What Makes Camp Gan Israel so Special?

There are lots of camps with exciting trips, swimming, sports, and fun activities.

So what makes Camp Gan Israel @ The Shul different?

After years of watching hundreds of children walk through our doors each summer, we've realized it's not the trips that leave the biggest impression. It's the smiles, the friendships, the counselors who become role models, the Jewish pride, and the feeling that every child truly belongs.

That's what families remember long after summer is over.

🎥Hear It From Our Campers

Don't just take our word for it...

Watch this short video of campers sharing what they love most about Camp Gan Israel.

☀️ The Fun Starts Right Away

Imagine your child walking into camp and choosing how to start the day.

Will it be the giant slide? Dancing to Jewish music? Shooting hoops? Giant games? Crafts? Scooters? Or making a new friend before camp has even officially begun?

At CGI, there is no waiting around. From the moment campers arrive, camp is already in full swing.

🎉 Every Day Starts with Camp Spirit

Before the day's adventures begin, the entire camp gathers together for songs, cheers, laughter, and lots of energy. Every bunk has its own spirit, and it's amazing to watch returning campers welcome new friends into the excitement.

It's one of those moments where strangers quickly become part of the camp family.

❤️ Counselors Who Become Role Models

One of the things parents tell us they appreciate most is our counselors.

Each summer we carefully hand-pick exceptional counselors from around the world—not simply because they're fun, but because they're warm, caring role models who genuinely love children.

They devote their entire summer to creating meaningful relationships with every camper, and those friendships often continue long after camp is over.

For many campers, their counselor becomes one of the people they'll remember most about the summer.

To better support both campers and staff, we've also expanded our camp leadership team this summer, allowing for even greater supervision, organization, and personal attention throughout each day.

✡️ Jewish Values That Come to Life

At CGI, Jewish values aren't taught from a textbook—they're lived.

Through interactive games, music, stories, songs, and hands-on experiences, campers discover the beauty of Judaism in a way that is joyful, engaging, and meaningful.

Our goal is for every camper to leave not only with amazing memories, but also with a stronger connection to their Jewish heritage and pride in who they are.

🌎 Did you know?

For 70 years, Camp Gan Israel has been one of the most trusted names in Jewish camping. Founded by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, today Camp Gan Israel has grown into the world's largest network of Jewish camps, bringing joyful Jewish experiences to approximately 200,000 children each summer in hundreds of communities across six continents. We're proud that Camp Gan Israel @ The Shul is part of this global family, bringing the same spirit of fun, safety, and meaningful Jewish experiences to children here in our own community.

🌊 Every Day Brings Something New

No two days at CGI are ever the same.

One day campers may come dressed in their craziest hats. Another day everything is turned Upside Down! They'll splash through Water Day, celebrate Birthday Day with themed games and treats, show off their silliest socks, enjoy creative electives, cool off in our beautiful swimming pool, head out on exciting trips, and take part in spirited camp-wide games and challenges.

Imagine hearing all about the day's adventures around the dinner table—and seeing your child already excited for tomorrow.

🤝 Friendships That Last Beyond the Summer

One of the most beautiful parts of Camp Gan Israel is our incredible mix of campers. Children from public schools, Jewish day schools, Hebrew schools, Israeli families, and every level of Jewish background come together as one camp family.

By the end of camp, those differences fade away.

They're simply friends.

Year after year, we watch friendships begin at camp and continue through playdates, Kids Shul, Hebrew School, and beyond.

💙 A Camp Community

Camp isn't just 9:30–3:30.

Throughout the summer, counselors visit campers at home through our beloved Goodnight Gan Izzy program, families come together for special events like Pre-Shabbat Palooza and our Community Camp BBQ & Performance. And with our upcoming JEMS Gan Izzy Club the camp spirit will continue throughout the year!

We're not just creating an amazing three weeks—we're building a community that lasts all year.

🛡️ Fun... and Peace of Mind

As much as we're focused on creating an unforgettable summer, we're equally committed to creating a safe one.

The safety and security of our campers is something we continually evaluate. We regularly review our procedures and make improvements whenever appropriate to help ensure Camp Gan Israel remains a safe and secure environment for every child.

One example of this is new for this summer: Camp Gan Israel will have a full-time armed security guard on site throughout the camp day, providing an added layer of security for our campers and staff.

And, as always, swimming safety is one of our highest priorities. Every camper is swim-tested by our certified lifeguards before entering the pool and receives a color-coded swim cap based on their swimming ability, clearly indicating where they may swim. Certified lifeguards, trained counselors, and a camp director actively supervise every swim session, so parents can have peace of mind while their children enjoy one of the highlights of the summer.

⏰ Registration Closes This Monday – July 27

Camp begins August 3, and we're now finalizing camp groups, staffing, buses, camp shirts, and trip reservations.

If cost has been holding you back, thanks to our Camp Scholarship Fund, need-based scholarships of up to 50% are still available for qualifying Jewish families. We'd love to help make camp possible for your family.

Register for Camp now!

We can't wait to welcome your family for another unforgettable summer!