Florida Girls End Inaugural Season

As the inaugural season of CGI Florida’s Girls Overnight Camp comes to an end, by all accounts it was a resounding success on all levels. Girls from across the United States eagerly entered the beautiful new campgrounds, excited to be part of this auspicious summer.

Head Counselors Mushkie Cohen and Chaya Mushka Schmukler jam packed the campers’ days with amazing activities that included rock climbing, zip lining, rope course and sports. The girls had a blast enjoying water sports that included swimming, kayaking and rowing. With creative activities such as Food Technology, which enabled the campers to explore working with different culinary mediums, Arts and Crafts, zumba, bonfires, night activities, as well as trips to bowling and Kabooms, it is no surprise that the camp spirit was so high. An incredible concert by singing sensation Chanala Fellig had the girls jumping, singing and dancing.

But CGI Florida is world renowned for its attention to the entire child, and the Ruchniyus of the girls under the guidance of Learning Director Chany Tenenbaum was constantly being cultivated and nurtured. The camp Tzivos Hashem program was a huge success, and in addition to that there was a personal check list that the girls filled out each day for points which started from negel vasser in the morning through kriyas shema at night. Cocoa Club cards were distributed to all who attended early morning learning, and each day a new packet was distributed for Rebbe Time. The girls said full Chitas each day as well as Sefer Hamitzvos and Hayom Yom. Moshiach thoughts were acted out and taught by the campers. One of the highlights was the Tznius Queen and Ahavas Yisroel awards that were given out daily at dinner time. The campers learned the true importance and significance of what it means to be a Bas Chabad by living it each day.

The girls participated in a beautiful and meaningful activity on Erev Shabbos. Together they all baked challah, “Rivkie’s Loaves Of Love” with Camp Director Mrs. Chanie Biston. This was in memory of her mother Mrs. Rivkie Barber A”H a well-known and beloved shlucha from Melbourne, Australia who had recently passed away. Shabbos was very unique and special as the feeling of Achdus and camaraderie permeated throughout the camp as new friendships were forged, and the sweet sound of singing and harmony where niggunim and camp songs filled the air.

Camp Director, Mrs. Chanie Biston said, “It was gratifying and rewarding to see the many months of planning and preparations for camp come together in such a successful first summer. We were fortunate to have a staff that was real Dugma Chayos for the campers to emulate.

“The spirit and energy in the camp was absolutely electrifying,” added Chana Biston, Assistant Director.

Rabbi Yosef Y. Biston, Executive Director, said, “Camp Gan Israel Florida-Girls Division truly delivered a summer to remember.”