By Raizel S
Last summer I was privileged to work at Camp Chomeish. I was on a high: Exciting trips, incredible staff, inspiring Rebbe Time, creative activities, incredible warmth and love, relevant Tzivos Hashem program, Chassidishkeit being so fun and relevant… As the buses pulled out of camp on the last day, amidst hugs and tears, I wondered about my inspiration. I had enjoyed and gained, but can I hold on to this and take it with me into my life; can this last sustainably?
The first Friday after camp, a head staff member posted that there would be Chomeish Mivtzoim! It was awesome! And then the next week too! I thought it would last until school started, and then we would get busy with other things. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Week after week, month after month, Mivtzoim continued… all year long! Campers and staff kept coming back, bringing their friends along. While the world prepares for this upcoming summer, Chomeish Mivtzoim from Summer 5781 is still on!
Looking back, I can proudly say that this year we gave hundreds of women and girls the opportunity to do a Mitzva: Neshek, Sheva Mitzvos, Mivtza Lulav on Sukkos, Menorahs on Chanukah, Shalach Manos for Purim, Matza for Pesach, Shavuos packets…
It wasn’t only the materials we gave out or the stories we came back with, but it was also a way of reconnecting with the camp’s inspiration all year. The train rides were great achdusdik times, uniting over funny Mivtzoim experiences, sharing Rebbe stories, and discussions about yomei depagra in the various schools.
The true measure of what you have gained in camp is what you’ll be doing a long time later. We have been going on Mivtzoim every single week as a direct result. The Rebbe’s message of the power of a few weeks in camp is truly incredible!
As you go off to camp this summer, think about the long-lasting benefits and maximize them! “You can take me out of camp, but you can’t take camp out of me.” After camp – keep it going, whether it’s forming a Mivtzoim group, Farbrengens, or simply keeping in touch. Dear staff, understand your influence and make it positive!!
Finally, shout out to all the devoted campers, staff, and friends who joined Mivtzoim this year! You know who you are, and Baruch Hashem there are far too many to list here – kol hakavod! When I watched you ask every female in sight, “Excuse me, are you Jewish?”, remaining determined and not allowing yourselves to be discouraged, I understood what Mivtzoim really is. You never stopped, because maybe ‘this one’ will be Jewish. Maybe she’ll agree to take one. Maybe she will light the candles. So many maybes, but you kept going.
May you all go mechayil el choyil, and continue making the Rebbe proud! May last summer in camp be the last summer in Galus, and this summer, the first of Geula – you’re making it happen!
My best summers happened in camp chomeish! Thank you camp chomeish!! So so dedicated and care so much about every camper and staff.
-former camper and staff:)
GO CAMP CHOMEISH!!!! I had the best time ever there, with such great staff and an amazing environment!!
Yes! That’s camp Chomeish for you, taking the inspiration and doing something about it throughout the year – not only in camp.
I was a camper in Chomeish for three years and they were the best. I’m still in touch with many of them even after five years.
Camp Chomeish will forever be a part of me.