Highlight of CGI Parksville’s BMX Show Wasn’t the Stunts
Campers at Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, New York, expecting high-flying BMX stunts instead witnessed a different highlight, as one of the show’s performers put on tefillin for the very first time.
by COLlive Reporter · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
Photos: Eliyohu Golomb/CGI NY
The first week of Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, New York, is already off to an unforgettable start this week.
As campers settled into their bunks, met their counselors, learning staff and new friends, they quickly immersed themselves in the camp routine of davening, learning, sports, and activities.
But on just their second day, they were treated to a surprise BMX stunt show that took an unexpected and inspiring turn.
The performance was presented by Northern Air BMX of Albany, featuring three professional riders, all of whom shared Jewish roots tracing back to Russia.
During the visit, camp staff learned that the youngest member of the team had never put on tefillin in his life.
The show came to a pause as staff brought out a pair of tefillin and helped the rider perform the mitzvah for the very first time.
Campers erupted in song and dancing, transforming the BMX performance into an impromptu bar mitzvah celebration that became the highlight of the day.
The memorable moment became one of many special events happening this summer as Camp Gan Israel celebrates 70 years since its founding by the Rebbe as the world’s first Chabad overnight summer camp for boys.
What began as an exciting display of daring stunts ended with a different kind of achievement, one that campers are likely to remember long after the ramps were packed away.
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