The Tzeirei HaShluchim West Coast Winter Boys Camp, in partnership with Merkos 302’s MyShliach, has concluded an amazing eight, fun-packed days of chayus, chassidishkeit and excitement.
103 Young Shluchim from across the West Coast have come together for eight days of fun and friendship in a chassidishe atmosphere. Most of these children live out of established Jewish communities and this unique camp of chassidshkeit and excitement gives them a special opportunity to enjoy what many other Jewish children take for granted.
Nestled in the Verdugo Mountains of Glendale, California, the 113 acre camp affords an amazing experience with beautiful mountain views, hiking trails, archery, sports fields, outdoor amphitheaters and much more. In addition to all the on-site activities, the children also went on a grand trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain.
On Yud Tes Kislev, the children were honored with a special visit by the Head Shliach of California, Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin. Rabbi Cunin sang nigunim with the boys and shared Chassidishe stories. His visit infused the Tzeirei HaShluchim with the Geon Yakov of Shlichus and reminded the boys to always bear in mind that the Rebbe is with a Shliach wherever his Shlichus may take him, in every place and at every moment.
During the camp the young Shluchim were honored with several special visitors. Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky, Reb Shmulik Aizenberg and Rabbi Chaim Hilel (Chabad S. Luis Obispo) visited camp for Shabbos and spoke to the children about how important it is for them to be partners in this amazing camp. They farbrenged with the boys on Friday night and shared with them about how inspiring it is to see the chayus and happiness of the young Shluchim. The message from these two partners to the boys was that their parents rely on them to accomplish their Shlichus and their active participation makes a big difference in bringing Yidden closer to Yiddishkeit.
Rabbi Naftali Silberberg, chief editor at JLI, also visited the boys and spoke to them about the zechus of being a Shliach – especially in far away and remote places. His words to the Shluchim were especially well received as they were given just a few hours before Yud Tes Kislev and in
preparation for the Chag HaChagim.
On Sunday evening, there was a grand banquet where young Shluchim shared with their fellow Shluchim the experiences of their Shlichus life and how the 8 days of the Winter Camp reinvigorated them to go back home and be an even greater dugma chaya for the people in their respective communities especially the children.
A special curriculum was compiled by MyShliach with the assistance of Rabbis Mendel Shanowitz and Mendy Kotlarsky. This curriculum is geared specifically toward Tzeirei HaShluchim in remote and small communities and its objective is to help them overcome challenges unique to their Shlichus. One example is the issue of Shabbos afternoons with no other frum children to spend time or play with. These classes provided a framework of how special Shabbos is within the context of the challenges and how to better address the loneliness they sometimes face.
The exceptional staff was led by head-counselors Shmuli Bronstein, Mendel Volovik and Sholom Volosov who provided round-the clock chassidishe warmth and a positive environment for these precious children.
The camp is directed by veteran directors Rabbi Zalmy and Shterna Kudan and Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Loschak.
This camp is organized and run by Shluchim for Shluchim. The executive committee overseeing the camp’s funding and operations are California Shluchim Rabbis Simcha Backman, Nachman Abend and Shlomo Bistritsky.
A very special thanks to all the supporters of the Tzeirei HaShluchim Camp, especially Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Reb Shmulik Aizenberg and Reb Yosef Gorowitz.
To help fund this special and unique camp please click here:
https://www.tzeireihashluchimcamp.com/donate.html
