Just two weeks after applications opened for the CKids Gan Israel Overnight Camp Grant, more than 250 children have applied, an unprecedented milestone this early in the season.
“These aren’t just applications,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “These are 250 individual children, 250 families, and ultimately 250 communities worldwide being uplifted in a meaningful way. Each child represents an opportunity for a bright Jewish future.”
The surge followed a coordinated effort to remove the obstacles that most often keep children home. Spearheaded by Head Shluchim, and a partnership with Mr George and Pamela Rohr, the newly introduced $1,000 CKids Overnight Camp Grant enables families who had long seen camp as financially or logistically impossible to reconsider.
That shift was evident during a global virtual gathering last week, where more than 100 Shluchim and Shluchos compared notes from their own communities. The conversation focused on the unique role overnight camp plays for Jewish youth, and why this moment presents a rare opportunity.
Mr. George Rohr, visionary Chabad partner, who has been closely involved in supporting the effort, spoke about the unique strength of immersive Jewish environments. He noted the Rebbe’s emphasis on the impact of immersive Jewish environments, and that overnight camp uniquely provides exactly that. He urged Shluchim to focus on helping even just one child have that experience.
From the field, Rabbi Yisroel Altein of Pittsburgh shared a perspective that resonated strongly with participants. In Shlichus, he noted, there is often a goal to reach large numbers. But when it comes to overnight camp, the measure of success is different. “In your own programs, one person showing up might feel discouraging,” he explained. “But when it comes to sending a child to camp, one is everything. One child going to camp is a complete success. That child comes back inspired, and that energy spreads.”
Throughout the evening, variations of the same idea surfaced: one camper grows; one family reconnects; one community feels the effect.
Building on that momentum, CKids announced a one-week referral initiative, titled “One for 75,” marking 75 years of the Rebbe’s Nesius. The campaign runs from Thursday, January 29 (Yud Aleph Shevat), through Thursday, February 5.
The request is intentionally modest:
Each Shliach is encouraged to refer one child to a CKids Gan Israel overnight camp.
“This moment doesn’t come around often,” said Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, director of CKids International at Merkos 302. “In today’s world, the interest is real. The camps are ready. What’s left is one phone call, one visit, one family being invited in.”
The initiative is designed to translate inspiration into action, encouraging Shluchim to think of one family who may be ready, but hasn’t yet been asked.
To support participation, CKids will offer a series of raffles during the week, including $1,000 camp tuition credits for Shluchim who successfully refer a camper.
Meanwhile, the CKids Gan Israel Overnight Camp Grant remains open, though funding is limited and applications continue to arrive daily.
With more than 250 children already registered and camps reporting enrollment well ahead of previous years, communities are being encouraged to move quickly.
For more information, visit https://CKids.org/campshluchim
