How We Were Treated in Camp

From the COLlive inbox:

I’d like to respond to an article I read a while ago on COLlive.com by Shmuly Rothman about summer camps treating their counselors negatively.

I’m here to refute the generalization based on my experience at CGI TMR & VSL in Montreal, under the Director Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum and the shluchim Rabbi Shneur and Mrs. Leah Silberstein and Rabbi Moishe and Mrs. Dina Krasniansky.

Upon arrival to Montreal, tired and jetlagged, a group fresh from seminary, we were picked up with no delay and taken to the Shluchim’s house for a delicious supper. After, we were taken to the BCM dorm, where we were shown our comfortable rooms and stocked up kitchen downstairs. Outside three cars were parked ready for us to use when needed.

Being 14 counselors, we can’t say we weren’t a handful to tend to; we had many needs and wants, but what we can say is that everything we requested or needed was addressed and dealt with as soon as possible.

Every night, supper was organized for us by our caring and responsible director. Whether it was the various restaurants or the homey shluchim’s houses or catered food being brought to the dorm, we were always very well satisfied and nourished.

The camp was run in an organized fashion, the head counselors and director doing a fantastic job at running the show and dealing with the kids simultaneously.

Camp, of course, was busy (to say the least) and at the end of a full, packed day from 8:45 to 3:45 we were very drained and tired, but the comfort of the dorm where we could relax, the fun trips which we enjoyed and the suppers we were served really energized us to be able to dedicate ourselves to the kids.

Receiving enabled us to give to the kids wholeheartedly and energetically. In addition we felt respected and appreciated and, of course, we felt a huge appreciation in return.

After camp activities consisted of; bowling, lazertag centers, go carting, theme park attractions spending a night riding around town in 2 limousines (yes it’s true!), refreshing ice creams, huge shopping malls, manicures, a private lake where we went tubing, biking… (And the list goes on…)

Throughout the 6 week camp, we spent Shabbos in various places where we gathered our energy from the busy week, whilst doing some touring in the process. All Shabbosim, food was provided in abundance and the Shluchim treated us so respectfully and kindly.

In short, the way we were treated in camp by the director and our respected shluchim was outstanding, and we’d like to publicize that whilst thanking them profusely for the intensely amazing time we experienced here in CGI, the summer experience of a lifetime where we gave and received in unison. On behalf of all the counselors, we give a huge thanks to the director and the shluchim who opened their homes and generously provided for 14 girls the most luxurious summer ever.

Thank you!

Grateful counselors of CGI TMR & VSL, best camp in the world!