(Courtesy of Camp Gan Israel) The Sherry Wilzig Izak Gan Israel Day Camp of Morristown, New Jersey, or Gan Izzy as it is affectionately called, has welcomed campers for over 45 years, to general acclaim and appreciation. The camp operates under the auspices of the Rabbinical College of America and Chabad International, whose stated goal is to make Judaism accessible for every Jewish child. The camp is based out of the spacious campus of the Rabbinical College of America, with ample space for its many varied programs, including swimming, sports, STEAM workshops and theme days.

“My daughter has attended Camp Gan Israel for the past three summers,” said Alicia Goldstein, mother of 10-year-old Samantha. “She absolutely loves it and begs me to enroll her again every year.”

“It’s really awesome!” corroborated Samantha. “When I get back to school and compare camp stories with all my friends, I’m always so happy I chose CGI. Lots of my friends go to specialized camps, like soccer camp or computer camp, but CGI has it all!”

The camp is directed by Rabbi Mendel and Chana Stiefel, who between them have over 30 years’ experience as campers, counselors and staff members of various divisions of Gan Israels all over the globe.

“My goal is to make every day of camp feel like an amazing adventure that the campers have never experienced before,” said Rabbi Stiefel. “Each day is unique, exciting, and packed full of fun.”

While the skeleton schedule includes regulars that kids look forward to, like daily swimming, sports and interactive immersion in Jewish topics and culture, there are many specialties sprinkled in that make every child eager to hop on the school bus to see what the day has in store. The camp takes trips to many local attractions, and even offers a full-day adventure to Dorney Park and an overnight for the older campers. The campers are offered electives where they can choose from an array of activities including professional soccer training, Lego robotics, music lessons and mad science activities.

Stiefel reports that he is already deep into planning for the upcoming summer of 2022. Priority one is finding staff and counselors who meet the high standards and qualifications.

“Our staff are energetic, passionate, and devoted to their campers. They have so much Judaism and love to give. Over the summer, our counselors form deep connections with their campers and many even keep in touch throughout the rest of the year. I think it’s safe to say that our staff is the most exceptional thing about CGI,” Stiefel commented.

Camp Gan Israel plans to welcome new and returning campers for the summer, and the directors are confident that this will be the best summer yet.

“We are blessed that our camp is growing year by year. Each summer we gain more experience and get new ideas for upcoming years,” said Chana Stiefel, co-director of CGI. “Each summer is really the best one ever because here at CGI, we only upgrade our activities, trips and electives. It just keeps getting better and better.”

Camp Gan Israel is holding an open house at Chabad of West Orange on Sunday, December 19, for all those who are interested in learning more about the camp and meeting the directors. Registration is now open and extra-early bird rates are available, offering parents great deals for the full camp session. Visit https://www.ganisrael.org, call 862-244-3420
or email [email protected] for more details.