This year’s YEKA Jewish summer program for boys brought together more than 160 children from over 20 cities and villages across Ukraine for 21 days of learning, friendship and adventure in the Carpathian Mountains. The largest YEKA boys’ program to date, the camp was built around the theme of growth—encouraging every child to grow personally, strengthen his connection with Hashem and become a more thoughtful and caring person.

More than 40 staff members, including administrators, directors, teachers, counselors and a Chassidic mashpia, worked together to create an exciting and meaningful summer experience for the Jewish children of Ukraine who are suffering from the ongoing crisis and tension. The camp was divided into three age-appropriate divisions—the main camp, Masmidim and the oldest CIT group—each with its own schedule, activities and trips.

The expansive campus offered ample space for sports and outdoor exploration, with three football fields, two lakes, fishing areas, a horse paddock with four horses and a full petting zoo. Special excursions included an exhilarating jeep trip through the mountains, while Activity Director Mottel Kleiman organized a packed schedule of creative programs, competitions and memorable events.

Jewish learning remained at the heart of the camp experience. The boys studied at least twice each day in carefully prepared classes led by a professional team of teachers. Head Counselor Chaim Kremer spent six months developing the camp’s educational curriculum and Tzivos Hashem program, ensuring that the spiritual side of camp was engaging and relevant to every age group. The program was one of the summer’s greatest successes, leading campers to expand their Jewish knowledge and take positive actions, such as caring for friends and helping others.

A typical camp day began with the optional “Cocoa Club,” where early risers gathered in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy hot cocoa, a snack and inspiring stories. The entire camp then came together for lineup, where the boys sang and danced with their bunks, recited the Twelve Pesukim and raised the camp flag.

During prayer services, each bunk prayed in a designated area, allowing counselors to help the boys develop a more personal connection to prayer. Breakfast followed and was prepared by a specialized chef who provided plentiful and delicious meals throughout the program. The campers then began another full day of learning, sports, and activities.

The program was directed by Levi Berger and Mendel Goodman, with David and Liora Vaskovsky serving as administrators. Rabbi Daniel Lenau served as the mashpia for the CIT division. Head counselors included Yasha Lerner, Chaim Kremer, Yasha Yakimenko, Yitzi Strasberg, Shloimy Ulman and Leibel Lipsker. Mottel Klein served as activity director.

YEKA expresses its gratitude to its sponsors and donors from around the world, whose generosity made the expanded program possible, as well as to JRNU and Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm for their continued support.

The record-breaking summer gave the Jewish boys of Ukraine a special opportunity to return home stronger in their Jewish identity, enriched by new friendships and inspired to continue growing throughout the year.