(Courtesy of OHEL) Sports and chinuch are staples of summer camp, but at Camp Kaylie, the one-of-a-kind inclusive summer camp of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services, Torah learning isn’t just another period on the schedule—it’s an activity that every single camper looks forward to every day with enthusiasm.
From an array of chinuch shiurim, to mishmar and Cocoa Club, to a masmidim program, learning is an exciting and integral part of the packed schedule at Camp Kaylie.
Campers look forward to their two daily chinuch shiurim, as they delve into Gemara, Mishna, parsha, mussar and halacha, while being inspired by experienced and dynamic rebbeim, under the leadership of Rabbi Shalom Rosner. Shiurim are given at different levels to cater to the individual strengths of each camper and maximize their potential. Thanks to a grant from the Gruss Foundation, some campers with disabilities are invited into a virtual classroom which enables the use of technology to enhance learning, while other campers with disabilities are given learning opportunities at their own level in a more typical classroom setting.
In addition to chinuch, an array of optional learning activities further complements the learning at Kaylie. The younger divisions in camp enthusiastically run to Cocoa Club every morning after wakeup to learn Pirkei Avot with Rabbi Yossi Ungar, enhanced by inspiring stories. A weekly Thursday night mishmar program for the Teen campers has been packed each week, as has nightly shiurim for staff. At Camp Kaylie, it isn’t uncommon to see a counselor learning with his campers, as the boys are taught the importance of being a Ben Torah at all times during the day.
This summer, Camp Kaylie was thrilled to reveal The Sol Englander, z”l, Beit Midrash dedicated by Yael and Ben Englander and family. This new beit midrash had a kol Torah that permeates throughout the entire day. The new sanctuary, which sits in the heart of the campus, was a perfect addition for Camp Kaylie and what it stands for. The masmidim program, which is based in the beit midrash, is led by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, who not only inspires his masmidim, but imbues a tangible spirit of kedushah and Torah throughout the camp. In addition, the masmidim lead several exciting learning programs for campers while also enjoying many shiurim. Guest rabbanim included Rav Mordechai Finkelman, Rav Yonasan Sacks, Rav Menachem Penner, Rav Baruch Simon, Rav Eliakim Koenigsberg, Rav Josh Blass, Rav Yoni Levin, Rav Reuven Taragin, Rav Moshe Taragin, Rav Aharon Bina, Rav Judah Mischel, Rav Ari Zahtz and Rav Nosson Englard (The Radziner Rebbe).
For the first time, Camp Kaylie is proud to have its Post Kaylie Kollel. The Young Israel of Woodmere Post-Kaylie Kollel provides structured learning for members of the Five Towns community during the summer weeks after boy’s month. Nearly 40 young men between the ages of 18-21 learn morning seder and night seder with Rav Yosef Nusbacher and hear from other guest rabbonim. Kollel coordinator, Meir Avracen shares that “this program provides Kaylie masmidim and staff with an excellent second month opportunity in addition to enhancing the limud haTorah within our community.” The learning at Camp Kaylie never stops.
