos at the end of the summer regardless of whether you ordered individual photos or not. 

Last night campers at Poyntelle had a wonderful campfire with a really fun presentation by the Israeli counselors. Lewis Village campers had an all camp cranium game for evening.  B6, G3 and B2 tied for the win by earning 44 out of a possible 46 points. 

We are all looking forward to shabbat tonight.  A chance to reconnect after a busy week and focus on our summer theme of Jews around the world.  The theme at Poyntelle tonight is responsibility to the community.

Harry Morrison is our very popular boat driver at Lewis Village and his parents run an organization that provides aid for Africa.  Harry will be speaking to the campers at Lewis Village tonight about this organization and each bunk will design a square for a quilt that symbolizes hope.  The squares will be sewn together and sent to Harry's family as a message of hope from CPLV. 

We are fortunate to have a camper at Lewis Village who will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah with us tomorrow.  He will recite his haftorah in front of the camp and will read from the Torah with Cantor Bill.  There will be a kiddush lunch and then a DJ party with all of Lewis Village provided by Word Up Productions.

Sports Update: We are so proud of our 6th grade girls basketball team for winning their final game against Starlight.  They are the Wayne County Champions!!
Our 7th grade boys softball team had a heartbreaking loss against Equinunk this morning (1-0).  They played a great game and we are so proud of them for making it this far in the finals.

July 28
Good afternoon from a beautiful sunny breezy CPLV day.  Our campers packed the stadium last night at the Scranton Yankees game.  It was a perfect night for a baseball game.  This morning our campers were treated to a late wake up and a delicious buffet breakfast of bagels, muffins, and different kinds of eggs. 

Today was Israel day on the Poyntelle side of camp and campers spent the morning rotating through 6 stations being run by our fabulous Israeli staff.  They explored maneuvers through the ropes course as they learned what is like to be a member of the IDF.  They took a scenic tour of Israel in the rec hall learning about all there is to do and see there.  They made birkat habayit (blessing for the home) or a paper mosaic Chamsah (a sephardic symbol believed to counteract the evil eye) in Arts and Crafts and learned Israeli dancing in the dance studio.  At the fire pit by the waterfront they learned about the foods of Israel and baked pita bread.  Our Israeli counselors taught the campers games played by children in Israel in the hockey rink.  The camp is decorated with Israeli flags and lunch was delicious Israeli salad, humous, babaganoush, felafel, pita bread, chicken nuggets and french fries.  This afternoon our waterfront will be transformed into a crowded Tel Aviv beach for all camp free swim with plenty of beach games for all.  Tonight's evening activity is Israeli Carnival.

Lewis Village campers enjoyed all of the camp facilites on this gorgeous day and are getting ready for their big trip coming up August 2nd   Campers are checking their balances and deciding on their room assignments.  Tonight's evening activity is a pool party!

Sports Update: 8th grade boys baseball won their game against Starlight this afternoon (13-11) and are proud to be the Wayne County Champions!!!!!  Congratulations to our boys!

July 27

Sports Update: 7th grade boys soccer team lost their game in the Wayne County finals.  They played a great game and showed their true camp spirit.  We're very proud of them!!

Good afternoon from another beautiful sunny day at CPLV.  The weather couldn't be more perfect and campers are enjoying all camp facilities as well as participating in inter camp sports games.  On the Lewis Village side of camp it's Israel Day.  There have been a variety of creative activities for our teens all day. Down at the waterfront campers are learning about the geography of Israel by slipping and sliding down a huge map of Israel.  In arts and crafts campers made mizrahs and hamsas to ward off the evil eye and hung them on the eastern wall of the dining hall.  Campers played Israeli childhood games and participated in army training exercises just like the Israeli Defense Forces. Lunch was chicken shnitzel, hummus and felafel and Israeli music was played in the dining hall during the meal.  All around camp, posters were hung teaching campers about Israel's contributions to the world. Tomorrow our Poyntelle campers will enjoy Israel day with activities geared towards their age group.

Tonight promises to be beautiful weather for the Scranton Yankees game - weather in the 60's and a full moon.  Tomorrow morning campers will have a late wake up and therefore morning phone calls might be just a wee bit delayed.  Please bear with us and we'll make sure your campers get to the phones as quickly as possible. 

July 26
Good afternoon from a sunny beautiful CPLV! We are so happy to have our second session campers here with us and we are so happy to be back to a regular schedule today.  Our campers on both sides of camp spent the morning enjoying swimming, boating, tennis, drama, soccer, archery, dance, basketball, nature, arts and crafts, ropes and cooking.  This afternoon campers have individual select and free swim and tonight's evening activity at Poyntelle is catch out your counselor.  This is an opportunity to see how well our campers really know their counselors.  At Lewis Village tonight's evening activity is Miss LV an opportunity to see our male counselors show their feminine side.

Tomorrow night our whole camp is headed off to see the Scranton Yankees play against the Norfolk Tides.  Campers will enjoy an early dinner and then load up on the buses and head off to Scranton. 

Sports Update:  Congratulations to our 10th/11th grade girls softball team who beat Chenowanda  5-4 and now are the Wayne County Champions!!!!!!  They are off to Scoops ice cream shop this afternoon for an ice cream celebration.  We are so proud of them.  Way to go girls!!

