As 120 campers, 100 staff members and their families prepared to usher in Shabbat at Camp Chaverim of Yachad in Swan Lake, N.Y., on Aug. 14, 2024, a sudden fire broke out, engulfing the camp’s synagogue (beit midrash) in flames. The blaze, caused by an electrical malfunction, destroyed the entire building, including more than 200 pairs of tefillin and countless holy books. Miraculously, no one was injured, and the Sefer Torah was not inside at the time.
While the destruction was heart-wrenching and traumatic, the fact that it occurred at a camp for boys with special needs only intensified the emotional toll. Nevertheless, says Camp Chaverim of Yachad founder and co-program director Rabbi Yosi Wadler, calm prevailed amid the chaos, thanks to emergency preparation and a leadership approach prioritizing clear communication and defined responsibilities.
“Years of building trust between leadership, staff and campers created an environment where emergency directions were followed without hesitation, allowing for quick evacuation and trauma mitigation,” says Wadler. “The team’s focus on support and thoughtful adjustments during recovery demonstrated how strong relationships and well-practiced protocols provide the foundation for effective crisis response.”
Wadler, fellow program director Rabbi Reuven Kamin and assistant program director Rabbi Moshe Katz recently shared these and other lessons from the disaster with approximately 175 supervisory staff, clinical supervisors, and Yachad Fellows from North America and Israel at the recent Yachad Summer Program Directors’ Conference, held at the Hilton Stamford Hotel in Connecticut.
“Yachad Summer is the largest provider of Jewish camping opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” says its director, Dr. Joe Goldfarb. “Our programs are designed to reflect a range of hashkafot (‘philosophies’), and we offer both co-ed and single-gender options to meet participants’ diverse needs. Unlike other camps based at a single location, this spans a wide geographic range, maximizing its impact on Jewish communities worldwide.”
Goldfarb emphasizes that the three days of chizuk (“inspiration”) and professional growth are crucial for strengthening team connections and fostering collaboration ahead of the summer.
“Coming together as one unified team reminds everyone that they’re not working alone,” he says. It underscores the power of our collective efforts and the unique value each individual brings.”
Avromie Adler, Yachad international director, adds that conference participants share emerging trends and best practices for supporting individuals with disabilities.
“Leaders with decades of experience come together with those just starting out; peer-to-peer learning is a key part of the weekend,” he says. “Many of our participants are clinical and educational professionals during the year, generously sharing their expertise. This weekend helps Yachad Summer team members to strike the right balance between preserving the beloved ‘camp ethos’ of fun, growth, learning and Jewish identity, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.”
‘We’re part of a network’
In her role as Yachad program director at Camp Moshava I.O. (Indian Orchard), Yoyo Ettinger oversees some 30 staff members each summer. This was her eighth conference, and she views each as a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow leaders from across the network.
“One of the main highlights is feeling part of a broader team of people who are passionate about the work we do,” she says. “Each program operates independently, but we’re part of a network. Coming together and collaborating helps me to better prepare for the summer.”
Professional development was further enriched by scholar-in-residence, Perry Binet, director of Camp Migdal for children with disabilities, and vocational director and curriculum advisor at The Yaldeinu School for children with autism in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Her presentation impacted Yachad Brooklyn city director Avi Kirshtein, who oversees a team of about 10 staff members annually and engages with more than 100 Yachad participants. Each summer, as program director for Yachad Birthright, Kirshtein and his staff of 12 accompany about 25 participants on a life-changing journey to Israel.
“Perry’s discussion truly resonated with me,” he says. “Her central message was that every person matters deeply, and the very fact that someone exists is proof that Hashem sees them as essential to the world. That perspective gave me a renewed appreciation not only for the individuals we serve, but for every person I encounter. It was a beautiful and grounding reminder of the sacredness of our work.”
He was equally touched by the Camp Chaverim program directors’ presentation on navigating the fire that destroyed their shul. “Their ability to stay calm, prioritize safety and lead with clarity and compassion in such a high-stress situation was truly inspiring, and offered powerful lessons in leadership under pressure.”
Ettinger agrees. “Staff continue to lead by example, showing that staying calm, being kind and having emunah (‘faith’) can help you through any situation,” she says. “They embody strong communication and the ability to learn from every challenge and experience.”
Conference participants also included 54 Yachad Fellows—high school juniors selected for an educational program pairing CIT (counselor-in-training) work at Yachad camps with extensive leadership training.
“Although our Fellows participate in separate programming, everyone comes together on Shabbat,” says Goldfarb. “This gives our students opportunities to learn from the dedication and sincerity of Yachad’s leaders, whom we hope they will strive to emulate.”
High school junior Jesse Ives-Kurtzer was inspired to grow as a Fellow after participating last summer in Yad B’Yad—his first such program and one of the most impactful experiences of his life, he says.
“The inclusive nature of the program was really special,” he explains. “Being an extrovert, I love connecting with others, and Yachad is an organization where I feel I could make a difference by helping to create that inclusive environment for others.”
He says he was especially moved by a panel of relatives of Yachad participants, who offered insight into the experience of having a family member with special needs.
“It made me realize just how meaningful my job is this summer, and it gave me even more chizuk to keep going,” states Ives-Kurtzer, who will be working at Camp Moshava I.O. “One of the panelists said something that stuck with me: ‘To you, the person you’re working with is your camper this summer, but to us, they’re someone’s entire world—someone we wouldn’t change or trade for anything.’
“That totally shifted my perspective and gave me a new level of motivation. I’m so excited for the summer and am looking forward to all the fun and experiences it will bring!”
For more information, contact: Dr. Joe Goldfarb, director, Yachad Summer, 212-613-8368, goldfarbj@ou.org.