Bright blue T-shirts cheerfully emblazoned “Born to Shine” and disco lights piercing the dark hall, over 300 young girls cheered together “I’m a Jew and I’m proud and I’ll sing it out loud!” The CKids Overnight Experience concert had reached its deafening crescendo. Acclaimed singer Bracha Jaffe led the historic gathering of Jewish children and tweens in an uplifting musical evening of faith and pride.
For Natalie Weinstock, a fifth grader, from Roslyn, NY, the thought of a four-week overnight camp away from home was daunting. But when her counselors suggested a one-night outdoor camping experience, she jumped at the opportunity. Along with hundreds of girls aged 8 to 14 from various day camps, she spent 24 hours at CKids Gan Israel Poconos overnight camp, enjoyed an epic concert, and participated in a host of activities with like-minded peers.
As one of five CKids overnight camps in the states, CKids Gan Israel in Poconos is directed by Rabbi Gershon and Devora Sandler, along with Rabbi Moshe Browd. Catering to Jewish public school kids, the camp compliments Hebrew School throughout the year, with unparalleled immersive Jewish experiences, and connection with fellow Jews their age. Gan Israel Day Camps fill a similar need, helping families in the Jewish community teaching Judaism through fun and engaging activities.
“The Rebbe emphasized the importance of summer camps, how they can be even more impactful than traditional school settings,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of CKids’ umbrella organization, Merkos 302. “This experience powerfully reinforced that no Jewish child is ever alone. An entire community of children who experience similar challenges at school have gathered together and can take this uplifting experience of Jewish pride back home with them.”
The 24-hour unity event began with a variety of activities where children from the visiting day camps had the chance to meet each other and forge new friendships. This led to the highlight of the evening, the Jewish Pride Concert with acclaimed singer Bracha Jaffe. Inviting campers to join her on stage for each song, the passionate entertainer had the room on fire.
From classics like ‘Ani Maamin’ and Bracha’s hit song ‘Never Alone’, to the upbeat CKids anthem, and ‘Thank you Hashem’ the entire crowd joined in with enthusiasm. Infused with messages of hope, pride, and positivity, and with the CGI Poconos theme song “On the Front Lines” still buzzing in their heads, the visiting campers headed outside. Relaxing in the warm glow of a bonfire, and bonding with new and old friends, everyone settled for the night in their tents.
With an uptick in antisemitism in public schools since the unfortunate events of October 7th, encouraging Jewish Pride is crucial for Jewish children. Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, Director of CKids International at Merkos 302 explained “Infusing kids with Jewish pride is the key to continuity and community involvement in the future. Events like these lay the foundation for a strong, connected Jewish community.”
Sharing her thoughts with the famed performer, Yasmine, 13 from Orange County said “This camp makes me extra proud to be a Jew. I’ve come here for six summers and can’t wait for more. I love showing people I am proud to be a Jew and teaching them about my religion.”
Participating camps:
Camp Gan Izzy Poconos, PA
Camp Gan Israel Greenwich, CT
Camp Gan Israel Roslyn, NY
Camp Gan Israel Albany, NY
Camp Gna Israel Manalapan, NJ
Camp Gan Israel Morristown, NJ
So good to see you Moussia!