Camp Morris was established by the Rosh Hayeshiva, Harav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l, in 1946 in order to create a haven of Torah in the countryside; a place where bachurim could renew their כוחות in an idyllic setting while maintaining their growth in לימוד התורה. Over the years, Camp Morris has indeed fulfilled these expectations. In the pastoral setting of the Catskill Mountains, unfettered by the distractions of the city, a בחור can grow and develop new שאיפות; this is indeed an important step in their growth in לימוד התורה. In Camp Morris a young bachur can form long lasting relationships with older, more advanced bachurim thus having a tremendous impact on his development into a true בן תורה. Most importantly, the bachurim spend the summer in close proximity to the Rosh Hayeshiva, שליט”א, whose very presence has a tremendous impact o
Over the Years, Camp Morris has grown from a small nucleus of bachurim to a veritable עיר התורה in the mountains. Camp Morris is home to over four hundred bachurim of the Mesivta and Bais Medrash. In addition to our own Yeshiva, Yeshivat Ateret Torah, with it’s esteemed Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Yosef Harari Raful, also chooses to make its summer home in Camp Morris. The bachurim, Rebbeim and avreichim from Ateret Torah add their own unique voices to the קול התורה in the camp. In addition, we have the privilege of hosting a unique chaburah of mechanchim. This exceptional Kollel compromised of מרביצי תורה, תלמידי חכמים spend their summers learning in Camp Morris providing an inspiration to all. The Bais Medrash also draws countless yungerleit from all over the Catskills.
The palpable אחדות in the camp is truly a קידוש ה’. From the Bais Medrash to the bunkhouses to the dining room, our bachurim spend time together and are able to grow together as a ציבור. Beginning with the early morning השכמה סדרים to the late night learning, the קול התורה is never absent in camp.
The afternoon program is adapted to the needs of the bochurim to be productively occupying their bein hasdarim as they relax and rejuvenate for the coming year. Sport leagues, swimming and trips within the Torah atmosphere of Camp Morris, facilitate the strengthening of the body in order to undertake greater strides in רוחניות.
Some 15 years ago with the ever expanding Yeshiva and Mesivta , and the phenomenal growth in the sefardi community, the Yeshiva realized that Camp Morris must prepare to accommodate this growth. A new Bais Medrash was built, the Dining Room was expanded, and indoor gym was completed, and a new Bais Medrash was built for Yeshiva Ateret Torah. The dormitory facilities are continuously enhanced and expanded to accommodate the constant increasing enrollment over the past 15 years. Today, the camp is B”H at capacity, and we hope to continue to rise to the challenges of the future.
