On behalf of the staff, campers, administration and parents of Camp Chaverim, we extend our deepest gratitude. Camp Chaverim, a sleepaway camp for boys with special needs in Swan Lake, NY, shares some facilities with Camp Maaminim. 

As you may know, on the afternoon of July 19, just before our campers went to Shul (Synagogue) for Shabbos, a fire broke out and engulfed the entire Camp Chaverim of Yachad Shul building. We are profoundly thankful that no one was inside at the time.

We want to express our deep-felt appreciation for the first responders who came and battled the blaze. Some were friends whom we recognized from our years at Camp Chaverim, and most were strangers, but all were dedicated to containing the fire and ensuring the safety of our campers and staff. 

It took herculean efforts on behalf of firefighters from multiple neighboring areas. We would like to specifically acknowledge the fire departments from Kauneonga Lake (especially for being first on scene), White Lake, Smallwood/Mongaup Valley, Swan Lake, White Sulpher, Youngsville, Jeffersonville, Lake Huntington and Liberty who came, and the fire departments of Monticello, Rock Hill and Woodridge who were on standby and staged in the neighborhood to cover other calls if necessary.

Once the fire was under control, the firefighters were friendly to our campers and extremely helpful in retrieving whatever religious articles (Shaimos) they could. Members of Hatzalah also arrived from nearby areas, offering their assistance even though they hadn’t been called. Thankfully, no one was injured.

We are also deeply appreciative of the SHMA Camps Maintenance team, who worked around the clock to ensure we had water and that the site was safe. They have been invaluable in helping us plan and set up all the necessary contingencies after the loss of our Shul and its contents. 

Finally, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the Jewish community at large. Your generosity in helping our boys replace tefillin and personal belongings and providing essential physical and emotional support has been truly heartwarming. 

Thank you, all!! We would not be where we are today without you!!

Yosi Wadler
Reuven Kamin
Swan Lake, NY