With summer vacation underway, Yaldei Hashluchim from across the globe tuned in this week for the launch of Merkos 302’s MyShliach’s Virtual Camp, an immersive online experience designed to give children of Shluchim the joy, Chassidishkeit, and connection of an in-person camp, no matter where they live.
“This week proved that geography doesn’t limit a child’s ability to experience the warmth of a Chassidishe summer,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “When Yaldei Hashluchim in Lagos, Lisbon, and Hawaii sing the same niggun after davening, it’s empowering the Rebbe’s youngest Shluchim with the strength and joy they need to illuminate their corners of the world all year long.”
Each morning kicked off with excitement: a warm welcome, movement-packed Daily Exercise, and an anchoring infusion of Ruchniyus with Hayom Yom, Davening, and the beloved Story, Learning, and Chassidishe Nigun segment. Despite the digital format, the sense of camaraderie and Chassidishe pride was palpable.
“This is camp in every sense of the word,” said Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, director of MyShliach at Merkos 302. “The energy is real. You can feel it through the screen. These yaldei hashluchim might be in different time zones and on different continents, but when they’re dancing after davening or cheering on their bunkmates during an activity, you realize it’s working. They’re connecting. They’re growing. And they’re having a blast.”
But this wasn’t school, it was summer camp. And that meant interactive programs, hands-on projects, and contagious enthusiasm.
Here’s a snapshot of Week 1:
Monday featured a Rainbow Salt “Drink” Craft and a live Sofer Show, offering campers a behind-the-scenes look at the holy art of Torah scroll writing.
Tuesday’s standout moment was making ice cream in a bag, a delicious, do-it-yourself interactive experiment. The day ended with a lively Night Activity, giving campers the chance to laugh, bond, and play together from around the world.
On Wednesday, things got delightfully messy with a Slime Workshop, followed by an upbeat Instrument Show where kids showed off their musical talents, live on screen.
Thursday closed the week with meaning and creativity: a Coffee Kosel Art Project using instant coffee and paintbrushes to depict the Kosel Hamaarovi, and a Cooking Show that walked campers step-by-step through baking sprinkle cookies.
Throughout the week, campers tackled brain-teasing Riddles, uplifting Daily Missions, and enjoyed moments of connection with peers through programs like Pictionary, The Kapelye Game, and “Get to Know Your Fellow Shliach.” Virtual raffles and giveaways at the end of each day kept spirits high.
Rabbi Yossi Elberg, program director of MyShliach at Merkos 302, emphasized the deeper purpose: “Our goal is simple: to give Yaldei Hashluchim an unforgettable summer, even if they can’t join a physical camp. These kids grow up carrying a tremendous sense of mission, but they also need fun, friendships, and Chassidishe joy.”
For many of these children, some of the only frum kids in their entire region, this program offers something irreplaceable: a chance to belong.
As one parent shared, “My son woke up early every day, excited to log on. MyShliach Virtual Camp gave him the boost and connection he needed, and reminded him that he’s not alone.”
Week 2 begins Monday with a new lineup of surprises, shows, and experiences that promise to build on the momentum and magic of Week 1.
The screens may go black at the end of each day, but the friendships, growth, and pride these young Shluchim take with them are anything but virtual.
The Rebbe said he is taking care of the shluchims’ children. Those families and their kids have a special zchus in Hashem’s eyes.