(MVP) MVP Camps, the premier Jewish Orthodox sports camp taking place at the end of August, under the direction of Judah and Carol Rhine, and Irv Bader, celebrated its 15th consecutive season of sold out registration. This year MVP hosted both the boys and girls for two amazing programs in one great week.
MVP Boys had three divisions, 22 teams and over 100 games were played over the course of the five day camp. The basketball games were competitive and exciting with many last minute buzzer beater endings. This year’s MVP featured players with all levels of playing ability from grades three through 10. Many of the counselors/coaches were former MVP players and were able to give over their experiences to this year’s players from their years at MVP.
Every player received a 2023 reversible MVP jersey. Each day was filled with a jam packed schedule starting with Shacharis in the shul, followed by gourmet breakfasts. Activities included team practices, clinics, league games, swimming in the pool and lake activities. Delicious lunches were followed by visits to Seneca Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor, 3-on-3, 2-on-2 and 1-on1 tournaments. After dinner, all MVP players went to the shul for Mincha and Maariv. Following the night league games, individual skills contests took place, including Hot Shot, 3-point, Foul Shoot, Knockout and 5-3-1. Barbeques at the canteen gave all the MVP players the opportunity to interact and meet up with each other. The much anticipated MVP staff game featuring the coaches/counselors against the pro staff lived up to its hype. The many game highlights included impressive dunks and eye opening alley-oops as the crowd “oohed and ahhed” as they cheered on their favorites.
On the final day of MVP 2023, championship games for each division were played, followed by lunch and the MVP annual closing awards ceremony, where trophies and medals were distributed to the champions from all the many competitions. Every camper was excited to receive an MVP kippah and is already looking forward to MVP 2024.
In reviewing this year’s MVP experience, Co-Director Judah Rhine stated, “This was by far our most rewarding season ever. MVP Boys gave every camper an opportunity to play basketball and a chance to make new friends and experience being away in camp in a beautiful setting. For many campers, this was their first time at a sleep away camp. Everyone was able to step up their game so there is certainly something here for everyone. Every camper is truly an MVP.”
This year’s MVP Girls camp featured two programs, MVP Basketball and MVP Majors. MVP Girls Basketball featured campers with all levels of playing ability from grades three through nine. MVP was fortunate to have Jill Brown, coach at NSHA, as director of girls basketball on hand to give daily clinics to all divisions, including a special early bird basketball session for those early risers who wanted extra instruction. The players played many league games and competitions which were intense and exciting. Each MVP basketball player received a reversible MVP basketball jersey.
MVP Majors was a new and fantastic addition to the MVP Girls program. The Majors campers rotated each day amongst dance, baking and art classes led by talented instructors. The campers learned and practiced dance routines and received individualized attention in their sessions. Dance culminated in a recital on the last night of camp, showcasing all they learned. The baking program taught different skills and techniques with the bakers baking delicious creations including a variety of cookies, challahs, brownies and more. In the arts and crafts program, the campers made a variety of unique projects such as challah covers, personal journals, picture frames, etc., that they were able to take home. Every camper in Majors received a special T-shirt with the camp logo.
Each day at MVP Girls was filled with a jam packed schedule starting with Davening, followed by a delicious breakfast. In addition to the basketball and Majors activities, the girls swam in the pool and enjoyed lake activities and visited Sprinkles Ice Cream parlor to chill out. Special night activities included “MVP’s Got Talent” where individual campers and groups showed off their amazing talents performing in front of all of girls’ campus. This program was truly one of the highlights of the week which the campers look forward to every year. The girls also enjoyed the famous MVP BBQs on the deck of the canteen, giving all the girls across all the divisions the opportunity to interact and meet and socialize with each other. A great addition for 2023 were the bunk songs that each bunk wrote and performed. At the awards ceremonies, both Basketball trophies and Majors medals were distributed. Every girl received an MVP cinch sack. The girls are already looking forward to and talking about MVP 2024.
In reviewing this year’s MVP Girls experience, Co-Director Carol Rhine stated, “This was by far our biggest season ever. In addition to the different activities across the divisions, MVP Girls provides an opportunity to make new friends and experience being away in camp. Every camper can be an MVP.”
For more information on MVP 2024 please email [email protected] or [email protected].
