As a camper, I always came to camp second session, so I never experienced Mini Maccabia. My first Mini Maccabia experience took place in 2012, as a Machon. I learned that Mini Macc is a day for units to come together with their team, create friendships with other units and compete against one another. One thing I noticed was that Mini Macc is much less competitive than Maccabia, which I enjoy. I think it is more important to have fun and for the campers to enjoy themselves rather than focusing on winning. Of course winning always feels great, but it never feels like the top priority during Mini Macc.

Yesterday was filled with lots of energy, laughs, hugs and cheering. Tuesday night, just as we were finishing up evening song session, the Chadar Ochel lights went dark and our attention was directed to the screen. There was a video introducing the Mini Maccabia teams. Everyone was excited when they saw the theme was Toy Story. The four teams were Blue Buzz Lightyear, Red Jessie, Green Rex, and Yellow Woody. After the video, we were sent to the baseball field and then to the soccer field. On the field campers found out their teams by receiving small Toy Story alien figures holding a color, and then moving to the hill to sit by color. From there coaches were announced. It was amazing to hear my friends get called as coaches. When it came time for the yellow team coaches to be announced, I listened carefully. I noticed many incredible counselors on my team and wondered who would be called up for coach. First Liam Carson was called and then my name was called. I was overwhelmed with joy as I heard my campers, past campers and friends cheering for me.

Much later in the night I messaged my dad to tell him I was chosen to be a Mini Maccabia Coach and he responded “cool”. In that moment I realized that no one outside the Crane Lake bubble truly understands what it means to be a coach. It’s not that he is unsupportive or doesn’t care; it’s just that he doesn’t understand. To me (and I think many others would agree) being selected as a Mini Maccabia Coach is one of the biggest honors you can receive as a staff member. It was nice to be recognized for all my hard work and commitment to camp.

Wednesday was possibly one of the longest but most exciting days ever. Liam and I went to every unit’s activity, taking about 7 minutes at each to cheer and support our team. It was definitely a hectic day of running around and cheering, but when I was walking from activity to activity I had time to think to myself. I took the time to reflect on the last three summers on staff and appreciate this day.

Although I never participated in Mini Maccabia as a camper, this meant so much more to me than Maccabia ever did as a camper. To say being a Mini Maccabia Coach is a highlight of my summer doesn’t even fully begin to describe my happiness and excitement about the leadership role I was given.

After tug, teams awaited silently as the results were announced. Blue Buzz Lightyear fell 6 points short to Red Jessie as they took home the trophy.

Liam and I led Yellow Woody as a strong and energetic duo, and at the end of the night that’s all that mattered. The fact that I got to be a Mini Maccabia Coach was good enough for me, I didn’t need to win to have a great time leading camp.

Yesterday was a day that will always leave a huge mark on my Crane Lake experience.

By Lindsey Blackman, Communications Specialist