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C.G.I. Detroit Shabbos Parshas Balak, 14 Tammuz-July 3rd Day 4
Shabbos morning, many campers were awake, already learning Mishnayos Ba’al Peh, Chasiddus with a staff member, or with a fellow camper.
Breakfast was cereal and milk, and chocolate cake.
The campers then headed to the Shul for Shacharis. The counselors were asked to remain elsewhere, (Editor’s note: Everyone needs a break!) and the campers were asked not to scream or strain their voices. Head counselor Menachem Feldman was giving out colored pictures of the Rebbe this morning. (Editor’s note: Here in camp we have a Rebbe picture collection, the colored picture is a very limited item.)
Camper Moshie Muss of Bunk Kuf Vov davened until “Shochen Ad”, Zalmy Groner of Bunk Kuf Yud Aleph took over and was chazzen for Shacharis.
Before Krias Hatorah, Misnayos Ba’al Peh Director Brouch Sholom Wolf made a speech. He spoke of the importance of learning Mishnayos Ba’al Peh, as well as their effect it has on the world. He laid out the structure to the system, (Editor’s note: You have to be in camp a few years to fully grasp this complex and most confusing program here in camp.)
Then Head counselor Schneur Wilhelm began the auction for the Aliyos, allowing campers a chance to favor their favorite staff member or fellow camper by bidding Mishnayos Ba’al Peh money. (Editor’s note: Again this is all part of this complex program.)
“This next Aliyah can be bought by an entire bunk”. “Two golds”, “Two golds and three reds”.
Finally the bidding was done. Campers were encouraged to follow along inside the Chumash. For each Aliyah the head counselor gave out one colored picture as well as one black and white one, to a single camper!
Camper of bunk Kuf Yud Aleph Mendel Kalmenson davened Mussof.
Camp was then dismissed to the A-frame for Seudas Shabbos.
Once again the A-frame was filled with joyous campers. Singing and eating Gan Yisroel happily enjoyed Seudas Shabbos.
From the A-frame, campers were dismissed to rest period. Many campers took this opportunity to begin learning Mishnayos Ba’al Peh.
“There are three minutes left for your learning class Farbrangen,” shouted Learning Director Mendel Scharf. Learning teachers were seen with the help of their campers, carrying a box filled with all sorts of nosh for the campers to enjoy a fun and tasty Farbrangen.
Walking through camp, one was able to hear the many learning classes, singing different Niggunim. Shamil, Yud Bais Tammuz Niggun, camp songs, and many others as well.
Following learning class, campers finally had the opportunity to study Mishnayos Ba’al Peh. “Shnayim Ochazin B’talis” camper Yoni Lefkowitz of bunk Kuf Yud was heard saying to a staff member.
There was a store, set up in the corner of the Shul, where the campers were able to trade their hard earned M.B.P. dollars for candy.
“There are two minutes for every camper to be in the Shul for Mincha”.
Mincha was phenomenal, Shabbos competition was soon coming to a close, and everyone was putting in his last minute effort.
From the Shul, campers headed back to the A-frame for Sholosh Seudos. Camp was entertained for a few brief minutes, as a few staff put on what is known as “Shmaryonki”, (Editor’s note: It’s when two or three staff get up on a table in front of the whole camp, dressed in funny clothing, and they kid about the on goings in camp. It’s supposed to be funny.)
After Bentching, camp returned to the Shul for Ma’ariv. With the end in sight, campers threw themselves into the davening, with much enthusiasm. When the last kaddish finished, campers sat down to await the announcement, who the lucky winners of Shabbos competition are. But first Havdalah, Camp Rabbi, Rabbi Lifshits recited Havdalah for the campers. After Havdalah, everyone said “Vayiten Lecho”, and then sat back down. But the winners were not yet to be announced. First camp listened to Feivish Finkel. Now the head counselors were ready to announce the winners, but….the staff didn’t let! True to tradition, the staff kept on interrupting the head counselors as the tried to speak. “The Bunk that won not only Davened nicely on Friday night, but during every meal they-“, “I had a little Draidel, I made it out of clay”.
