Rabbi Bentzion Shemtov Returns to Detroit Camp

Ever since early winter the offices of Camp Gan Yisroel Detroit have been buzzing with preparation for their annual summer program. Year after Year, CGI Detroit has proven itself as being the ultimate summer camp experience, combining authentic Chassidishe Chinuch with a wholesome physical program.

In the last number of years their Bar Mitzva Division has become well known throughout Lubavitch as the essential component to prepare a Bochur for his Yeshiva years, through its fun filled days and comprehensive Ruchniyus program.

This Year the team of Bar Mitzvah Head Staff, Meir Shlomo Wolf and Shaya Bernstein, will be joined by Rabbi Bentzion Shemtov, who will be directing the program together with them. Rabbi Shemtov is returning to a camp where he spent over 15 summers to mentor and instill additional zest into the already-phenomenal program. “It has been a pleasure working together with Meir and Shaya” said Rabbi Shemtov, “as we work on our goal of giving a ‘Geshmak’ to every BMD Bochur in his Chassidishkeit, and most importantly his Hiskashrus to the Rebbe.”

The BMD Program is situated on the magnificent grounds of CGI Detroit in Kalkaska, Michigan, just a few minutes’ drive from the central CGI Detroit program.

Meanwhile, at the central program of CGI Detroit, preparations are about to peak as Camp nears on the Horizon. Head Counselors Chaim Levi Cohen, Berel Namdar and Yosef Dovid Schtroks have spent the last few months tirelessly preparing every detail of the Summer Program. They have invested painstaking effort to see to it that every individual camper’s needs are met, while simultaneously infusing a warm atmosphere permeated with a love for the Rebbe and Darchei Hachassidus.

Learning Directors Yossi Schapiro and Zalman Groner have compiled a Learning Program like no other. As Yossi put it; “The Rebbe explained that camp has a tremendous advantage over a School or Cheder setting, and we are grabbing the opportunity to instill within the campers a “Lebedigkait” and “Chayus” in their Chassidshkeit through having a curriculum that goes beyond the printed word – one that makes their learning come alive.”

Mrs. Shoshana Lifshitz, who has been an integral part of the camp for over 25 years, will once again fill the the position of Director of Health and wellbeing. This position includes serving as the camp Health officer, as well as just being there for every camper when he needs a listening ear or an adult to hear his ups and downs.

“The Rebbe epitomized camp as “a mold where we form Chassidim,” said Camp Director Rabbi Moshe Shemtov, “and I am confident with the team of well trained Staff that we have, under the detailed mentorship of Camp Menahel Ruchni Rabbi Yosef Gourarie, that this is exactly what will transpire in camp this Summer. It will no doubt be an immense source of Nachas to our Rebbe.