A Camp HASC Experience: Boris Sachakov

Boris Sachakov has a lot to say about accepting everyone. Born in 1988 in Tashkent, Boris moved to Queens at the age of three where he attended wonderful special ed programs at local schools, but he really found a home at Camp HASC, a camp in the Catskills for children and adults with specialized needs. What makes HASC so special? As Boris says, “Some Jews can be judgmental – but we don’t have any of that in HASC. We have people who practice Judaism in all sorts of different ways, but we are all proud of who we are and don’t judge anyone else. Like the Rabbis said, ‘Never be ashamed to be a proud Jew.’ And nowhere is that more true than at Camp HASC.

At Camp HASC, activities play a central role in fostering a sense of community. Boris enjoys baking, not only for the joy of creating but also because he can eat and share what he bakes. Calisthenics is another favorite activity, because of the great music and the way that it’s adapted to fit both the Jewish character of camp and the physical disabilities of the campers. Everyone is included.

Music in all forms is central to Camp HASC. Boris loved the live performances of artists like Uncle Moishy and Nissim Black. The latter, a convert to Judaism, holds a special place in Boris’s heart. “Nissim Black had such a fun concert and he chose the Jewsh faith. It’s inspiring to see someone so committed to our community.” Music also shows up in prayer. “I really love the chazan during davening. Music and singing are a big part of my life,” Boris says. His only complaint? “I would love a Bukharian singer to come and share our music. “

Boris highlights the quality of medical and therapeutic care and support provided, including physical therapy services. “I get PT in a special room—walking on a treadmill, climbing stairs, stretching, and even riding a bike.”

Camp HASC is not just about activities; it's about the people and the personal connections. “My counselor Yehuda Fromm is great—he’s really fun and listens to me. I want to thank all my counselors for everything. The counselors here take care of the  campers with so much love, as if they were their own children.” The love extends to head staff. For Boris’s birthday, “the division head announced it in the dining room, and everyone sang to me. It was a great experience.”

In fact, that just about sums up what Boris thinks about Camp HASC. With attention to the needs of every camper, staff members who share love and create a fun environment – it’s just a “great experience”.

Boris loves all forms of art. In addition to singing, he also loves to express his emotions in poetry.

He expresses his desire for peace in the following poem:

Dear Friends,

Let's stop with the violence

Let's stop with the hate

To learn to love each other is never too late

And if we choose love over hate

It will truly make life really great.

Life is just too short.

And if we stop with the violence and hate

It'll be a very easy sport.

So let's try to live with the willingness,

Try not only to take but to give.