Camp Emunah Expands ‘Sunshine’ With Extra Week

By: Rivky Shifrin (Mother of Chana) – Chabad of Little Neck

Raising a child with Down Syndrome (or Special Needs) involves so much for loving parents—arranging early intervention therapies, advocating for your child in ways you never expected, managing appointments for health concerns, and so much more.

As your child grows, the advocacy continues. Finding the right schools and educational settings where your child can thrive often means navigating many changes and reassessments.

When our daughter Chana was eight years old, I received a phone call from Camp Emunah. They told me they had an open slot for her and suggested I send her for two weeks to try it out. My initial response was no—she was too young. How would she manage?

But Bryndel Leon and Cham- Cham Reichman reassured and encouraged me to take the plunge. My husband also thought it was a wonderful idea. So, we packed up our little Chana and drove to Camp Emunah. I was a very nervous mother.

The moment we arrived; Chana was warmly welcomed by everyone. As I left Camp Emunah, it dawned on me: for the first time, I didn’t have to advocate for my daughter. Before camp started, I had spoken with the director to go over every detail, which was then relayed to Chana’s counselor. Everything was taken care of.
That summer was transformative. Chana has returned to Camp Emunah’s Sunshine Bunk every summer since. During the year, she talks about camp and eagerly counts down the days until she can go back.

At Camp Emunah, Chana gets the best of both worlds. She has her own special bunk with counselors who understand her needs, while also being part of the wider camp program. She has made so many friends. The Sunshine Bunk isn’t a separate group—it’s woven into the very fabric of Camp Emunah.

This integration is the epitome of what Lubavitch is about: true Ahavas Yisroel. Sunshine Bunk campers are kind and welcoming to their peers in all bunks, and the same warmth is extended back to them. They sing, dance, and celebrate together as one.

For the first time, I didn’t have to advocate, convince, or plead—Chana was accepted, welcomed, and embraced.

Living on Shlichus, Chana doesn’t often meet many Lubavitch girls her age. At Camp Emunah, she becomes part of the Lubavitch community. They sing familiar songs, speak a common language, and form lasting friendships. When Chana visits Crown Heights, she’s greeted by so many friends she’s made at camp.

All I can say is, thank you, Camp Emunah, for creating a special space for our special children.

Rebbetzin Chava Hecht OBM shares the start of Sunshine and its inclusion mindset.

SUNSHINE DATES FOR SUMMER 5785 / 2025
First Session: July 1st – July 24th
Second Session: July 24th– August 18th

Camper Application: https://emunah.campmanagement.com/p/campers/login_m.php
Staff Application: https://emunah.campmanagement.com/p/staff/login_m.php

Help us create the most incredible experience for our campers and staff! Your donation is making the ultimate difference, putting smiles on faces, and bringing Sunshine to the world! Donate here.

For more information:
Cham- Cham Reichman
Director of Sunshine in Camp Emunah
718-753-5228