The inaugural event of the new Young Leadership of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley was a hit. Eighty adults and kids came out to Grange Park in Upper Macungie for a picnic that included Federation-provided drinks and desserts, and all sorts of activities for kids.

Some adults talked at picnic tables, sheltered from the sun under a long pavilion, while others watched kids run around in the “waterpark” or playground, or play giant checkers or build with blocks.

Dr. Chelsea Busch, a cochair of the Young Leadership, said, “It’s nice to just get the community together and to see our kids growing up together.”

Two of Busch’s fellow cochairs also attended the picnic: Lyell Scherline and Dr. Aviva Marlin. Cochair Rachel Levin was unable to make it.

Scherline said he was happy with the turnout. “I’m looking forward to many more of these throughout the year engaging young Jews in the area,” he said. Marlin added, “I’m excited for the events to come, both the family-oriented ones and the ones that will be adults only, so that we can come together as a Jewish community.”

Young Leadership events are planned for the coming year, culminating with a family trip to Israel next summer. Visit jewishlehighvalley.org/yld for more information.