Camp Shalom, a summer camp at the Turk Family Chabad Jewish Discovery Centre (CJDC) near Dundas St. W. and Mississauga Rd., runs through to Aug. 1. It features Jewish education and learning, music, yoga, art and other activities designed to titillate the minds and hearts of young participants, aged three to 10.
“This is the first Jewish day camp in Mississauga,” said Rabbi Yitzchok Slavin, CJDC co-director. “The emphasis this year is giving the children more information about Jewish holidays and traditions, specifically the idea that one good deed can change the world.”
Slavin said campers will enjoy a gamut of experiences, such as music and movement, crafts, sports, yoga and other activities, in the true spirit of Jewish tradition.
The idea for Camp Shalom came as a result of Jewish parents wanting to instill in their children a sense of identity.
“The families wanted their children to learn about the Jewish experience in a fun and exciting way,” Slavin said.
Slavin said Camp Shalom will cater to families in Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton and Milton.
Ellen Powell, an Oakville resident, said her two children attended Jewish summer camp last year and enjoyed it. She said the camp was a way of continuing her children's education over the summer holidays.
“It made learning about culture more fun and makes them embrace their Jewishness,” Powell said. “Last year, they baked Challah, a braided bread that families eat on Sabbath. And, so, instead of baking just cookies, my children baked the Challah and learned about some special rituals that go along with it; they don't take it too seriously...which is good.”
For more information, visit www.jewishmississauga.org.
rpanjwani@mississauga.net
