As per the Rebbe’s request that Gan Yisroel should be something that is not limited to the summer, but rather should have an ongoing effect on the entire year, the staff of Gan Yisroel Montreal 5785 arranged with Camp Director Rabbi Yisroel Mockin a reunion for all of the campers in Crown Heights. The date of the reunion was made to coincide together with The Kinus Hashluchim so that not only the campers that live nearby would be able to join, but also the campers that live far-away on Shlichus can also attend this special gathering.
Already on their way in, some stopped by the first-time-ever Gan Yisroel Photo Booth! They took some serious photos, some funny photos, and, of course, some crazy ones. As the line grew bigger and bigger, some preferred to have their turn later on in the night (the photo booth was there for the entire event to ensure that every single camper (and staff) would get their turn). And, as they stepped into the dining room, where the main event was happening, they felt like they had stepped into the Gan Yisroel dining room in Montreal.
As campers and counselors reunited, chatted, and farbrenged together, the atmosphere in the room was alive. And while enjoying their delicious, fresh pizza, they were all so excited to share memories and moments from the historical summer of 5785 in Gan Yisroel Montreal. Together they sat, this one with his learning teacher, that one with his coach, a third with his counselor and others with their newly-made friends and caught-up from the happenings of the last three months.
In typical camp fashion, they started off the official program with saying the twelve Pesukim and singing a few camp songs. Then came the first surprise of the night: Counselor Nussy Meijers and LT Yossel Mellul had written an unforgettable song during color war, and they went down to a studio to have it professionally recorded; and now, at this historical reunion, this legendary recording was being played for the first time ever! Everyone in the room instantly put hands on each others’ shoulders and joined together in song. “Oh, I can’t say farewell-to Gan Yisroel.” “Oh Gan Yisroel, I want to stay here!” This song was definitely from the highlights of the summer, and now after spending a few months away from Gan Yisroel, this song took on a whole new meaning.
Next, the campers and staff all came to the front of the room, where they watched the last “weekly video” of the last few days of camp. Thanks to counselor Shmaya Pruss‘ professional editing skills, all were glued to the screen as they remembered that last week that they had spent in Gan Yisroel Montreal. As they were watching and reminding each other of that last week, many had in mind a similar thought: I can’t wait to go back for the summer of 5786.
Then, they played a trivia game with pictures from the summer projected on the screen. This game brought back memories all the way from the first day of camp! As the campers were trying to figure out when, who, where, these pictures were taken, prizes were being given out at a fast pace.
Then came the peak of the night, when the journals, made by counselor DovBer Bernstein, were handed out. As the campers read the thoughtfully written goodbye letters written by their counselors and learning teachers, and those “If I got a Dime everytime….”, the evening was quickly ending.
As the parents came to pick up their children, phone numbers and email addresses were being exchanged all over. Tearful goodbyes were said by all. This was truly a night to remember. As campers and counselors resolved to keep in touch, the campers were already guessing who would be their counselor for the coming year.
Over 275 campers from divisions A, B, B+, & C had attended this amazing reunion.
On behalf of all of the Staff of 5785 we would like to thank Counselor Schneur Jordan for organizing this incredible event.
And, of course, we would like to thank camp director Rabbi Yisroel Mockin for making this all possible, may you continue to lead and direct Gan Yisroel for many more years together with your father Rabbi Berel Mockin.
We hope to meet again in the Gan Yisrael Sheb’Yerushalem with Moshiach Now.
-The Staff of Gan Yisroel Montreal 5785
