Dear Parents,

Welcome to Camp Gan Israel!

We’ve planned a fun-filled summer, a camp experience that your child will never forget.

Our dynamic staff has worked hard to ensure that your child will have a warm caring environment, creative and fun activities, exciting trips, and a whole lot more.

Our first and foremost priority is the safety of your child. Please read all the below material, as it contains important information about Camp Gan Israel. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions during the summer.

Best wishes for a healthy and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,
Rabbi Sholom & Nechama Diskin

What to Send to Camp

Please send the following to camp with your child daily.

  • Sunscreen SPF 30 or more is recommended (children should arrive to camp wearing sunscreen and we will reapply during the day)
  • Sunhat or baseball cap
  • Encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes
  • Swimsuit, water shoes and towel (water & beach days)
  • Camp T-Shirt on Trip & Beach Days
  • Lunch (if not purchasing from camp- see below…)
  • Tzedaka (money for charity) every day. A penny or two is fine – the point is to develop a daily habit of sharing. It also helps children associate money with giving and doing good!

Parents are asked to label everything: hats, towels, sunscreen etc. and not to send valuables to camp. 

Drop off and Pickup

Morning drop-off at camp will be from 8:55 – 9:10am, and pickup will be from 2:55 – 3:10pm. The camper drop-off and pick-up area are located at our Los Liones gate. Please safely park on Los Liones Dr. and walk your children to drop them off. You will sign them in through the Brightwheel app.  Campers may only be released to a parent or persons authorized to pick up the camper. Please advise the camp office or your child’s counselor of a different or new pickup person.

Health & Safety Guidelines

Below are some additional guidelines that we will be following this summer at Camp Gan Israel, please note that this list is not comprehensive and is subject to change as we get closer to camp. Please feel free to reach out to us with any specific questions or concerns about our plan.

  • Campers will be reminded to stay extra careful with handwashing, using sanitizer and other important hygienic guidelines at all times. 
  • Campers will be outdoors as much as possible with limited time spent indoors. All indoor areas will be well ventilated at all times.
  • Masks are not required for campers or staff. Any children whose parents would like them to wear a mask the entire time will be supported in doing so. Parents should communicate to the camp beforehand if that is their desire.
  • All campers should apply sunscreen at home. We will reapply sunscreen during the day.
  • Any camper or staff member who has experienced fever, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or other symptoms typical of Covid-19 will be asked to be tested, if that test is negative they can remain in camp. 
  • For our COVID Policy 2022 click here.

Lunch & Snack

We will provide two snacks a day consisting of fruit or veggies and/or starch (pretzels, crackers etc.). Lunch is available for purchase at $35/week. Please email nec@chabadpalisades.com if you would like to order lunch. Orders need to be in the Wednesday preceding the week. Alternatively, you can send not meat or not-meat-based lunch to camp. (Click here for lunch recommendations.) Water is available all day.

Specialties

This summer we will be offering a wide range of specialty activities some led by the camp staff and others lead by professional instructors. Sports, Art Program, Kids in the Kitchen, Special Friday Activities and more.

Water & Beach Days

Water fun days take place every Monday and Friday. We have two beach days this summer June 30th and July 28th. We will have additional specialty water days throughout the summer, so keep an eye out on our calendar and newsletters. Please send along a bathing suit, towel and water shoes on those days.

Trip Days

We are excited to bring back trips to Camp Gan Izzy! Please make sure that your child wears their camp T-shirt on all trip days. C.G.I. will provide transportation to and from all trips. The campers DO NOT need to bring any additional funds on any field trips. All trips are included in the camp fees.

Camp T-Shirts

Every child will receive one camp shirt on the first day of camp. Additional shirts are available for a $10.

Shabbat Program

At CGI, Shabbat is celebrated every Friday in a fun and exciting way! Every camper gets to braid and take home their very own Challah to share with their families. We have a Shabbat Party which includes songs, games and special treats. To end off the week, the entire Gan Izzy will enjoy a special Friday Activity or Show!

Good Night Gan Izzy Program

When the camp day just isn’t enough! Our dedicated staff are available on certain evenings for visiting their campers to enjoy a small activity or playtime. Your child may choose one night during the summer to have his/her counselor visit his/her home after camp. For twenty minutes, the counselors will read, sing, and play with your child in a completely relaxed, safe environment. This program is completely optional. Look out for a sign up sheet in the newsletter.

Electronics Policy

Camp Gan Israel does not allow cell phones or electronics at camp. We do not assume any responsibility for these items. A camper can get permission from his/her counselor to use the office phone if necessary.

Birthdays

We welcome the celebration of birthday parties in Camp Gan Izzy. Kindly let us know at least one week prior to your celebration so that you may be advised as to what items are acceptable for these occasions.

Newsletters

Our camp newsletter will be given out every Friday. It will include a detailed schedule for the upcoming week, tell about special events and trips, and will keep all family members up to date with their children’s activities.

Looking forward to a summer of fun with your children! If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.

Rabbi Sholom & Nechama Diskin
Camp Directors