”For the winner of Shabbos competition, none other then BUNK KUF ZAYIN!!!” the campers erupted from their seats, and began making summersaults, (Editor’s note: A.K.A. here in camp as a Kulyeh.) finally after they managed to settle down, the head counselors were soon to announce the runner-ups, “None other then BUNK KUF DALED!!!” “And for the Older devision the runner up is none other then….” “I’m a hippopotamus” “BUNK KUF TES!!!” after the excitement was settled camp began to say Krias shema, followed by a video of the Rebbe making Havdalah.
Bunk after bunk was dismissed from the Shul. Bunks Kuf Gimmel, Kuf Yud and Kuf Yud Aleph got late night activities. While the rest of camp headed to bed. “GOOD NIGHT CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS, AND THE FIRST WEEK OF GAN YISROEL”.
C.G.I. Detroit Friday, 13 Tammuz-July 2nd 7:45am Camp Time Day 3
Reveille was the usual hustle and bustle of activity, as campers scrambled to get Negel Vasser for their bunkmates. The entire camp was involved in cleaning their bunk, with the help of their counselors. Lineup went well, camper Zevi Shusterman of bunk Kuf Vov raised the flag.
Shacharis was full of life. Breakfast was wholesome and good.
“FIVE MINUTES TO LEARNING CLASS” went the P.A.
Learning class went for an hour, then “THERE WILL NOW BE A FIFTEEN MINUTE BREAK”. Following the break, learning class resumed.
Lunch was great, after Bentching Head Counselor Moshe Steiner made a fire drill. “When I blow my whistle once everyone stand up”. The camp made good timing, and everyone was dismissed to rest period. Feivish Finkel was quite popular as the campers laughed and learned that day’s Sefer Hamitzvos.
There was only one activity being that it was Erev Shabbos. “THERE IS 72 MINUTES LEFT UNTIL BEDSIDE INSPECTION”. All campers took showers, cleaned the bunk, and dressed special for Shabbos. Everyone had to write at least a 12-line letter home. (Editor’s note: I managed to write more then that.)
The head counselors went from bunk to bunk, inspecting each bed, shelf, the floor, bathroom, to make sure it was clean for Shabbos.
Snacks were served, and the campers headed to learning class to learn about the Rebbe’s Niggun “Shamil”. At the conclusion of learning class, the tape of the Rebbe singing the Niggun was played.
The campers were then dismissed to the Shul for Mincha. After mincha Head Counselor Menachem Feldman, explained to camp all about Shobbos competition, and it’s rewarding trips and prizes.
Shabbos Parshas Balak
Shabbos started with a bang, Lecho Dodi being the highlight of Kabolas Shabbos.
“Bunk Kuf Yud a lebidike niggun please” called out head counselor Menachem Feldman, “Al Hasela Hoch Hoch!” they responded.
A few slow camp songs were sung as well, each camper having his arms around his friend’s shoulder, in the true camp fashion.
After the most warming Ma’ariv, the campers went to the A-frame for Seudas Shabbos.
Joyful singing of Sholom Aleichem and Aiyshes Chayil rang out. Counselors made Kiddush for their bunks, and the in turn responded with a real loud Amen.
Seudas Shabbos continued, with much singing and dancing on top of the benches, as the waiters kept bringing course after course.
Head counselor Schneur Wilhelm spoke to the camp, led them in song, as well as shared a few of his memories as a child in the presence of the Rebbe.
The spirit of Gan Yisroel was at its peak, the campers were full of life, and the thought of sleep was far from everyone’s mind.
It was a struggle, but Schneur finally managed to get the camp to begin Bentching. The oldest bunk led the camp in the Bentching, it sure was a Bentching befitting Shabbos!
Following Bentching, those campers wishing to stay were able to do so, and Farbrang with Learning Director Mendel Scharf.
For the rest of camp it was definitely “A GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD SHABBOS!”
C.G.I. Detroit Thursday, 12 Tammuz-July 1st 7:45am Camp Time Day 2
“Modeh Ani L’fonecha” and it’s the start of the first full beautiful day here in Camp Gan Yisroel Lubavitch City, Michigan.
Many campers awoke quite early this morning; no doubt the excitement was bursting. Games of catch, tetherball, and other forms of activity were seen this morning, until the announcement for reveille. At which time the campers headed to their bunks for cleanup. Moping, sweeping, making beds, (Editor’s note: things your boys never do at home) were well under way as the time for lineup was soon announced.
“There are 10 seconds left for line up, 9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1 your attention all campers and counselors your attention please, the first lineup for C.G.I 5764 is right now!”
