Camp FAQs

Must campers wear a Camp T-shirt every day?
 How does my child find a lost item?
How do I arrange to pick up my child during the Camp day?
 What if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity?
 How religious is Camp Gan Israel?
 Can my child bring a precious item to camp?
 What does my child need to bring each day?
 How often does my child drink water at Summer Program each day?
 How can I speak with my child's counselor?
 How can I speak with the Summer Program Director?
Are we obligated to give a tip or gift to our child's counselor?
 How can I become more involved with Summer Gan Israel?

Must campers wear a Camp T-shirt every day?
We require that all campers wear a Summer Program Israel T-shirt on trip days. Each camper will receive a complimentary Summer Program t-shirt on the first day of Summer Program. While on trips, Summer Program shirts distinguish our campers and staff from other visitors. Additional Summer Program shirts and Summer Program caps are available for purchase at the Summer Program office for $5 each.

How does my child find a lost item?
Please mark all belongings with your camper's name and group. This is very important since shirts, backpacks, etc. may be identical to other campers and individual items are difficult to identify without a label. All items misplaced around the camp will be brought to the Summer Program office at the end of each day. In addition, the Junior Summer Program's classrooms will have a lost and found box in their rooms. If items are marked, they will be sorted and returned to the campers at the end of each week. Children who have lost items are encourage to come by the office to pick them up. Please contact us in writing or by phone regarding specific items. Items not clearly marked will be placed in our lost and found and will be the responsibility of the parents to claim before the last day of Summer Program.

How do I arrange to pick up my child during the Summer Program day?
If you have to pick up your child during the day, please notify our office. Once we are aware of your arrival time, we can arrange to have your child ready for you. Please note that no camper will be released to ANYONE without written permission.

What if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity?
No camper will be forced to participate in any activity. However, we do urge campers to try all activities and take advantage of the complete program offered at Gan Israel.

How religious is Gan Israel Summer Program?
Gan Israel is a totally non-judgemental environment made up of campers from all Jewish backgrounds. An individual's level of observance is not stressed. All children enjoy a shared Jewish spirit through songs, stories and arts.

Can my child bring a precious item to Summer Program?
We do not permit your child to bring jewelry, radios, expensive toys, cell phones etc. to camp. We can not take responsibility for precious items brought to Summer Program. Gan Israel supplies everything campers may need

What does my child need to bring each day?
At the start of Summer Program, every camper must bring at least one change of clothes, which will remain in his/her camp cubby all summer, in case they are needed. Campers only need a bathing suit, and swim shoes each day, regardless of the weather. Towel service is provided for your convenience. In order to ensure maximum safety for your child, please ensure that he/she has proper footwear (i.e. sneakers) in order to participate in all the sports and activities the Summer Program will be offering. We supply all sports and safety equipment such as tennis racquets, baseball mitts, riding helmets, etc. Please apply sunscreen at home, but also send sunscreen with your child, so that it can be reapplied when necessary.

How often does my child drink water at Summer Program each day?
Every camper will be provided with a water bottle. It is the campers' responsibility to bring the bottle each day filled with water. They will be instructed to drink every hour. Bottles will be refilled as needed throughout the day.

How can I speak with my child's counselor?
A call to the Summer Program office will answer most questions. Since counselors are constantly supervising groups and activities, messages will be taken at the camp office. Please leave your name and evening phone number and the counselor will return your call as soon as possible.

How can I speak with the Camp Director?
The director is available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns, during the Summer Program day at the Summer Program office or via e-mail

. During the off season, the office is open Monday-Thursday, from 9:00am - 5 pm. Please feel free to call during these times or leave a message at the camp office any time!

Are we obligated to give a tip or gift to our child's counselor?
Tips or gifts are appreciated. If you wish to do so, here is a general guideline: $20-$25 for a junior counselor and $30-$40 for a counselor.

How can I become more involved with Gan Israel?
Join our newly formed 'Parent Committee' and offer more input and suggestion for next summer. You will also be able to get involved in the programs that we have throughout the year, which may include open houses, Summer Program reunions, trips and fundraisers. Please e-mail Summer Program director Chanie Kramer to get involved. We'd love to have you join us!