What Three Shluchim Families Taught Us This Summer

The counselors of Camp Gan Israel TMR-VSL-DDO in Montreal, Canada, describe how the Shluchim’s personal care, encouragement and constant availability made them feel as valued as the campers they came to serve.

By the Counselors of Camp Gan Israel TMR-VSL-DDO

From the first moment we showed up, we knew we were wanted, needed, and would be cared for.

The Shluchim, Rabbi Moshe and Dina Krasnanski of Town of Mount Royal (TMR), Rabbi Schneur and Leah Silberstein of Ville Saint-Laurent (VSL), and Rabbi Leibel and Chana Fine of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO), welcomed us into their communities and their homes.

While working with them in camp, we were always taken care of. If we had a difficult time with a camper, they were always there. We could call or text day or night. These Shluchim really treated us right.

Our first Shabbos there, we told Rabbi Silberstein about a camper who was really hard to deal with. He responded, “Just give her love.”

That really stayed with us. The first thing he said was, “She must come from a place with not enough love, so it’s our job to fill that need.”

We were truly touched by how much he cares for each child in the camp.

The counselors are treated so well, too. A three-course dinner was brought to us every night, with the option to buy pizza if we didn’t like what was provided.

Trips were planned for us every week, but it’s not just the food and trips. It’s the love, too.

The Shluchim truly cared for us. They’d sit around the couch on Shabbos just to schmooze.

When a counselor was sick and couldn’t come to camp one day, Mrs. Krasnanski stopped by the house to make sure she was okay.

Mrs. Silberstein always made us feel like the queens of the world when she came, telling us we were doing great and giving us encouragement throughout the camp day.

And there’s nothing like learning the halachos of Eicha from Mrs. Fine, who really wanted to make sure we did everything right.

The attitude of the Shluchim was always so positive, and they treated us with so much respect.

The simple things were so important to us. Each day and each moment taught us so much. These lessons will stay with us for life.

To the Silbersteins, Krasnanskis, and Fines, we truly admire you.

Thank you so much for a wonderful summer experience!

May you never forget the impact you make on everyone you meet.

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