Outside the box and at the edge of the world: The secret summer camp of the "Young Emissaries"

While Israeli children spend their summer vacation in regular camps, at pools, or in front of screens, hundreds of boys and girls lead a completely different life. They grow up in the most remote corners of the world — from distant countries in Asia to small towns in Europe and the USA — where their parents serve as Chabad emissaries. For them, meeting other children who experience the exact same reality is a dream come true.

Last week, the annual summer camp of the Tzeirei Agudat Chabad organization concluded with great success, bringing together more than 350 campers and about 100 staff members this year. Most of them made a long journey from across the globe just to arrive in Israel, be part of something big, and feel a sense of belonging.

Growing up on a mission: When the older siblings are the counselors

One of the prominent characteristics of this camp is the family dynamic: the younger children participate as campers, while the older brothers and sisters already take part as counselors and staff members. In recent years, the project has undergone a significant upgrade under the management of Yaakov Kanevsky, together with a team of yeshiva students ('Tomchei Temimim') who manage the production with a firm hand.

For these children, who usually live in places where the local Jewish community is small, the camp serves as a social and emotional refuge. Here, everyone understands exactly what it means to live "on the airline route" and manage a home of public service from a young age.

Between Chassidism lessons and halachic dilemmas

Alongside the experiential activities, the camp's curriculum touches on fascinating questions that combine ancient tradition with modern reality. Under the title "Halacha in Practice," the young campers deal with real dilemmas encountered by community leaders in the field: from questions surrounding encouraging children to come to the synagogue on Shabbat to various technological challenges.

This year, the camp focused on the theme "And He stands over them," which teaches children how to draw strength to deal with personal and national challenges, out of a sense of mission and community responsibility.

Community entrepreneurship: Grants for the next generation

The highlight event of the camp took place in the magnificent 'HaPansaim' hall, in the presence of the organization's leaders. The evening included an especially moving moment: the announcement of the winners of an original entrepreneurship competition.

As part of the competition, the children presented practical plans for expanding community activity in their areas of residence. A special committee examined the projects and awarded the winners financial startup grants of 1,000 shekels each, with the goal of helping them turn the ideas into reality.

With the conclusion of the boys' camp, the parallel camp for the daughters of the emissaries opened immediately afterward, in a similar format, which also gives them the support and strength to continue leading their communities with pride and joy.