July 25
4:45 p.m. The Manhattan bus has just arrived at CPLV! 
5:30 p.m. The Long Island bus has just arrived at CPLV!
5:30 p.m. Our Israeli campers have landed safely in New Jersey and are on the bus heading up to camp.  We expect them to arrive around 10 p.m. and will update when they get get here!!
9:30 p.m.  Our Israeli campers have arrived safe and sound!!

Good afternoon from a rainy afternoon at CPLV.  Campers are in the rec hall enjoying a movie and are excited for the arrival of our second session campers.  We will update the website when they arrive. 

Parents of Lewis Village campers:  Please check your campers spending account before the Virginia trip which is scheduled for August 2nd.  Checks must be received prior to Wednesday July 28th for your campers to receive any extra money for the trip.  The best time to call the office to check your child's spending account is between 10 and 12:30 or between 1:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Bus Update:
9:20 Van to Philadelphia departed
9:15 Long Island Bus and Manhattan bus departed from camp.  They are on their way to their destinations and expected to arrive between 11:50 and 12:50
9:00 Van to Maryland departed
9:00 Bus to Newark Airport with Israeli campers departed


Good morning from a sad CPLV!  Our campers are sad to see our first session campers depart this morning.  Buses are scheduled to depart at 9 am and we will update you on their actual departure time.  Parents of first session campers please remember to check your campers backpack for bunk photos, individual photos if you ordered them and leftover spending money. 

July 24
Shabbat Shalom!  Campers had a busy morning this shabbat learning more about the 4 themes of HaRuach - Dance, Music, Food and Art.  They've been focusing on the thematic elements of each. Both sides of camp thoroughly enjoyed the performance of Charlie Brown after lunch.  The campers in the show really did an awesome job and will be treated to a cast party of pizza and soda this evening.  This afternoon campers that are departing tomorrow have been busy packing and our full session campers enjoyed individual select. 

CPLV is a special place and our alumni love coming back to camp.  The spirit and warmth that they bring when they return reminds us all how lucky we are to be here.  Tonight we have about 100 alumni visiting camp, viewing the construction of our new dining hall, joining us for dinner and rocking out to Rick Recht.  Rich Recht, an amazing jewish performer, visits us every year and campers and staff look forward to his concerts. 

Sports Update: 6th grade girls basketball team won their game against Chenowanda and they're in the finals!!!!!!

July 23
Good afternoon and Shabbat Shalom from a wet CPLV.  The rain has stopped for the time being and the sun is trying very hard to show itself.  HaRuach is still going at full speed on the Poyntelle side of camp.  Yesterday morning the girls had their sports rotation and played kickball, basketball, gaga and newcomb while the boys had track and field.  They switched for the afternoon.  Teams marched into the dining hall for lunch and competed with the loudest Hamotzi and then we had a silent lunch.  After lunch mission impossible involved climbing the vertical tower at the ropes course.  Last night's evening actvity was Miss CPLV.  Today campers have been busy preparing for tonight's HaRuach finale, sing!  They will present their skits, cheers, comedy songs and shields.  While the white team is ahead at the moment it is certainly possible for any of the other teams to pull ahead tonight. 

Lewis Village LIT's had an awesome opportunity last night.  They went to French Woods to see a production of Blood Brothers.  The performance was amazing and they had a great time!

We apologize for the lag in photos on the Lewis Village side of camp.  We had a new photographer who was ill for a few days but is now up and about and pictures have been posted and will continue to be posted.

Tonight is banquet and campers will have an extended shower hour to get ready.  There will be lots of opportunities to pose for pictures before kabbalat shabbat and then we'll have a delicious special dinner.

Sports Update:
Yesterday was a huge day for sports at CPLV.  Our 10th and 11th grade girls participated in a volleyball tournament at Camp Wayne for girls.  They came in 5th out of 11 teams.  Our 8th grade boys won their baseball game against Westmont (3-1) and they're going to the finals!!!!!   Our 9th grade boys baseball team beat Trails End (10-9) and they're going to the finals too!!!!  9th grade girls softball team played their hearts out and in the last inning with two outs and bases loaded they couldn't score and ended up losing 6-5.  It was a tough loss but they were awesome!!  Our 8th grade boys soccer team  is going to the finals, thanks to their 9-0 win against Tioga! If you thought that wasn't enough our 10th and 11th girls tennis team won their match against Lohikan (5-0) and they're going to the finals too!!!

July 21
Sports Update: This morning 30 boys and girls competed in a dance competition at Starlight.  They got up early did their hair and makeup (well the girls did..) and headed over to perform.  They all came home with gold and platinum ribbons and did very well.   The kids were ecstatic!

Our 10th and 11th grade boys competed in a volleyball tournament  this morning at Island Lake and did quite well.  They eliminated the first team and came close to winning the second match.  While they lost the third match they had a great time!


BREAKOUT 2010!!!!
Last night at evening activity HaRuach 2010 broke out on the Poyntelle side of camp.  The captains did a shadow dance at the end of around the world night and then took off their black sweatshirts to reveal their colors and teams.  The teams this year are Red - Shirah (Music), Blue - Omahnewt (Art), Green - Mazon (Food), White - Rkuday Am (Dance).  The theme is Jewish Culture (Tarboot Yehudit).  This morning the captains woke up their teams and after breakfast and cleanup the teams will head down to the waterfront for the opening ceremonies.  Today the g