Young Shluchos West Coast Winter Camp Ends With Grand Banquet

By Zelig Katzman

As the flames of the Menorah flickered for the last time this year, 100 young Shluchos gathered to celebrate the eight days of fun and inspiration they had at the Tzerei HaShluchim Winter Camp in partnership with MyShliach. The infectious energy and excitement that characterized the week were especially palpable that night. Tears and laughter mixed as they sang, danced and cheered, rejoicing in their zechus to be on Shlichus and gathering strength to continue their mission. With a complete program that included a Hachlatos auction and special raffles, it was a night to remember.

The following day the girls tearfully parted from each other one by one as they left for the airport. Hoarse yet happy, they were grateful for the amazing experience and vowed to return. “Camp taught me so much about the meaning of Shlichus and the importance of being a role model to others in my community,” shared Chana Potash with her fellow Shluchos at the banquet, “the atmosphere of the camp is so warm, it feels like a family and I look forward to coming back for many more years.”

Located amongst the scenic mountains in Glendale, CA, this camp has been providing a unique and uplifting experience for hundreds of young Shluchim from across the Western United States for the past ten years. Its boys and girls programs total 16 days of fun and inspiration for hundreds of young Shluchim in the region.

The 113-acre campgrounds provide for an incredible camp experience, with ample opportunities for activities such as hiking and sports games. The spacious, state-of-the-art bunkhouses enabled the young Shluchos to enjoy their stay in comfort. In addition to the flurry of activity on campgrounds, the girls also got to go on a memorable grand trip to the Magic Mountain amusement park, where they exemplified the lessons they were being taught by doing Chanukah Mivtzoim between rides. The week’s highlight was a color war between teams Zechus and Achrayus, whose fundamental message was to underscore the great privilege of being on Shlichus on the one hand, and the corresponding sense of agency and responsibility.

An incredible team of staff were the key to the camp’s success, with each one investing tremendous energy into giving their campers having a great time. They worked hard to instill a sense of pride in these young Shluchos, igniting a passionate flame for Shlichus and the Rebbe within them so that they, in turn, can kindle others.

Support for this unforgettable experience was provided by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Mr. Shmuel Aizenberg, Mr. Sholom Leyton, Mr. Yosef Gorowitz and many other generous individuals without whom all of this would be impossible.

The camp was organized in partnership with Rabbis Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302, and Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz of MyShliach at Merkos 302.

The camp is directed by the well-known and experienced camp-directors Rabbi Zalmy and Shterna Kudan and Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Loschak, Shluchim in S. Barbara, California.

The camp is organized and run by Shluchim for Shluchim. The executive committee overseeing the camp’s funding and operations are California Shluchim Rabbis Simcha Backman, Nachman Abend and Shlomo Bistritsky.

To support this exceptional project, please click here: https://www.tzeireihashluchimcamp.com/donate.html