After an incredible summer 2022 of NCSY Kaylie Impact, campers and parents alike were left feeling that camp couldn’t possibly get any better the next summer. As such, the main focus going into summer 2023 was to respond to the hype from last summer by taking it to the next level. With Hashem’s help, it definitely seemed like the campers succeeded, and then some!
This summer, the campers experienced a full and exhilarating three weeks of shiurim, chaburas with the madrichim, intense sports leagues in state-of-the-art indoor facilities, beach volleyball tournaments, Hershey Park, Six Flags, Dave and Busters, Camelbeach Water Park, paintball, Urban Air Trampoline Park, a “Chopped” competition, a Yankees-Orioles Game at Camden Yards, a Mets-Cubs Game at Citi Field, a Somerset Patriots (AA Yankees) baseball game, a trip to The American Dream Water Park, Morasha Inter-camps, water-tubing, paddleboarding, two aqua parks, “The Beast” boat ride in New York City, a ropes/zipline course, a scavenger hunt at the Palisades Mall, ice skating, Cedar Point Amusement Park, the NFL Hall of Fame, WhirlyBall, a Cleveland Guardians game, white water rafting, and so much more. The goal was to create the perfect blend of having a home base in hotels, while also being able to play serious sports leagues and go on exciting trips every day.
When asked about his experience in Camp Impact, Camper Eitan Popowitz remarked, “Impact was even more amazing than I imagined it would be. Between the inspirational learning, the sick trips, the intense leagues, and especially the incredible madrichim who led inspirational chaburahs, I had the most incredible experience at Camp Impact.”
Camp Impact’s Rabbi, Rabbi Josh Kahn, also exclaimed, “Camp Impact combines non-stop excitement and fun together with incredible madrichim to create an inspiring experience for each camper. I was amazed to see the growth and passion the campers gained in their Avodas Hashem!”
All of the fun and excitement notwithstanding, one of the main missions of the summer was to bring awareness of Hashem into all places that we went. With this in mind, there was a vibrant “bus medresh” where campers and madrichim learned together on the coach busses on their way to various trips, and a “L’hagdil Torah” program where many campers and madrichim would memorize mishnayos, learn halachos, etc. while waiting on lines at amusement parks, sitting down at baseball games, etc.. In addition, there was also a huge effort to make a Kiddush Hashem whenever possible. As such, there were countless examples of bus drivers, vendors, lifeguards and by-standers who complimented the campers on their overall demeanor and behavior.
The most beautiful and uplifting part of Camp Impact for me was watching the campers interact with the madrichim. The madrichim come from similar backgrounds as the boys and are only a few years older than them. Because of this, they were able to truly serve as incredible role models that the boys could easily relate and look up to. Through the chaburah learning and all of the fun trips and activities that the campers and madrichim experienced together, the madrichim served as paradigmatic examples of what it means to have a lot of fun and to take sports seriously on the one hand, while also being growth-oriented B’nai Torah on the other.
When asked about his experience with his madrich on Camp Impact, Camper Jonah “DJ Nay” Nayowitz described, “I had such a special relationship with my madrich, Yis Kaminetsky. He was an amazing role model for me who helped me grow and he taught me how to become a better Jew each and every day.” With this in mind, I would like to thank our unparalleled group of madrichim who made a tremendous impact (pun intended) on the campers this summer: MD Baum, Ephraim Boczko, Zevi Burg, Aryeh Cywiak, Netanel Eckman, Tani Engel, Netanel Fruchter, Dani Greenberg, Yitzchak Hagler, Ari Ivry, Yoel Jacobson, Yis Kaminetzky, Avi Landsman, Daniel Lebowitz, Joe Mann, Elisha Markovitz, Chaim Mermelstein, Jack Radinsky, Abie Rosenberg, Sariel Rotblat, Yaakov Saks, Shua Schloss, Avi Summers, Aharon Teitelbaum, Raffi Weil, Yehuda Wiener, and Isaac Wilamowsky.
In addition to the inspiring group of madrichim, I also wanted to thank our incredible upper staff for making this a truly unforgettable summer. This includes division heads, Akiva Aryeh, Yossi Dietz, and Eliav Sacknovitz, operations staff Rabbi Elie Kurtz, Yitzy Kopstick, Jacob Grossman, Moshe Acobas, Moshe Galler and Jobe Silver, Camp Moms, Mrs. Tamar Kahn and Mrs. Sheva Kopstick, Camp Rabbi, Rabbi Josh Kahn, guest Rabbis, Rabbi Yisroel Moshe Siff and Rav Aharon Pessin, and Assistant Director, Rabbi Jeremy Fine. Their unending devotion and dedication to every aspect of the program was critical to its ultimate success.
Furthermore, I would like to thank Rabbi Eli Brazil and David Cutler as well as all of the Camp Kaylie and NCSY leadership for their constant support, mentorship, and assistance throughout the summer and beyond.
Lastly, I wanted to thank the Camp Impact parents for entrusting us with your children and for allowing us to have the best summer ever. They were truly an incredible group of boys and it was a true privilege spending the summer with them.
When asked about their son, Ari’s experience on Camp Impact, David and Shira Greenberg remarked, “Camp Impact went above and beyond to provide the boys with an inspirational summer which balanced growth in learning, competitive sports, and awesome trips!
The boys were inspired by staff members, Rebbeim, and madrichim who were role models for them and created an environment that was both growth oriented and fun!” After an incredible summer of growth, new friendships, and tons of fun, the Camp Impact campers and parents alike are eagerly awaiting to see what will be in store next summer.
