CGI Teen Experience Campers Reflect on ‘Last Minute’ Summer

Campers of CGI Teen Camp, directed by Rabbi Mendy and Tzippy Weiss, reflect on their amazing experience – even though the camp was not their first choice, they are so grateful they attended.

30 girls from all over North America – from Florida to California, Illinois to Michigan, and even Canada – and 4 counselors, had an amazing experience in Danville, Kentucky in the camp which was created at the last minute due to COVID 19 closures.

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After months of quarantine and worry, 10th grade came to an end and my summer plans didn’t look like it was going to happen. Summer had been for the past few years a time for me to travel, make new friends and deepen my connection to the Rebbe, Hashem and my heritage. I started to look for alternative and local plans and BH got a summer job as a camp Gan Izzy counselor.

One day, scrolling on COLlive, I saw a flier for an upcoming Kentucky program. I right away got in touch with Mrs. Weiss and signed up not knowing what to expect because this camp was made so last minute. I am a planner and I like to know what I’m doing months in advance but I decided to put my faith in Hashem and trust that He would show me the way and that all was going to be for the best.

As soon as we arrived, Rabbi and Mrs. Weiss made us feel welcome and I became convinced that this was going to be the best summer yet. The three weeks flew by, with hikes, swimming, dance offs, horseback riding, cliff jumping, rafting, boating and visits to nearby states.

Every day shiurim, Davening together, Tanya learning and shabbos farbrengens gave the Kentucky vibe a whole lot of chassidishe atmosphere! I know I am one of the lucky ones who got to experience a summer of meaning and fun and I am forever grateful to Rabbi and Mrs. Weiss, the whole camp staff, the Rebbe and Hashem making it happen.

Our counselors became mashpias, bunk mates became sisters, and it was with a very deep heart that I said goodbye at the end of the program. I still think of all the experiences I had this summer and it would have not been possible without the vision of Rabbi and Mrs. Weiss who put their trust in the Rebbe and Hashem and went boldly to create something that was never done before.

Baruch HaShem I can say that thanks to this program I am ready to start a new school year with renewed energy and strength! Thank you to Nechama Weiss, Brocha Barber, Mushka Rivkin, and Dini Heiman our amazing counselors, and Rivkie Kanelsky for the tasty food and even more so to Rabbi and Mrs. Weiss for making this camp happen, but all this would not have happened if it weren’t for Hashem so a huge thank you to everyone who make my 2020 Corona summer my best summer experience yet!!!

– Shira Ladaiov
Crown Heights New York

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Coming to girls teen camp experience was definitely not my original plan. CGI Teen Experience which happened in Kentucky helped me see that where ever we are is because we are meant to be there and Hashem specifically placed us there. But why did Hashem lead me to Kentucky. Why am I needed here?

I was once speaking to my mother about the concept of how Moshiach will come once chassidus is spread to all corners of the world. So I asked, what if this teaching is extremely literal and someone just needs to go to Antarctica learn some Tanya and the Moshiach will come. Being in Kentucky showed me that Antarctica isn’t the only place without chassidus and Torah.

There are many places in the US like Danville, Kentucky that don’t have a drop of Torah.
So maybe that’s why Hashem led me to Kentucky, to elevate and bring chassidus to another corner of the world.

Just think about it, every time we davened, had ahavas yisroel, and said a brocha, it was a first in Danville. Every time we sang a niggun it was the first time in Danville. And all while doing this incredibly special and important spiritual mission I was having the actual time of my life.

I couldn’t have asked for better counselors who helped me have an appreciation for yiddishkit while helping us have an amazing summer. I also couldn’t have asked for better campmates who all honestly enhanced my summer experience so much. So even though Kentucky wasn’t where most of us thought we would end up, in Hashems plans this is exactly where we were meant to be. And BH because I couldn’t have asked for a better summer.
Thank You.
Chanale Weiss
Sherman Oaks, CA