Young Shluchos Enjoyed MyShliach Winter Camp in California

Merkos 302

The young Shluchos parted ways and headed home as the Tzeirei Hashluchos West Coast Winter Camp in Glendale, California, came to a close. It was an inspiring eight-day journey filled with friendship, chayus, chassidishkeit, and plenty of fun.

For most of these girls—living in remote communities far from Chassidishe peers and role models—the camp provided a rare opportunity to connect with like-minded friends and mentors, forging lasting relationships in an atmosphere of shared purpose and joy.

Overlapping with the first few days of Chanukah, the camp highlighted the theme of the unique glow of every young Shlucha. Each night, as the Chanukah candles were lit, singing and dancing broke out. Their joy and excitement capture the very message of Shlichus, bringing light and happiness to their surroundings.

“This camp extends far beyond a single week,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and Chairman of MyShliach. “Our goal is to equip these young Shluchos with the tools, the confidence, and the passion to carry the Rebbe’s message into the world, transforming their communities and beyond with every step.”

Walking around the beautiful grounds in Glendale, California, one could see new friendships forming alongside many small group discussions between campers and counselors about Shlichus and the unique responsibility and zechus they were entrusted with.

On Friday, the campers applied what they had learned by participating in Friday Mivtzoim. They distributed Shabbos candles and menorahs and shared the story and message of Chanukah with the Jews they met on the street.

The camp was also visited by the Head Shliach of California, Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, who spoke to the young Shluchos about their ability to inspire others even at a young age. Each camper then received a special gift of a dollar as Chanukah Gelt from Rabbi Cunin.

“Tzeirei HaShluchim Camp has impacted my life in ways I never imagined,” wrote one young Shlucha in a letter to the directors. “Being on Shlichus can be difficult, especially with no frum girls my age, but THWC helps me feel uplifted. Every year, I look forward to this week of winter camp because it matches (and sometimes surpasses) the excitement of a full month of summer camp.”

The success of this memorable experience was due to the caring and energetic staff, led by Head Counselors Esther Benjaminson, Yehudis Loschak, Devorah Leah Posner, and Mussie Teldon. Their dedication to each camper fostered countless cherished memories and lasting friendships.

The camp was made possible thanks to the generosity of Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Mr. Shmuel Aizenberg, Mr. Yosef Gorowitz, Mr. Shalom Laytin, Dr. Zeev Rav-Noy, Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy, and Mr. Shlomo Y. Rechnitz. Their support was essential for creating an environment where these young Shluchos could thrive.

Directed by veteran camp directors Rabbi Zalmy and Shterna Kudan, and Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Loschak, the camp is facilitated in partnership with MyShliach at Merkos 302 and is organized and run by Shluchim for Shluchim. The executive committee overseeing the camp’s funding and operations includes California Shluchim Rabbi Simcha Backman, Rabbi Nachman Abend, and Rabbi Shlomo Bistritsky.

On the final night, a grand banquet was held, with singing, dancing, and outpouring emotions. The evening culminated in a speech from Chaya Jacobs, a young Shlucha from Birmingham, England. She described the challenges of her Shlichus—having no Jewish classmates or friends in her town—and how, for one week, she feels at home among like-minded Shluchos. “This is what gives me the strength to not feel alone and the ability to impact my community, to walk around proudly knowing I am the Rebbe’s Shlucha.”

To help create this experience for young Shluchim, visit https://www.tzeireihashluchimcamp.com/donate.html