Sky Smulewitz, 2025 CIT and ’25/’26 NFTY Central West Region Co-President
When I think about this past summer at Camp Newman, what stands out most isn’t just the sunshine, the songs, or the late-night laughs with friends—it’s the way camp gave me the chance to step into leadership in a new way. Being a CIT pushed me to be present, to care for younger campers, and to see myself in a leadership role. But honestly, I wouldn’t have felt ready for that without NFTY.
In NFTY, I grew as a leader through my role as the religious and cultural vice president for NFTY CWR. I learned how to bring people together through music, create moments of connection, lead programs, and step up when something needed to get done. Those skills came alive at camp this summer, especially because I was asked to take on the role of songleader for Tzofim in the last part of camp. It wasn’t something I had planned, but NFTY had already prepared me to lead with confidence, adapt to new challenges, and to be open to new experiences.
What I’m taking back with me into this next year of NFTY leadership, as NFTY CWR President, is the understanding that leadership is about relationships. It’s not about having the loudest voice, but about listening, lifting others up, and building a space where everyone feels like they belong.
That’s why immersive experiences like camp and NFTY retreats matter so much. They give us the chance to unplug, to step into Jewish community in a way that feels alive and real, and to discover who we are when we’re surrounded by friends who truly get us. Some of my strongest Jewish memories—and my strongest friendships—come from these spaces.
I’m so excited to keep building that feeling at NFTY events this year. West Coast Party is one of the best chances to experience that magic: singing, laughing, learning, celebrating, and making memories with teens from all over the west coast and even the country. If you’ve been to Newman or another NFTY event, you already know what I mean. And if you haven’t yet, this is the perfect chance to see for yourself why these weekends are so special – save the date for West Coast Party 2026: January 17-20, 2026 right here at Camp Newman!