Presidents Week Camp: A Smashing Success for Released Time
During the recent school vacation over Presidents Week, the Released Time Program welcomed 200 Jewish children from all five boroughs for an unforgettable day camp experience filled with excitement, fun, and inspiration.
As the flagship program of the NCFJE, Released Time is dedicated to finding innovative ways to engage Jewish children in public schools with impactful Jewish education. One of its key initiatives is the annual Presidents Week day camp, where children from all across the city come together for a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Yiddishkeit through a full week of camp. This immersive experience left a lasting impression on many children, some of whom had never practiced Judaism before.
Every day was packed with trips, exciting programs, and one-of-a-kind activities, creating lasting Jewish friendships among the children and their families. “One of the special things about the camp is it offers a rare opportunity for kids to meet and interact with other Jewish children from across the city,” said Rabbi Sadya Engel, the camp’s director. “Some of these friendships last a lifetime and help the children stay more firmly connected to Yiddishkeit.”
The program’s emphasis on Jewish education was integrated into every aspect of the camp—from breakfast and snacks in the morning to the games and activities in the afternoon. Children were treated to daily trips such as an arcade palace, a tour of Crown Heights, bowling and laser tag, trampoline parks, and more. The children were able to connect with their Jewish identity in a fun and meaningful way, building pride and strengthening their relationship with Hashem. “I feel like I’m part of something bigger,” said 10-year-old Sammy. “We’re all Jewish, and this camp helped me understand more about my identity.”
One hour a week on Wednesday is not enough time to teach children about Torah and Mitzvos, which is why Released Time seizes every opportunity to organize extracurricular programs and events that keep public school students engaged throughout the year. Children of all ages came together, creating a vibrant Jewish atmosphere. “As a parent, it’s amazing to see my child experience so much excitement and growth in just one week,” shared David, a father of two children attending the camp. “The Released Time Program does a phenomenal job of fostering not only learning but also a deep sense of Jewish pride and unity.”
When asked about their favorite parts of the camp, the children couldn’t stop talking about the variety of activities and the friendships they made. “I loved learning about Kosher and then going to Crown Heights to eat Kosher pizza,” said 7-year-old Ella. Parents echoed these sentiments, praising the program’s ability to keep the children engaged while also promoting Jewish values. “My child came home singing the Modeh Ani song,” said Ellisa, a mother whose son attended the camp. “This program really brings Jews from all across the city together and gets them excited to do Jewish things.”
Released Time would like to thank Rabbi Mordechai Hecht of Anshei Sholom Chabad – JCC for directing and hosting the Queens camp, as well as United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Ocean Parkway and Ohel Moshe Chevreh Tehillim Lubavitch for hosting the Brooklyn camp.
Special recognition is given to Zalman Davidsohn for all his work in making the camp a success as well as the camps head staff, Menachem Shimanov, Zalmy Engel, Yankel Raices, Leivik Silberstein, Mendy Nizayov, Shmuly Golomb, and Matti Beitelman.
