The Beinhaker family from Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated son Camden’s Bar Mitzvah over Labor Day weekend at Camp Kinder Ring in Hopewell Junction, New York. It was a weekend celebration that offered all of the excitement of sleepaway camp in just three short days. Camden, who has never gone to sleepaway camp, was able to enjoy it for the first time with his family and friends.
Pictured L-R: Sister Lleyton, Mom Anita, Bar Mitzvah Boy Camden, Dad Mitchell and Sister Aylinn.
The photographer was Matt Petricone and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
Jennifer Wilner of White Wave Graphics designed the invitation and Matt Kennedy from Digital Craft Design and Fabrication Services is the artist that did the wood burning for the invitations. They both really set the tone for this invitation by creating the “rustic” feeling of camp
Camp Kinder Ring is a sleep away camp located in Hopewell Junction, New York, and a wonderful location for a special weekend. With the beautiful tree-lined entrance guests pulled up to a red banner that read, “Camp Camden”
As guests drove down a tree-lined path they were greeted by poster size photos of Camden which hung on trees. This photo was the first, Camden as a newborn. There were photo posters of Camden up to age 12
There were also directional signs to all activities and events posted on large tree trunks
The Beinhakers looked great throughout the weekend with different outfits for the casual photo shoot, the service and the party. The family posed in their camp chic outfits by the lake before Friday night services
Green was the accent color for Saturday morning services
They looked great in their party clothes
The logo, also created by Jennifer Wilner, was seen throughout the party
There were many great camp elements incorporated into the party. Close family friends arrived on Friday night and as they checked in, they received weekend agendas, camp maps and “Camp Camden” blankets to keep them cozy at night. Saturday morning a chartered bus brought Camden’s guests and the kids enjoyed a boxed breakfast and a movie on the bus
The fun-filled weekend schedule
A map of the camp with guest names and bunk location
The family at Friday night services
Saturday morning services took place lakeside with over 200 guests to share the special occasion
Friends of Camden’s distributed prayer books to guests
After the service, guests feasted on their favorite comfort food at a BBQ lunch
And then, thankfully the sun came out!
After lunch, Camden’s friends went head-to-head in a friendly color war competition. The other guests enjoyed activities by the lake, pool and around the camp, including: tennis, boating, hockey, hiking and water trampoline
Ice cream and camp…the perfect combination
Happy campers took time to pose
No sleep away experience is complete without fun on the lake!
Camden and a friend
A friendly tug of war competition
Guests enjoyed Camden’s Trail Mix Bar, an ice cream bar and refreshments
A few guests were excited to “decorate” Camden’s cabin
Camden made quite the entrance after the showing off his custom movie trailer created by Matt Petricone. This James Bond-loving Bar Mitzvah boy made quite the entrance!
Watch here
Magnolia West Events embraced the location and added many great decor details for Camden’s reception. The real Camden next to a life-size poster of Camden
Pictures of the Bar Mitzvah boy strung with twine along the walls
Burlap table cloths added to the rustic chic camp feel
Using natural elements, and logo’d mason jars, the tables were transformed!
Sliced wood with numbers painted in red were used as table numbers
The custom menu with the Camp Camden logo
Large canoes filled with drinks were a clever touch
Cupcakes were beautifully displayed on tree stumps
Camden’s mom Anita thought of this great sign-in idea using two oars!
MC Jay Della Valle and Spinners Entertainment had the guests of all ages dancing through the night. Camden up in the chair for the Horah. Check out the ceiling Gobo!
Hanging with the dancers
Camden had a special and creative “fish” candle lighting ceremony. As you will see below, guests lit a fish candle and then followed Camden out to the lake where additional guests lit a candle, made a wish and set them afloat. The fish candles displayed on the candle lighting table
Camden with his sisters
Camden with his Mom and Dad were all smiles
What a beautiful end to his candle lighting service
A bonfire on the shore with s’mores ended the evening
MR Designs and Promotions created blankets that were given to all guests at check-in.The warm blankets featured Camden’s logo
After a night of partying, guests enjoyed brunch on Sunday morning with a candy bar at check-out before heading home
Bar Mitzvah Project
Camden has loved building and creating with Legos since he was a toddler. Camden realized that Legos are quite expensive and not every child has the opportunity to enjoy them. He decided that he would collect used and new Lego sets for the Plainfield YMCA and underprivileged kids who use the facility. Lego sets help inspire children to create and help them develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Legos also help children learn to think in three dimensions in construction and design.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Camden’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer/Party Security: Camp Kinder Ring, 845-221-2771
Rabbi: Rabbi Joshua Leighton, Temple Emanu-El
Party Planner/Decor: Danielle Gorman, Magnolia West Events, 201-579 – 0542
Photographer/Entrance Video: Matt Petricone, 973-868-9043
Music Entertainment: MC Jay Della Valle, Spinners Entertainment, 917-749-6035
Favors: MR Designs and Promotions, 908-928-9400
Invitation: Jennifer Wilner, White Wave Graphics, 201-892-8343
Invitation:Matt Kennedy, Digital Craft Design and Fabrication Services, 503-381-6414
Cake: Gigi’s Cupcakes, 973-763-8986
Sign-In board: Mom, Anita Beinhaker
Programs and maps: White Wave Graphics
Fish candles: Crafted Candles, 800-635-0274
Dresses for family members Friday Night Services: BCBG
Suits for family members: Calvin Klein
Transportation: Rolling V. Transportation Services
