Yom Avatiach: A Slice of Summer Fun

Three watermelon sculptures are displayed on a table with red and white cloths, each labeled 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. A child and an adult are nearby. The winning sculpture is a green, smiling creature.

Co-Director Michelle Sugarman reports on a fun camp tradition:

This past week, we celebrated a beloved camp tradition — the 5th Annual Yom Avatiach (Watermelon Day)! Yom Avatiach has grown into one of the most anticipated days on our camp calendar, and this year did not disappoint.

The day kicked off with a burst of color as campers and staff came to breakfast dressed in every shade of red, pink, and green — from watermelon-themed hats and t-shirts to full costume ensembles. Watermelon was featured prominently at every meal including homemade watermelon water ice for dessert.

As always, the highlight of the day was the watermelon carving contest. Staff members prepped their entries the night before, and once again, creativity ran wild. This year’s entries included everything from animals, animated characters, and even a merry-go-round. All 15 submissions were on display, and campers and staff cast their votes to crown this year’s best carving.

It was a fabulous and fruity day! I can’t wait to celebrate again next August.

A watermelon carved to resemble a human face, with the red inner flesh exposed around the eyes and nose, and green rind pieces forming eyebrows and a mouth, sits on a metal tray.A watermelon carved to resemble a swan, with wings and a head, displayed in a metal tray. The background features string lights and a dimly lit indoor setting.A watermelon carved to look like a shark, with triangle-shaped teeth and a mouth filled with watermelon chunks, sits in a tray with watermelon rinds and blue coloring.A watermelon carved to look like a spooky face with a brain exposed, complete with a jagged mouth, hollow eyes, and utensils stuck in the top, displayed on a metal tray.