This past summer we have heard from many parents in our community how pleased they were with Be’er Hagolah Day Camp and their children’s experiences. We reached out to the new program directors, Tzirel Solof and Mazal Rubinov, to hear and share what their summer program is all about.
We know that Be’er Hagolah’s mission is to insure that every child has a Jewish education. Yet that is for just 10 months of the year. What happens in the two summer months? Be’er Hagolah has not let that fall through the cracks.
There are so many summer programs, what makes Be’er Hagolah’s program special and unique?
Mazal: There are really so many things that make our summer program a cut above the rest. But the underlying theme that runs through everything we do and invest in the program runs along the same theme of Be’er Hagolah’s school – we want to provide a productive, growing summer to all Jewish children.
Wow, that sounds amazing. Can you be more specific?
Mazal: We will take any Jewish child K-2 boys and K-6 girls into the program no matter which school he or she has attended in the past. For some of the children the summer experience we provide them with is their only Jewish experience they have all year. Be’er Hagolah has also streamlined their fee to be more affordable for parents.
Does that mean that the children are getting less in this day camp than in any other day camp?
Tzirel: No way! If anything, they are getting a whole lot more! We take our children to a state-of-the-art outdoor pool, we go on fantastic, age-appropriate trips, and we bring special activities to the premises, like magicians and vantriliquists. We have special creative activities every day! And to top it off, we have fun, loving, warm, caring counselors who insure that every child has a happy, safe, and invigorating summer.
We all know that finding counselors can be a very hard. How do you do it?
Tzirel: It most definitely is not easy. I am very selective and I make sure that I meet every counselor before I hire her. We have certain expectations, as we want our counselors to be great counselors for our campers and to also be great role models!
Mazal: Please understand that to our campers, Be’er Hagolah day camp is a home away from home. And that can only be cultivated because of the caring dedicated staff that makes sure they get to know every camper on an individual level. This doesn’t just happen; it comes with a lot of care and devotion!
Okay, so you have a great staff and a great program, but what about the facilities? Where are you located? What kind of accommodations do you have for the campers?
Mazal: We are located in Be’er Hagolah’s state-of-the-art building at 671 Louisiana Ave. in Brooklyn, which is the first exit off the Belt Parkway. The building is magnificent and impeccable. We have a tremendous indoor gym, an outdoor playground, an auditorium with a stage and spacious bunk rooms. For our younger bunks we have classrooms that are designed with the young child in mind, with restrooms right off the classroom and age appropriate toys and furniture.
What about food? Do the children need to bring their own lunches?
Tzirel: We provide a healthy breakfast and hot lunch. In addition, we provide a mid-day snack. We are also very careful to make sure that the children are well hydrated at all times.
Where do the campers come from and how do the campers get to and from BHI every day?
Mazal: Our campers and staff for that matter are from different areas of Brooklyn and Queens. Be’er Hagolah provides free transportation from those areas. Our buses are air-conditioned and we have added new buses to keep the routes shorter.
Your summer program really does sound like a great place for Jewish children to spend their summer months. Is there any other message you would like to share?
Mazal: Due to our desire to maintain an exceptional summer program, we are only open for a limited amount of children. Our summer program is a smaller, more exclusive and focused camp catering specifically to younger children. Registration is still open so please make sure you call quickly before there is no room left!
Tzirel: Let’s put it this way: If you want your child to have an inspiring, growing summer, where safety is the #1 priority, and you want your child to go back to school feeling invigorated and refreshed all for an affordable price then you want your child to be in Be’er Hagolah’s summer program!
An Interview With Be’er Hagolah Day Camp
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