Young Shluchos Connect and Grow at West Coast Winter Camp
From England to Mexico and across North America, 100 young shluchos arrived last week to MyShliach’s Tzeirei Hashluchim West Coast Winter Camp. Girls ages 8-13 gathered at the 112-acre grounds in the Verdugo Hills of Glendale, CA, for a week that would celebrate their unique roles as shluchos, give them an unforgettable experience, and build friendships among peers who truly understand them.
“My daughter has not stopped talking about camp,” said Mrs. Devorah Leah Heidingsfeld, shlucha in Moorpark, CA. “She had more fun this one week than a full month of summer camp!”
This year’s camp curriculum centered on the Rebbe’s 12 Pesukim, marking 50 years since the Rebbe launched Mivtzah Chinuch. Throughout the week, the girls explored how each Posuk connects to their lives and roles as young shluchos.
“These girls are shluchos in their own right,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 and MyShliach. “When they come together like this, they gain the strength and inspiration to continue the Rebbe’s mission back home with pride.”
The week included a packed schedule of sports, activities, and excursions, including a bowling trip and a grand trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Although the forecast predicted rain, Hashem brought out the sun just in time for the theme park adventure, allowing the girls to enjoy every moment.
Head counselors Rochel Wenger and Menuchie Yerushalmi, along with logistics and program coordinators Chana Sudak and Rochel Vorovitch, and ten dedicated counselors created a caring environment where the girls could grow in their avodas Hashem while having the time of their lives.
“The air was filled with simcha and achdus,” said Rabbi Zalmy Kudan, the camp director. “Spontaneous cheering and dancing during meals was a common sight. It was uplifting to witness.”
Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, head shliach of the West Coast, visited camp to encourage and inspire the girls in their unique roles as young shluchos and as part of the Rebbe’s army, bringing light wherever they go.
The closing banquet brought the week to an emotional finale. Beautifully set tables featured a three-course meal, and the room filled with goodbye songs and heartfelt speeches from campers and staff.
The evening’s highlight was a unique hachlata auction. Inspired by the 12 Pesukim, each girl chose personal commitments in areas like Ahavas Yisroel, learning Torah, and davening. They wrote their hachlatos in a pan to the Rebbe, and one by one, every girl shared her commitment with the group. Prizes were auctioned off for all participants, celebrating their dedication to growth and their readiness to return to their shlichus, strengthened.
“The campers didn’t only leave inspired and uplifted,” said Rabbi Simcha Backman, executive director and shliach to Glendale, CA. “They left ready to inspire and uplift their own communities back home.”
For young shluchos who often live far from other Chabad families, this week provided a rare opportunity to spend time with friends who understand their unique lives. They built friendships, shared experiences, and felt deeply connected to the global shlichus family.
Camp Tzierei Hashluchim is directed by Rabbi Zalmy and Shterna Kudan and Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Loschak, with executive leadership by Rabbi Simcha Backman and Rabbi Nachman Abend. The camp was made possible through the partnership of Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Mr. Shmuel Aizenberg, Mr. Yosef Gorowitz, and Mr. Sholom Leytin.
