Shluchim’s Extraordinary Efforts to Make Camp Possible for Their Community’s Children

Shluchim are well known for their unwavering dedication to their communities. From leading Shuls and classes to organizing events and programs, Shluchim work tirelessly to inspire and engage Jews around the world. One area where this dedication is particularly evident, although less known, is in their efforts to send children from their communities to Jewish overnight camps.

Despite the challenges and required effort, shluchim go above and beyond to ensure that every child in their community has access to this transformative experience. For the shluchim, sending children to overnight camp is more than a fun summer experience. It’s an opportunity for these young girls to connect with their Jewish heritage, make new Jewish friends, and learn about Yidishkeit in a warm and immersive environment. And despite the challenges of sending children from their communities, the shluchim go out of their way to make sure that every girl in their community has the chance to attend.

One example of their dedication is an inspiring scene during our 10-day winter camp. Friday morning at 10 AM, a Shliach from upstate New York walked through the elevator doors, pulling suitcases with two children from his community. The Shliach drove 4 hours each way on a winter Erev Shabbos to bring children from his community to camp. Despite the long drive and challenging weather conditions, he understood the transformative effect that just 10 days of camp could have on a child’s life. He was determined to ensure that his community’s children had access to this incredible opportunity.

“There are various factors that make it challenging for Shluchim to motivate families in their community to send their children to overnight camps,” Said Rabbi Moshe Browd, Director of Growth & Operations at CGI Poconos. “Some families are more interested in sending their children to camps that they themselves attended and have a strong connection to, or to a camp that many of the children’s friends or family might be attending. Another hurdle is financial constraints, as many families may not have the means to afford the cost of tuition.”

Despite the challenges, shluchim work tirelessly to encourage children from their community to attend overnight camps. They recognize its positive impact on a child’s spiritual and personal growth.

“The Shluchim understand that attending a Jewish overnight camp can strengthen a child’s connection to their Jewish identity, create lifelong friendships, and provide a transformative experience,” said Gershon Sandler, the Founder and Executive Director of CGI Poconos. “Their commendable efforts in enrolling campers from their communities extend even further. They go out of their way to help with transportation and support families in any way possible.”

Another way that some shluchim help girls from their communities attend overnight camp is by providing financial assistance. While the camp offers tremendous scholarships and works tirelessly to obtain third-party funding for each family, there can still be a gap in funding. It is truly amazing to see shluchim step in and help cover part of the tuition expenses, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to attend camp.

“During the past few months, we have visited over 30 Chabad houses in the tri-state area and connected with hundreds of shluchim across the country. During these visits and conversations, we meet shluchim who are passionate about enabling their community’s children to experience the transformative power of summer camp,” said Sara Levertov, Co-Director of Enrollment and Camper Engagement. “We have been inspired by the tremendous effort that the Shluchim put into enabling children from their communities to attend summer camp. The Shluchim have warmly welcomed us to present camp at thier Hebrew schools and have provided us with valuable assistance throughout the entire enrollment process,” added Rochele Klein, Co-Director of Enrollment and Camper Engagement at CGI Poconos.

The exceptional dedication and tireless efforts of the shluchim in enabling overnight summer camp experiences for their communities’ children are truly commendable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of shluchim who have entrusted CGI Poconos with their campers over the past 11 years, hailing from over 25 states and 8 countries. Your unwavering commitment to the growth of the Jewish children in your communities is a testament to your strong leadership.