A vibrant, meaningful, and dynamic children’s program became an essential part of the Gan Levi Yitzchak family retreat camp, organized by the Jewish Community of Dnipro at the luxurious and comfortable Kohavi Forest Club, located in a picturesque and environmentally clean area on the banks of the Samara River.
Each day begins early in the morning — children eagerly come for prayer, followed immediately by games, activities, quests, quizzes, excursions, and exciting workshops. This inspiring program was prepared by wonderful madrichot Sheina and Esti Segal, as well as Chaya and Chana Neuman. The sports activities at the retreat are led by Rabbi David Vayskovsky. There are separate programs for boys and girls, and the children are divided into age groups, ensuring that every activity is not only enjoyable but also beneficial and tailored to the children’s developmental needs.
Most activities take place outdoors, in the peaceful and spacious surroundings of Kohavi Forest Club. Indoor activities are only for those requiring specific settings, and even rainy days bring adventure as children gather in cozy gazebos for special sessions.
Each day has its own theme, and the entire program is based on the spirit of the global children’s organization “Tzivos Hashem”, founded by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1980. Kids earn points for completing tasks, answering questions, and participating actively — later exchanging them for prizes and keepsakes in a final event called “The Store.”
Challenges can be complex — such as collecting all ten symbols of the Ten Mivtzoim, the worldwide campaigns initiated by the Rebbe, or completing quests based on elements of Jewish life.
For girls aged 12 and up, the program is built differently: each day focuses on a moral value or life concept — such as “Gratitude” or “Happiness” — explored in both everyday and spiritual dimensions.
A special moment came when the children took part in the Sheva Brachot celebration for the newly married Manuilov family. With pure hearts, the kids congratulated Alon Pinchas and Leah Ginda, wishing them a strong Jewish home built on Torah and mitzvot.
The program’s peak was the Shabbat experience in “Gan Levi Yitzchak” — children braided colorful challot, prepared for the Queen of Shabbat, joined the meals, and ended with a joyful Havdalah and festive evening celebration.
“The children received so much joy and light in our retreat’s warm atmosphere,” said camp director Leah Brez. “Every family and every child expresses deep gratitude to the Jewish Community of Dnipro and Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki for this unforgettable time and the spiritual energy it gave us all.”
