The second session of the traditional and unique “Gan Israel Levi Yitzchak” children’s summer camp has concluded at the picturesque Kohavi Forest Club complex. Organized by the Jewish Community of Dnipro with the support of Jewish Relief Network Ukraine, the camp provides a full-fledged vacation experience for children who may be accompanied by their parents. Participants in the second session included children of staff members and active participants in projects of the Jewish Community of Dnipro, as well as those from Jewish educational institutions and key Jewish organizations.
“The entire ‘Gan Israel Levi Yitzchak’ program is designed to give families the opportunity to recharge, spend quality time together, and gain new experiences before they resume their important work for the benefit of the kehillah,” said Leah Brez, director of the “Gan Israel Levi Yitzchak” children’s camp. “This year’s second session had a special atmosphere—picturesque nature, warm and friendly camaraderie, children’s laughter, and a rich recreational program. Participants enjoyed their time in the pool, took SUP and kayak trips on the river, savored forest walks, cozy Shabbos meals, delicious kosher cuisine, evening songs around the guitar, and numerous activities prepared by the camp organizers.”
As in the first session, special attention was given to the children’s program, carefully developed by activists and staff of the community’s youth programs. It harmoniously combined active recreation, creativity, games, and spiritual growth in an atmosphere of authentic Yiddishkeit.
This year, the children’s program was built around a unique six-color concept. Each day had its own color, motto, and spiritual theme, with participants receiving colored bracelets as symbols of the stage they had completed. All the activities, workshops, games, and creative projects helped the children—who were divided into boys’ and girls’ teams—not only to have a great time but also to internalize important life values through meaningful experiences.
Each day began with tefillah, followed by creative activities, workshops, sports games, and themed events. In the evenings, participants gathered for the traditional “Rebbe Time,” where they learned stories about the Lubavitcher Rebbe, shared impressions of the day, and prepared for new discoveries the next day.
“As always, the program was very rich and vibrant, and everything was organized at the highest level, as is customary in our kehillah,” emphasized Leah Brez. “We are very pleased that the children and their parents were able to spend these days in an atmosphere of true achdus, make new friends, and strengthen their Jewish identity. All participants of the second session express deep gratitude to Jewish Relief Network Ukraine for their support of our summer recreation projects. Thanks to our friends and partners, we were able to give the children and their parents—who invest all their strength year-round into the development and strengthening of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki—a truly meaningful and restorative vacation.”