Led by head counselor Moshe Steiner, lineup began. Six of the 12 pesukim were recited. For the first flag raising this summer, camper Sruli Friedman of bunk Kuf Gimmel was called up, as the flag went up the entire camp sang out: “Oy Rebbe how I wish to make you proud of me, I dedicate my life to do as you’ve taught me, AD MOSAI how much longer with all our hearts we plead, when towards the Geulah we’ll march with you in lead.” Followed by the song “Shuva”.
After some brief calisthenics, the camp was dismissed to Shul for the first Shacharis.
After an amazing Shacharis, bunk-by-bunk the camp went to the A-frame for breakfast. Once again the dining room was full of life as happy campers ate heartily.
Following Bentching, bunk cheers were introduced, “We’re Bunk Zayin, and we roar like a lion!” “Bunk Aaaaaaallleph”.
After that, the campers were dismissed into the Shul, to be divided into learning classes.
Learning director Leibel Kesselman spoke of the important role that learning class takes in our camp, “When the Rebbe established camp, he stressed the importance of having a structured learning program throughout the summer, much like Yeshiva.”
Learning Director Mendel Scharf spoke about the dedication and devotion the learning teachers have, “Instead of going on shlichus, or staying in Yeshiva, these twenty learning teachers decided to devote their time and effort to educate you and help you grow as Chasidim”.
The importance of behavior was stressed, as well as the many rewards and trips planned for those deserving.
The learning Kvutzos headed straight to class, just as soon as they were put together.
The campers learnt Gemorah “Menochos”, all about Tefillin and what’s inside them. A few lucky learning classes even had the opportunity to see the insides of Tefillin.
“LEARNING NEVER ENDS, LEARNING NEVER ENDS. ALL CAMPERS FROM BUNKS KUF ALEPH THROUGH KUF HAY HAVE 5 MINUTES TO BE IN LINED UP IN FRONT OF THE A-FRAM FOR LUNCH”.
Head counselor Schenur Wilhelm inspected every camper’s hands, to make sure everyone washed their hands with soap.
Lunch was once again a fabulous meal; mail was distributed for the first time. (Editor’s note: You must have written that letter before you sent him to camp.) E-mails and faxes were also received then.
Rest period soon followed benching, (Editor’s note: This is the brief half hour that campers have some “free time”). Campers had the opportunity to listen to the daily Sefer hamitzvos with Feivish Finkel, (Editor’s note: Feivish Finkel is a comical character that relates the daily Sefer Hamitzvos in a funny story/event form).
“FOR THE FIRST AFTERNOON ACTIVITY, BUNKS KUF ALEPH THROUGH KUF VOV, YOU HAVE SWIMMING!”. In order to properly coordinate the swimming in the lake, Head Lifeguard Mendy Kotlarsky, together with lifeguards, Yosef Levine and Avi Heisler had to set the rules straight. “There is no going into the lake without a buddy!” or “When I blow my whistle every camper in the lake must raise his hand together with his buddy’s!”
For the next hour, happy campers enjoyed Basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, and football.
“YOUR FIRST AFTERNOON ACTIVITY IS NOW OVER. SNACKS ARE BEING SERVED UNDER THE WHITE TREE”. (Editor’s note: The white tree is named for the white table and chairs under it!)
Kitchen manager Shmulie Shmotkin served snacks.
Campers soon headed to their second afternoon activity. Bunks Kuf Zayin through Kuf Yud Aleph were sent to the lake, to enjoy a swim.
When the second afternoon activity finished, the campers were given 5 minutes to prepare themselves for learning class. Learning class resumed, with the campers learning, “Horeinu Midrochov”, a compilation of talks from the Rebbe regarding the merit and obligation one has to be connected to the Nosi Hador.
Shulchan Aruch (code of Jewish Law) followed. The campers learned the laws of wakeing up in the morning, and ones conduct in doing so.
“LEARNING NEVER ENDS, THERE ARE FIVE MINUTES FOR ALL CAMPERS TO BE LINED UP FOR FLAG LOWERING”.
Head counselor Menachem Feldman, headed lineup. Camp recited the last six of the 12 pesukim. Camper Nachmen Oberlander of Bunk Kuf Gimmel lowered the flag of Gan Yisroel, as everyone saluted and sang “Ani Ma’amin”.
