Chitas For Kids: Tisha B’Av Camp For Kids

Why are so many kids looking forward to Tisha B’Av?

Tisha B’Av is always a challenge for parents, who are often using most of their energy to get through the fast and have trouble finding productive (let alone Tisha B’Av appropriate) activities for their children.

Nine years ago, Rabbi Mendel & Nechama Dina Hecht, directors of Chitas for Kids, decided to make an online 4-hour camp to keep kids busy and learning on Tisha B’Av.

From its humble beginnings in a virtual classroom generously provided by the Shluchim Office, the online interactive Tisha B’Av Camp is something that hundreds of kids enjoy each year.

Though the camp is geared primarily to kids ages 5-10, even teenagers have been known to participate — certainly an improvement over board games or wasting time!

The educational value of the program is constantly increasing. Today Tisha B’Av Camp includes a rally with Torah, Tefillah and Tzedakah, the daily Chitas, Mincha, and a live siyum.

The emcee of Tisha B’Av Camp, a yellow duck puppet named Katchkel, leads campers on a 4-hour journey through the history, halachos, minhagim, and lessons of Tisha B’Av — with a special emphasis on bringing the Geulah!

Tisha B’Av Camp is free and open to all. It takes place on Tisha B’Av afternoon, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm EST. To receive email updates and login information, fill in your name at KidsChitas.org/camp.