Machane Rivka Gan Yisroel Tzeirei Hashluchos, a project of the Shluchim Office newly dedicated to Rivka Levy OB”M, gave Young Shluchos the time of their lives: a chassidishe environment, fun with friends, and lots of Florida sunshine.
Coming from Milwaukee, Mexico, Morocco and more, young Shluchos enjoyed a packed ten days full of fun, hiskashrus and shared pride together with their friends, fellow children who usually live hundreds of miles apart.
“I just want to say a very big thank you for giving my daughter Leah such an incredible opportunity,” said Mrs. Chavi Steiner from Minneapolis, MN. “She came back extremely happy and on an absolute high. She didn’t stop talking for the first five hours. She has been singing the songs aloud and under her breath, and only has good things to share. Today she said to me ‘Mummy, camp inspired me so so much!’ Thank you again for giving my daughter this experience.”
The Shluchim Office extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Don Yoel and Malka Levy of OK Kosher Certification for their ongoing and tremendous support of this uplifting and inspiring winter experience for young Shluchim all over the world, and dedicating Machane Rivka Gan Yisroel Tzeirei Hashluchos to their daughter Rivka Levy OB”M.
The camp filled each child with a year’s worth of inspiration, energy and enthusiasm, and this year there were three new opportunities for the young Shluchos to connect and recharge their spiritual batteries.
A learning project on the Rebbe’s ten Mivtzoim was organized l’ilui nishmas Rivka Levy OB”M, with a learning booklet provided by Tzivos Hashem. “Rebbe Time,” introduced stories from real-life shlichus experiences, and discussion on how to apply the lessons. And a showcase of video clips, submitted by parents of campers, showed their girls helping out on shlichus and in their communities, and served to emphasize how much each child, as young Shluchos, can influence and be a living example to their fellow Jews.
Our beautiful campsite is set on 20 acres in the heart of South Florida, a shared property with Rabbi Yossie Biston and Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar, and includes modern bunkhouses, a huge heated swimming pool, paintball and sport fields, boardwalk and nature trails, and its very own climbing and zipline courses.
It’s also close to many of Florida's Chabad Houses, ensuring that any trip off-campus can lead to a stopover with a nearby Shliach. A few bunks visited Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok & Shaina Raichik in Boynton Beach, and Rabbi Naftaly & Henya Hertzel in Boca Raton, to join and help out with their Grand Menorah Lightings. “For girls who are always on shlichus, this came naturally!” said Chana Levertov, head counselor.
The special time with friends, Farbrengens, trips and fun combined to give the children who attended an amazing and motivating boost. The girls celebrated together with a Grand Trip that included alligator boating, arcade games, and a trampoline park, with dinner hosted by Chabad of Weston and Rabbi Yisroel & Leah Spalter and a Grand Banquet finale when they returned to camp.
“The Winter Camp for Young Shluchos is a truly magical experience,” remarked Mrs. Malky Itkin, the camp’s director. “Though the banquet marks the official end of camp, the lessons, camaraderie and chayus are a power surge of inspiration that will certainly remain with the kids throughout the year and well beyond.”
Special thanks go to Camp Director Mrs. Malky Itkin and Head Counselors Sheina Azimov and Chana Levertov for a stunning program; Activity Director Bryna Kosofsky and Trip Coordinator Shterna Gurary for so much fun, and Kitchen Manager Chava Lowenthal for keeping the girls healthy and well-fed!
For more pictures of the girls camp, visit the Young Shluchos photosite.