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Dear NCSY Camp Sports parents,
Our third Shabbos in camp was incredible! The Ruach that went on in the dining room was unreal and the NCSY’ers did not stop singing and dancing throughout the night. One beautiful scene that words cannot describe took place when Camp Ohr Haner (another camp on campus run for South American boys) came into our dining room for some shtick and fun. As Ohr Haner left, the NCSYers followed them outside and we had a fifteen minute ad hoc Kumzits with beautiful singing arm in arm with both camps. It was an achdus filled moment that came from our NCSYers, it was one of my most beautiful moments in my 19 years working in camp. Following the seudah Friday night, we had an oneg with the Camp Sports Kollel and David Cutler, Director of NCSY Summer Programs. The oneg was filled with candy, beef jerky, chulent, divrei Torah and endless singing. On Shabbos day, Rabbi Yehoshua Marchuck, Director of NCSY Alumni spoke before mussaf. Shabbos afternoon, our NCSYers gathered together to learn with their advisors while eating Rita’s ices. After Shalosh Seudos, Rabbi Zucker led the ebbing with an inspiring and uplifting story. He spoke about the “little things” one can do for another person and how we have no idea how much of an impact we are making on other people’s lives. After a beautiful Shabbos, the NCSYers went bowling and an awesome time was had by all.
On Sunday we had late wake up followed by learning and intense league games. It’s been so enjoyable to play sports in our cool low-80’s weather. After mincha, we had a night activity that our NCSYers will never forget: “Zucker Wars.” Zucker Wars was a competition between four teams that was filled with zany and entertaining games. A few examples of the games were: finding a penny in a bowl of flour without using your hands, drinking a full baby bottle of soda, watermelon eating contests and more! After maariv, the NCSYers were given ices as they heard a shiur about why bad things happen to good people.
On Monday after a great morning of learning, we went on a thrilling trip to a paintball or a ropes course. The NCSYers were able to choose which activity they wanted to do and everyone had a great time! After a packed day, we ended off the night with a delicious BBQ and then headed back to camp for some much needed rest.
On Tuesday we had a packed day filled with learning, sports and swim. After an evening at the pool the NCSYers had a “Shabbos jingle competition”. Because we are learning about Shabbos in camp, each team was challenged to create a jingle about Shabbos and present it to the crowd. Congratulations to Aaron Haber’s group on winning the opportunity for one of their team members to throw out the first pitch at the Minor League game!
On Wednesday we started off our day with meaningful learning groups. The afternoon was filled with soccer and exciting 3-on-3 basketball tournaments. After the tournaments, we went to the Hagerstown Suns game. Gavi Glazer threw the first pitch and the Suns’ catcher Spencer Keiboom, enjoyed all the cheering he received (3…2…1.. Kabooom!) It was a thrilling game and our NCSYers had a great time, even though the Suns lost. Adding to the fun was the fact that we got to play baseball bingo at the game and win prizes and the NCSYers and staff took home 32 foul balls that they caught at the game!
On Thursday, after a morning filled with learning, our NCSYers played sports in beautiful weather yet again. After mincha, we announced the new pool party winners who received this prize because of their tremendous accomplishments in their learning and davening. After maariv and our incredible week in review video (make sure to take a look online), our NCSYers had an inspiring mishmar where they dedicated all of their learning to the safety of our brothers and soldiers in Israel.
Throughout the week, we have been dedicating our learning to the safety of all the soldiers in Israel. On Wednesday morning, our learning was dedicated Lzecher Nishmas St.-Sgt. Evyatar Turgeman who was the roommate of our staff member Aaron Haber at Yeshivat Hakotel. Every night before we daven maariv, we speak to our NCSYers about the situation in Eretz Yisroel and ask them to take the maariv prayer extra seriously as a merit for our soldiers. I am very proud of your son’s seriousness to this important issue. It is hard to be in camp when it is all supposed to be “fun” and still feel the pain of our brothers. Their maturity, care and sense of achdus is truly beautiful to watch.
On Friday we got ready for our last Shabbos together in camp. Many groups will be going to the Kosher supermarket to participate in yet another creative challenge from our leaning directors. Stay tuned for more info in next weeks letter!
Have a Great Shabbos,
Rabbi Green
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