Teva Camp Hits the Road Again

By Simone Mishulovin

After a five year hiatus, Chayala Gourarie is back with her traveling camping trip for teenage girls.

Back in 5757 (1997), Mrs. Gourarie established an exhilarating tour of America’s National Parks. Her focus was on experiencing Hashem’s breathtaking wonders through a chassidishe lens.

Now, back by popular demand, Teva is gearing up for a spectacular 9th season under the auspices of Chabad-Lubavitch of Iowa.

“So many people who have heard about the camp or sent their older girls years ago have been asking me to take to the road again and I think it’s time”, says Mrs. Gourarie. “Girls who participated years ago tell me they still see it as having been the best summer experience they’ve ever had.”

Ninth and tenth grade girls in Camp Teva can expect to travel through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming and Montana. Their adventures will include camping, hiking, biking, boating and white water rafting in the magnificent environs of Rocky Mountain National Park, Arkansas Headwaters, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, The Grand Canyon and more.

This year, Teva is adding a motto – ‘Transforming Your Nature Through Nature.’ So much can be learned from nature that we can apply to our own personal growth,” explains Mrs. Gourarie. “Our goal is to provide an unforgettable experience that combines the adventure of true camping with a deep appreciation for Hashem’s handiwork. Our activities are done in the spirit of ‘S’u marom eineichem u’reu mi boro eileh!’ (Lift your eyes heavenward and see Who created these). Imagine how meaningful learning can be when overlooking the exquisite vistas of some of our most spectacular natural treasures!”

Teva’s daily shiurim include Chitas, Tanya b’al peh and Inyonei Geulo Umoshiach. New friendships blossom around the camp fire farbrengens under starry skies. One of the highlights along the way is meeting and farbrenging with the Rebbe’s shluchim, who always welcome and inspire us.

“Teva is a roving camp, but we travel in a luxurious chartered bus in air-conditioned comfort. We serve tasty, nutritious, hearty meals – even in the boondocks! In addition to adult supervision, our experienced counselors are chassidishe girls who know how to have fun!

“The girls learn to ‘rough it’ and gain a profound appreciation of ‘Ma Godlu Ma’asecho Hashem’ at the same time. Certainly a winning combination!” declares Rabbi Yossi Jacobson, director of the Judaic Resource Center of Chabad-Lubavitch of Iowa.

Camp dates are from July 22nd – August 12, 2013 (15th Av through 6th Elul) and registration is limited to a small group. First come first served! For more information you can e-mail the camp administration at [email protected] or call 563-864-7428 Please note that e-mail communication is strongly preferred!