The Gan Israel Summer Camp 2010 for boys from Dnepropetrovsk has wrapped up. Organized by the Jewish community, this year’s camp involved 86 boys, as well as 32 counsellors from Ukraine, the USA, Australia and the UK.
The camp took place at the Balanova Health Resort in the Crimea. The campers benefitted from comfortable accommodation and facilities, fresh mountain air, in addition to excursions and educational activities.
As always, the boys participated to the fullest and each camper got his share of individualized attention from the devoted staff. Daily activities featured sports, including soccer and volleyball, boating and swimming. Every evening brought a special “night activity,” with each night more exciting than the previous one. Campers had the opportunity to learn hands-on about Judaism, with classes, workshops, discussions and special activities enhancing Jewish pride and knowledge.
“The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that so much can be accomplished at overnight camps because the children are immersed in the world of Judaism 24 hours a day for the entire camp session,” explained Akiva Romanovsky, one of the staff members at the camp. “Though some of the campers hail from cities with established Jewish communities, many of the kids come to us from villages where there is nothing taking place Jewishly and, for them, this camp is the only “island” of Jewish life for the entire year. Here, children not only recharge their health, but they also experience the true joy of Judaism.”
The Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk is one of dozens of Jewish communities across Ukraine and hundreds across the Former Soviet Union providing summer camp opportunities to youngsters, laying the foundation for the next generation of Jews. The Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk is a foremost member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.