What an incredible first week it’s been. Last Tuesday, 120 campers from 22 different states and 8 countries traveled to Camp L’man Achai in Anders, NY for what will be an unforgettable summer.
After the campers settled in with icebreakers, they got right into the excitement of camp. The first day of camp started with sports, leagues and fishing. The next day, they went on a hike through our beautiful forest and got to view the gorgeous reservoir and surrounding mountains. Towards the evening, they enjoyed a barbecue supper and bonfire. The campers and counselors spent time farbrenging with smores, stories, and lots of songs.
On Friday, each camper got to bake their very own Challa for Shabbos, which is always a highlight for the campers.
The Shabbos experience in camp is electrifying. There are specialized programs to give the campers, some who have never experienced Shabbos before, a meaningful and enjoyable experience. The singing and dancing at the Shabbos meals is something every camper talks about and remembers after camp.
At the conclusion of Shabbos, after Havdala and showers, we were treated to an incredible fireworks show.
Sunday evening, after a full day of sports, swimming, kayaking and the great outdoors, the campers gathered in our gym for a fantastic ventriloquist show by Yisroel Silverstein. The show ended with a surprising twist in which the campers were informed that they would be going to Six Flags the next morning.
Going to Six Flags was another opportunity for the campers to display being proud Jews in public. With the encouragement of the staff, many of the kids had the first opportunity of stopping people at the amusement park, asking them if they were Jewish, and then offering to put on tefillin.
But Camp L’man Achai isn’t just about fun. Campers participate in leveled learning classes. Ranging from the Aleph Beis for beginners to Gemara for those with more advanced background, at camp every camper has the opportunity to learn and grow.
After just one week at camp, the campers are grateful that they still have five weeks of amazing fun to go.
