This summer, children across Long Island & Queens will not only immerse themselves in arts, music and chinuch, they’ll be playing a wide range of sports, sharpening their skills, and developing a healthy sense of competition on the field.
At Moshava Ba’ir Long Island, a Bnei Akiva day camp, variety is the name of the game, with plenty of physical activities and sports on offer. From the softball field to gaga pit, campers have their pick. A recently implemented ‘Ninja Warrior’ obstacle course tests stamina, while basketball, football, and hockey hone technical skills and develop teamwork.
Malka Fleishmann, the Director of Moshava Ba’ir Long Island, understands the importance of a good sports program. “Sports- and Color War, in particular - capture the educational power of camp’s dynamism. Classrooms don’t always allow children to explore the responsibilities inherent in teamwork and the full range of their talents, but camp affords them the opportunity to strengthen their commitment to community and find their voices and unique gifts across a multitude of creative and athletic offerings.”
This appreciation for the importance of sports led to the second-time appointment of Rabbi Mordechai Harris as Moshava Ba’ir Sports Director. A lifelong sports lover who coaches middle school and high school hockey at HANC alongside his role as a teacher and rebbe, Rabbi Harris relishes the opportunity to create a sports curriculum that benefits every age group.
“League” sports are competitive, while others, like kickball and softball, are non-competitive. Campers play both each day. While counselors coach competitive games, they play alongside the campers during non-competitive sports.
A sporting program tailored to developmental stage and ability
The program isn’t designed to be one-size-fits-all. Younger children have a curriculum designed to promote sports exploration and skill-building, like learning to kick a ball into a goal or pass to a teammate. In five-to-seven-minute micro-games, they also get a slice of fun competition. Older campers learn more advanced skills and play longer games. With standings calculated and statistics updated in real-time, parents can check in daily to see how their kids are performing. Regardless of age, students are exposed to a variety of sports, allowing them to grow their skills in multiple areas.
Every child is encouraged to become an athlete to the best of his or her ability. Impressive trophies are displayed from the very first day of camp, giving kids a visible goal. Ultimately, all campers are recognized and appreciated for their contributions, with trophies for MVP, best athlete, most improved, and more.“When the kids work hard and see improvements, they feel good,” said Rabbi Harris.Developing a connection to Israel on and off the sports field
At Moshava Ba’ir, every program is an opportunity to learn about Israel. In 2023, the “Chavaya Yisraeli” (Israeli experience) activity, run by a former Israeli soldier in uniform, was a camp highlight. Also last year, each sports league was named after a different Israeli army brigade. In 2024, Moshava Ba’ir looks forward to once again welcoming a contingent of Israeli staff.
“Our Israeli staff is a big part of the heart and soul of our camp,” explains Malka. “Because of Israel’s collectivist culture, they are naturally imbued with so many of Bnei Akiva’s values.”
Rabbi Harris agrees that the staff is one of the camp’s great differentiators. The staff dedicates themselves not only to developing athletic strengths in campers, but also to sports’ soft skills like learning and practicing middot. The staff serves as role models, demonstrating how to play appropriately, interact with teammates, and be kind and purposeful both on and off the field.
“Camp is a dynamic place and within that dynamism, I want our campers to locate their voices, talents, and abilities,” says Malka. “Athletics are a big part of that, and help our campers learn good sportsmanship, how to be a teammate, and the importance of being part of something larger than yourself.”
