Sleepaway Camp Inspired Themed Bat Mitzvah

The Bernstein family of Merrick, New York recently celebrated their daughter Jamie’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Lawrence. The entire inspiration for the theme came from Jamie’s second home, her sleep away camp, Nock-a-Mixon. On this special day, the camp was re-named Nock-A-Mitzvah. There were many special party touches to make guests feel like campers!

Pictured L-R: Brother Adam, Mom Monica, Bat Mitzvah girl Jamie and Dad Rich.

David of JoVon Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Bat Mitzvah Decor

The entrance of the temple's doors set the tone for the camp theme and instead of Nock-A-Mixon read Jamie's Nock-A-Mitzvah!

A "Welcome Campers" mash sign directed guests

Jamie and her friends hung out in the teen section called "Bunk 13"

This area included an Arts & Crafts shack where Jamie's guests could decorate hats, airbrush socks and have fun in the photo booth

Picnic tables were provided to hang out, eat or do one of the arts activities. There were cubbies to store each campers "stuff"

On the adult side, each table was designated as an area of the summer camp. Bright over-sized centerpieces made everything distinctive. Below was the "Rest Hour" table

The "Athletics" table

Special Party Touches

A countdown clock at the end of the celebration reminded everyone how many days till camp!

Guests were greeted with their bunk assignments (place cards) held on birch bark for a rustic feel

The family worked with Invitations by Jill on the pretty invitation

Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting

The 4-tier themed cake included scenes from camp and the lake and of course was topped with marshmallows roasting over a fondant flame

Surrounded by her school friends during the candle lighting ceremony

And of course her camp friends!

Bat Mitzvah Entertainment

The music entertainment was by Geo Events. The dancers wore custom logo'd t-shirts created by A Promos USA/The ImageMaker & Aarrow Promotions

Dad Rich up in the air

Jamie taking a minute on the dance floor to strike a pose with her friends

Mitzvah Exit and Favors

As guests left, they stopped by the Canteen stocked with s'mores and candy

Friends received t-shirts, sweatshirts, and drawstring bags as they left the party. Adults were given Swell Bottles all printed with Jamie’s Nock-a-Mitzvah logo. All favors were from A Promos USA/The ImageMaker & Aarrow Promotions

Kids also received personalized duffle bags

Jamie’s Mitzvah Project

Jamie collected birthday party supplies for Birthday Wishes, an organization that provides birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness. They provide two types of party programs. The on-site program provides monthly parties at the shelters they serve and celebrates all children, ages 1-18 years, with birthdays in that month. The Birthday-in-a-Box program provides a party box and birthday gifts to children and their families staying in domestic violence safe shelters, hotels, and scattered sites so they are still able to celebrate their special day.

Some advice from Mom Monica

“Stay organized and don’t put off things till the end. If you know your color or theme early on, order your yarmulkes or your invitations ahead of time. Keep a loose leaf with dividers for each vendor with all your contracts, emails and notes. It will help when you need to refer to something quick. The day of the party relax, take in the night and remember to just have fun. It goes by fast.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Jamie’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue/Event Planner/Cake: Carlyle Catering at Temple Israel of Lawrence, 516-756-1600
Favors/Giveaways/Personalized Duffles: Mindy Younger, A Promos USA dba The ImageMaker, 516-377-0186
Music Entertainment: GEO Events, 800-670-0462
Photographer/Videography: David, JoVon Photography, 516-922-3535
Invitations: Jill Gossett, Invitations by Jill
Décor/Sign-In: Barbara Becker, Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Jamie and Monica’s Dresses: Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Rich and Adam’s Suits: Macy’s 
Shirts and matching ties: Brooks Brothers 
Hair/Makeup: Tom New York, 516-492-2922