Camp was dismissed to the Shul for Mincha. Head counselor Moshe Steiner explained to the campers, being that today is Yud Bais Tammuz, there would be a Frabrangen in the A-frame during supper.
It was a very nice Farbrangen, Head counselor Schneur Wilhelm, spoke of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s “Mesiras Nefesh” for Torah and Yiddishkeit, and it’s lesson for us today.
The campers were very excited when they were dismissed from the A-frame, for tonight was the first night activity!
The Shul was full with campers and staff, the lights were out, and the excitement began. “Tonight marks the 77th year since the release of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe from soviet prison,” announced the news anchor for the WCGI report. Suddenly there was an interruption as a breaking story came on the air. “A summer camp is on fire!” lights and smoke flashed on the stage, as a blazing fire truck with flashing lights and sirens pulled up along side the Shul. From the entrance of the Shul two firemen barged in. “Camp Gan Yisroel please join me in welcoming for the very first time NIGHT ACTIVITY DIRECTOR LAIBEL BERKOWITZ!!!!!!” by now the two firemen were on stage, one of them took off his helmet and…there was Laibel Berkowitz, dressed in a red and white striped suit. Ready for action! After a brief interview with Mike the fireman, asking him how forest fires start, and Mike’s response, “even a small match can start a raging forest fire”, Laibel went on to explain the slogan of that summer “Aoh Dakik Adlik Leravrevah-one small piece of wood can ignite a larger one” how one small deed, one small Mitzvah, can have a major effect.
The game played that night was “Chasidishe Trivia”. Three contestants were called up, for the first round, Tzemach Shemtov of bunk Kuf Bais, Shayaleh Gurarie of bunk Kuf Aleph, and Elchonon Cheiken of bunk Kuf Hay competed. “Who wrote the Tanya?” Buzzers went off and Shayaleh got the answer right “The Alter Rebbe”.
For the second and final round, campers Leibel Katz of bunk Kuf Yud, Efraim Paltiel of bunk Kuf Yud Aleph, and Srulie Duchman of bunk Kuf Aleph were selected.
It was a fun and exciting night, Ma’ariv definitely was said with much enthusiasm.
After Krias Shema, camp was dismissed to lights out.
“GOOD NIGHT CAMPERS, COUNSELORS, STAFF, GOOD NIGHT MACHANE GAN YISROEL”.
CGI Detroit Wednesday, 11 Tammuz-June 30th 5:00pm EST Day 1
It was shortly after five o’clock pm, when 2 busses carrying 120 campers arrived at what is known here in C.G.I as the “other side of camp”.
After spending some quality time with their staff, getting to know them, playing soccer, football, kickball, they were ready to head to the “main side” of camp.
When all campers - with their soon to be announced counselors - arrived in the Shul, they waited anxiously for the head counselors to arrive; who would then split them into bunks.
Head counselor Moshe Steiner began the formal welcome to C.G.I., followed by Head counselors, Menachem Feldman and Schneur Wilhelm, who explained the rules of the summer, camp’s boundaries, as well as camps amazing trips for those deserving bunks.
Bunk by bunk the campers were split…”and for Bunk Kuf Ches, your counselor is none other then….Levi Teldon!!!”.
When all the bunks were dismissed, they headed to the “Trailer area” to pick up their luggage.
With luggage in hand, each bunk went to their designated trailer, bunkhouse, or cabin, to unpack.
“There are two minutes left for every camper to be seated in the Shul for Mincha” the voices of Office managers Yankie Shemtov and Shmulie Zaklikofsky were heard throughout camp, as the campers slowly made their way over to the Shul.
After the first smashing Mincha, of C.G.I 5764, the bunks were dismissed one by one to the “A-frame” to wash and enjoy a delicious supper prepared by cook Eli Rechtchefer, and served by our dear committed and dedicated waiters.
Shouts of “WHO’S THE BEST WAITER…” were heard as everyone enjoyed their delicious meal.
Bentching was great; the camp spirit really took hold of the campers as they Bentched vigorously and with much Chayos and enthusiasm.
Back to Shul we go for Ma’ariv, (sorry no night activity tonight), which was immediately followed by Kriash Shema. Once again the bunks were dismissed from the Shul one by one, this time to say goodnight to the first day in C.G.I. Detroit. “Good night campers, good night counselors, good night staff, good night to the first day here in Gan Yisroel”.
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