Girls Travel Camp Marks 10 Summers in South Africa
Travel Camp South Africa marked its tenth summer with a month of travel, adventure, learning and Chassidishkeit for Chabad teenage girls across South Africa. Full Story, Photos August 18, 2026 – 5 Elul. . .
Travel Camp South Africa marked its tenth summer with a month of travel, adventure, learning and Chassidishkeit for Chabad teenage girls across South Africa. Full Story, PhotosAugust 18, 2026 – 5 Elul 5786Travel Camp South Africa marked its tenth summer with a month of travel, adventure, learning and Chassidishkeit for Chabad teenage girls across South Africa. Full Story, PhotosTravel Camp South Africa (TCSA) has concluded its tenth summer, marking a decade of giving teenage girls a month of adventure, Chassidishkeit, inspiration and personal growth across South Africa. Over the course of the month, campers traveled from Johannesburg to the Garden Route, Cape Town and Kruger National Park, experiencing some of the country’s best-known destinations. The itinerary included surfing, rafting, ziplining, sandboarding, quad biking, horseback riding, speedboating, hiking and treetop activities. Campers climbed Cape Town’s iconic Lion’s Head, explored coastlines and mountain scenery, encountered South Africa’s wildlife and visited local markets and communities. TCSA is directed by RabbiPiniandRochie Pink, with Operational ManagerSheina Paltieland Head StaffShternie LevinandMenucha Liberow. Counselors this summer wereMushka Pink,Chana Sudak,Menuchie YerushalmiandRochel Wenger. Alongside the extensive travel and activities, TCSA maintained a strong focus on Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit throughout the program. Regardless of the day’s itinerary, learning and davening remained a priority. Campers connected daily with their Chitas buddies, maintaining their commitment despite changing cities, early departures and packed schedules. Daily learning classes gave the girls an opportunity to explore meaningful ideas, ask questions and discuss how the lessons applied to their own lives. The month also included farbrengens and meetings with Shluchim along the route. In Cape Town, campers heard from RabbiOshyand Mrs. Zeesy Deren, Shluchim at Chabad of the West Coast, who shared lessons and experiences from their lives on Shlichus. Farbrengens with Mrs. Pink focused on helping the girls recognize their individual strengths and consider how the inspiration and growth experienced during camp could continue after they returned home. Traveling through South Africa also exposed campers to people and communities from backgrounds different from their own. The encounters offered the girls a broader perspective on the lives of others and encouraged gratitude, sensitivity and awareness of the brochos in their own lives. Individual growth was emphasized throughout the summer, whether through taking on a new hachlatah, becoming more consistent with Chitas, participating in discussions, developing meaningful friendships or pushing through a physically challenging activity. Campers were also recognized for their daily efforts. Girls who demonstrated particular care with tznius, punctuality and Chitas, along with consistently positive behavior, attitude and respect for others, were rewarded with a helicopter ride over Johannesburg at sunset. “TCSA is the greatest privilege to direct because it is truly the Rebbe’s camp,” said Mrs. Pink. “Of course, we want the girls to have the most incredible month of their lives. We want them to experience adventures they never imagined and laugh until they cannot breathe. But more than anything, we want each girl to leave knowing that she matters, that her neshama is precious and that she has the ability to live with greater purpose, confidence and connection. ”This summer’s tenth-year milestone also provided an opportunity to look back on a decade of TCSA and the campers who have participated from various schools and communities. Organizers say that the friendships, hachlatos and experiences formed during the program often continue long after the campers return home. As the tenth summer came to a close, campers returned home with memories of South Africa’s mountains, oceans, wildlife, and adventures, along with new friendships, a greater appreciation for their brochos, and a strengthened connection to Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit.