OYYL Day Camp Journeys ‘Back to Lubavitch’

By Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch summer program

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since we welcomed our first campers through the doors of Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch’s summer program — and what a journey it’s been.

When we launched Camp: Journey Back to Lubavitch, we knew we wanted more than just a fun-filled summer. We wanted to give our children something deeper — an experience that connects them to the soul of Chassidus, to our Rebbeim, and to the life and legacy of the shtetl that shaped the deepest parts of our identity as Yidden.

Now, one month in, we’ve watched campers laugh, sing, build, learn, and grow — and we’re filled with gratitude and excitement as we open registration for the second month, beginning this coming Monday.

Every week, our campers step into a new page of Chassidic history. We began with the Baal Shem Tov, learning about the spark that ignited Chassidus, and continued — Rebbe by Rebbe, nigun by nigun, generation by generation — all the way to our Rebbe, the one who leads us into the Geulah.

Each week, the children dive into the life and teachings of one of our Rabboseinu Nesieinu. They hear powerful stories, watch thoughtful video presentations, and learn a nigun that captures the unique light of that Rebbe’s avodah. They’re introduced to legendary chassidim, whose mesirus nefesh and devotion shaped generations.

But most meaningfully — they are guided to connect every part of what they learn to Geulah and Moshiach. Because in our generation, the framework of Chabad Chassidus is Geulah-focused. Our campers learn that everything they’re absorbing — from stories to songs to craftsmanship — is about preparing themselves and the world for the ultimate revelation.

Each week, campers enter the world of the shtetl through the eyes and hands of Jewish tradesmen — the tailor, shoemaker, blacksmith, farmer, and more. They roll up their sleeves and Sew a button, Bake challah, Make grape juice, Plant seeds, and build a 3D model of the town of Lubavitch, recreating its streets, homes, and atmosphere.

These activities bring history to life — and the children understand that just as every craftsman in the shtetl had a role, they too have a purpose in the world, a mission in bringing Moshiach closer.
We take the children to local farms, horseback riding, peach-picking, open fields to feel the peaceful, rural environment that drew Yidden to places like Lubavitch. They walked through preserved shtetl-like homes and shops, touching history with their own hands. With ferry rides to Governor’s Island, scavenger hunts, water park adventures, the zoo, and historic homes — the balance of fun and education has been just right.

As a proud Cheder Community, our camp runs on the foundation of Chinuch Al Taharas Hakodesh — pure undiluted Yiddishkeit that nurtures the neshamah and prepares children to live a life of truth, joy, and shlichus.

With separately located divisions for boys and girls, ages 2 through 13, every camper is embraced with love and respect, and guided through a summer filled with connection — to Hashem, to our Rebbeim, to each other, and to their purpose.

Baruch Hashem, the first month has been nothing short of magical. The stories we’re hearing from parents say it all:
“My child doesn’t stop singing niggunim — even in the car!”
“He explained to us who the Mitteler Rebbe was over Shabbos seuda!”
“She keeps saying, ‘This is the best camp ever.’”
We’re now opening registration for the second month, beginning Monday. If your child hasn’t joined yet, it’s not too late!

📌 Register Here
🌐 For full camp info, visit www.OYYL.org/Camp

Browse our photo galleries from the first month and see the joy, creativity, and chassidishkeit in every frame: 

➡️ Click here to view the camp galleries 

Let your child experience a summer where Chassidus becomes real, Geulah becomes personal, and memories are made that will last a lifetime.

We can’t wait to welcome them to the next chapter of this Journey Back to Lubavitch.