West Coast Teens ATV Trip

Sunday, August 15th, the Chabad Teens network – Cteen West Coast – in conjunction with Chabad Teens Network of Merkos, participated in its inaugural outing – an Atving trip at the Oceano Dunes in Pismo Beach, California.

Organized by rabbi Eli Baitelman of Chabad of Pacific Palisades and Rabbi Sholom Ber Rodal of Chabad of Mt Olympus, the event was a tremendous success.

More than 50 teen boys joined for a day of fun, excitement and meaningful Jewish experiences. Participating Chabad houses included Chabad of Brentwood led by Rabbi Ahereleh Teleshevsky and Rabbi Mendy Hecht, Chabad of Pacific Palisades led by Rabbi Eli Baitelman and Rabbi Shlomo Zaks, Chabad of Tijuana/Chula Vista, CA led by Rabbi Mendel Polichenco, Chabad of Mt Olympus led by Rabbi Sholom Ber and Rabbi Meir Rodal and Chabad of the Beach Cities/Redondo Beach led by Rabbi Dovid Lisbon. A number of parents joined the trip, as well as some of the Chabad Rebbitzins.

On their way north to the Central California Coast, the group stopped at Chabad of S. Barbara, CA led by Rabbi Loschak to daven and hear the Shofar blowing. They also watched some inspirational segments of the weekly living Torah videos of the Rebbe. Three boys put on tefillin for the first time during this trip.

Next, the group had lunch at the Dunes, and then each each teen got to ride their own Honda 250ex ATV for two hours in the massive dunes area led by guides who instructed them how to use and maneuver the machines.

Afterwards the boys enjoyed a barbeque dinner in a nearby park with delicious burgers and hot dogs, and also enjoyed some sports. After the barbeque everyone gathered in a circle and heard words of Jewish inspiration from the participating rabbis.

Each Chabad group also had a representative speak about what makes them proud to be a Jew and what they love about Chabad. Some parents were so overcome with emotion at the pride displayed by the teens, that they asked to speak as well and described their nachas and appreciation to Chabad for all their hard work and dedication to their communities, the teens and the Jewish people.

The evening was capped off with a grand dance, with all the participants’ hands on their friends’ shoulders.

The Cteen program will continue to expand, a paintball trip is planned for the fall and a white water rafting trip is planned for the spring.