YSP’s individualized “Back2Basics” program teaches campers that being a Chassid is not only what you do, but who you are, with a system of shiurim, farbrengens and more, along with exciting incentives.
The Yeshivas Kayitz Program in the Rabbinical College of America was born from the Rebbe’s vision of the summer being a time of extraordinary spiritual growth. When a child is placed in an environment where they can experience the warmth of a Chassidishe Yeshiva in an enjoyable and positive setting, they can accomplish more than they ever imagined.
We saw this vision come to life at YSP this summer. Talmidim who were entering the Mesivtah atmosphere for the very first time, saw themselves successfully thriving in their learning, Avodas Hashem and doing things they never thought they could do. Fundamental Chassidishe conduct such as Tanya Baal Peh, Chitas and Perek Mem Alef before Davening became a part of their identity.
Driving this amazing growth was the “Back2Basics” Mivtzah. The purpose of the program was to give Talmidim a strong foundation and dedication to the “Basics” the essential components of being a Chassid.
Each day around 180 Bochurim attend Shiurim in Chumash, Tanya and Rambam. Thanks to a generous donation by Rabbi Zalman Fellig from Miami, each tamlid receives a personal Chayenu booklet with his own name on it, to help them learn chitas and Rambam.
Another unique program is called Mikva Mondays. Every Monday, the talmidim receive extra encouragement to go to the mikva in the morning before seder chassidus and Shachris. This past week, almost every single talmid in Yeshivas Kayitz joined the program, each receiving a danish and rewards points in the mivtza.
Using state-of-the-art technology such as a Credit Card system with personalized Cards and digital Duchs on tablets installed in Zal, Talmidim filled out their daily Duch checklist, consisting of core Chassidishe Hanhagos such as Chitas and saying brachos with a hat and jacket. For every item completed they received points to be spent at the points store.
To ensure that every Talmid was growing at his own pace, the Duchs were personalized with the daily checklist advancing in sync with the Talmid’s personal progress.
The innovative and fun program created much hype and nearly every Talmid got involved. For many of the boys, the “Back2Basics” program was their highlight of the summer.
Extravagant events were prepared as weekly bonus incentives to keep the Talmidim going. Only card carrying “B2B” members were allowed entry. Each event had a theme of its own such as Italian, Candy Buffet, Sushi and Chinese food. Special attention was given to the beautiful presentation as well as the all-you-could-eat Gourmet Cuisine, Cold Drinks and a special fun program making each of them a truly unforgettable experience.
The unbelievable success of the program was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Lev Yaakov Voskoboynik and Levi Oster as well as YSP Director Rabbi Mendel Goldberg.
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