As the sun begins to set over the Andes Mountains on a Friday afternoon, a van slowly winds down a lone country road. Inside are ten weary young boys, accompanied by two adults. They have traveled a long journey to reach their destination; this group along with their leaders, Rabbi Berky Rodal and Shlomo Nathanson hail from Chabad of Mt. Olympus CA to spend Shabbos at Camp L'man Achai in Andes, NY.

The boys and their counselors have come to visit a camp that caters to boys like themselves; boys who have little experience with true Yiddishkeit. They have come to spend a Shabbos in Camp L'man Achai's special, warm atmosphere to bask in its spirit and spirituality.

“California Meets New York”

As the sun begins to set over the Andes Mountains on a Friday afternoon, a van slowly winds down a lone country road. Inside are ten weary young boys, accompanied by two adults. They have traveled a long journey to reach their destination; this group along with their leaders, Rabbi Berky Rodal and Shlomo Nathanson hail from Chabad of Mt. Olympus CA to spend Shabbos at Camp L’man Achai in Andes, NY.

The boys and their counselors have come to visit a camp that caters to boys like themselves; boys who have little experience with true Yiddishkeit. They have come to spend a Shabbos in Camp L’man Achai’s special, warm atmosphere to bask in its spirit and spirituality.

Camp L’man Achai’s summer program deals with children from non religious backgrounds. The hard-working counselors and fun, intense program teaches the children hands on what is means to be a Jew. The youngsters from Mt. Olympus, CA came to share in the unique Camp L’man Achai experience.

At the Shabbos table, one of the Californian campers stood up to share his thoughts He expressed how impressed he was to be surrounded by such a beautiful Jewish environment. He spoke animatedly how wonderful it was to see children coming from a background like his own, walking around with a yarmulka and tzizis.

In addition to the spiritual experience, the fun and excitement of the Shabbos program was contagious. The boys enjoyed using the camps facilities and joining into the various camp activities. They enjoyed the singing, swimming in the lake, and being a part of the L’man Achai family.

They took back with them memories of a special experience.

11 Comments

  • A proud friend.

    Special thanks goes to a wonderful bochur, Shlomo Nathanson, of New Orleans/Los Angeles. Shlomo is a bochur who has dedicated his every "extra" moment to the chabad house of Mt. Olypus. The fact that this amazing group of kids were able to experience Shlomo as a counselor, is something that they will carry with them forever. Yasher Koach, Shlomo, on behalf of those super-lucky kids. The camp was what it was thanks to you! Keep it up!

  • Visitor To Camp L-man Achai

    I have visited Camp L’man Achai and their grounds are really as beautiful as they look in these pictures, probally the nicest views i’ve seen

  • mendy

    feter shlomo, tishmaa i 2nd what "a proud friend" wrote. i had a nice time joining u for a day here in ny, and if they want a pic. of u i have one of u on the 3 train.
    l’chaim, paydodna

  • Shenemar (oh wow oh wow wowo) In L’man A

    You guys were really great; it was nice spending Shabbos together. (Especially the story Friday night)
    & thanks for the “skate board lessons”