MVP, the premier Jewish Orthodox girls basketball camp at Camp Seneca Lake, under the direction of Irv Bader and Judah Rhine, celebrated its seventh consecutive successful season. MVP players were divided into Junior Varsity and Varsity divisions. Eight teams participated and more than 50 games were played over the course of the four day camp. The games were competitive and exciting with many last minute buzzer-beater endings. In reviewing this year’s MVP experience, co-director Judah Rhine stated, “This was truly a special experience. There is something here for everyone. Every camper is…an MVP.”
This year’s MVP featured players with all levels of playing ability. Players from grades 5 thru 12, representing many schools throughout the tri-state area participated including: Barkai, Bruriah, Moriah, Frisch, HAFTR, Hillel, Maayanot, North Shore Hebrew Academy, SAR, Kushner, Magen David, Yeshivah of Flatbush and others. Campers traveled from as far away as Maimonides in Boston to join MVP. Some of the counselor/coaches were former MVP Players and were able to share their experiences with this year’s MVP players. Resident staff included Barry Neuberger, Associate Athletic Director at Columbia University.
Upon arrival, each MVP Player received a reversible MVP Jersey featuring the MVP logo. Each day at MVP was filled with a jam-packed schedule. The day began with shacharis and breakfast, followed by a series of activities including: conditioning, clinics, swim (featuring the giant slide), league games, after-lunch visits to Seneca Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor, 3-on-3 and 2-on-2 competitions and night games.
On Thursday night the MVP barbecue gave players across all the divisions the opportunity to socialize. Special events that took place included the annual Spectacular MVP Challenge Endurance Competition.
This year featured a special Shabbos of inspirational davening and delicious meals, and the opportunity for everyone to relax and rest up from the activities of the week. Shabbos morning featured a walking tour of Camp Seneca Lake by owner and co-director Irv Bader and a talk by MVP co-director Judah Rhine about the role of sports in the life of a Jewish athlete. After the conclusion of Shabbos, the girls enjoyed games, tournaments and roasting marshmallows around a fire pit.
Championship games and annual closing award ceremonies took place on the final day of MVP 2015. Over 50 trophies were distributed, including MVP awards. Once the bus was boarded everyone was already looking forward to MVP 2016.
MVP has already started planning for next summer. Check www.senecalake.com for information or contact Judah Rhine at [email protected] or Irv Bader at [email protected].
