Baila’s Clubhouse Impacts Both Girls and Volunteers

By COLlive reporter

Just a few weeks before the shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic, a series of clubs for girls was launched in Crown Heights, to great success.

Baila’s Clubhouse, a creative program for Chabad girls ages 8-12, took place on Sunday afternoons, run by the talented and capable students of Bnos Chomesh High School, in their school building.

The program is directed by Bnos Chomesh teacher Chaya Lipszyc and is under the auspices of Bnos Chomesh principal Mrs. Dena Gorkin.

The program immediately met with great success, filling an important need in the community. For just $3 a week, the girls partake in a pizza lunch, join clubs in jewelry making, baking, arts and crafts, digital art, painting, dance, or cake decorating, and enjoy exciting raffles.

With over 80 girls enrolled, the majority of Bnos Chomesh high school students became involved as leaders in this program, benefitting them as well.

“We’re proving to be an affordable outlet for children in our community,” Chaya Lipszyc told COLlive. “Through a variety of activities, the kids learn skills and express their creativity. And while they are out having fun, their parents get some much-needed down-time. It’s a win-win.”

The program also provides high schoolers with leadership opportunities. “The girls take full ownership of their clubs through planning, shopping for, and leading the activities,” says Mrs. Gorkin. “They’re learning how to take responsibility and how to connect with kids – tools that will help them for the rest of their lives.”

“At Baila’s Clubhouse, the girls were given the opportunity to have fun and gain skills in a variety of different workshops, taking a break from all the electronics and academic pressures, and expressed their creativity in a safe environment,” Lipszyc says.

Both parents and students have expressed how much they appreciated and enjoyed the program which is dedicated in memory of Baila bas Baruch Aizik OBM.

“I really do appreciate the program,” one mother wrote. “My husband and I are extremely grateful that you took this initiative to make something like things for girls in our community. They came home with a spark in their eyes, they loved their group leaders, they said how friendly and warm everyone was there, and they didn’t know any girls in their group but it was so nice to meet new girls and learn in such a warm environment.”

“My daughter loves Baila’s Clubhouse and looks forward to going every week! Even on the day of a cousin’s wedding, she didn’t want to miss it!” wrote another.

“I’m learning leadership skills, how to be responsible, how to teach, and how to connect with kids,” wrote High School student Chavy Konikov. “Today one of the girls asked me, are you going to give me Shalach Manos and she kept calling me and my co for help. It’s really nice to know that they look up to us and we have an impact,”

“It’s cool to see kids with such creativity and passion and I’m so glad that I get to express my creativity as well!” said student Riki Segal.

“I’ve gained such an appreciation for what young kids can do and it’s incredible to see the positive response our efforts are having!” said High School student Chana Korn.

With the program currently on hold because of the pandemic, organizers are looking forward to resuming activity once school is back in session.