CGI Poconos Joins CKids Gan Israel Network
CKids is excited to announce that CGI Poconos, a pioneering camp for public school children over the past 13 years, is joining the growing network of CKids CGI overnight camps, becoming the 5th camp, alongside others in Florida, Wisconsin, Denmark, and Hungry.
Building upon the Camp Gan Israel network founded by the Rebbe in 1956, the CKids Gan Israel overnight camps initiative was launched with CKids CGI Florida in 2020 and has quickly grown to become the premier option for Jewish boys and girls without a robust Jewish education or experience. The addition of CGI Poconos to the network is poised further to extend the reach of this transformative camp experience.
Founded 13 years ago by Gershon and Devorah Sandler, CGI Poconos started as a small summer program for Bat mitzvah-age girls but quickly grew into the complete summer camp experience it is today. As a pioneer in creating exceptional overnight camp experiences, throughout the past 12 years, the camp has welcomed over 800 campers to its summer and winter camps, serving over 150 Shluchim across 25 states and eight countries. The camp continues to expand and improve its program development, leadership team, and most importantly, its impact.
“We are excited about the addition of CGI Poconos to the CKids overnight camp network,” said Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, Director of CKids International at Merkos 302, “The camp leadership will bring an extensive amount of experience to the network and undoubtedly broaden our reach and impact on the lives of the children we serve.”
“Witnessing the inception and growth of CKids Gan Israel camps has been truly inspiring,” said Gershon Sandler, Executive Director of CGI Poconos. “Over the past few years, more children than ever had the Gan Israel overnight experience, and we look forward to joining the CKids network and expanding our reach.”
In recent years, as the CKids network continues to grow, an increasing number of shluchim have been sharing the Gan Israel experience with children in their communities, highlighting the meaningful impact they can have. “The Rebbe constantly emphasized the critical importance of summer camp for a Jewish child,” said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Chairman of CKids International, “Today, more than ever, the need for Jewish children to have a space where they can connect with fellow young Jews that face similar situations as them is so essential.”
This exciting announcement marks a new chapter for the CKids Gan Israel network and CGI Poconos, reinforcing their dedication to fostering meaningful and inspirational connections and creating unforgettable moments for Jewish youth.
“Over the past several years, we have continued to grow and expand, doubling in size, running two winter camps, and organizing year-round camper engagement programs .” said Rabbi Moshe Browd, Director of Growth and Operations at CGI Poconos, “This is just another step in the direction of bringing the Gan Israel overnight camp experience and its impactful potential to even more children than ever. We are truly excited about what we can accomplish together in the next phase.”
Enrollment for the camp is already double where it was at this point last year, so Shluchim interested in sharing the experience with their community are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions or want to learn about CKids Gan Israel Poconos, please visit cgipoconos.org or reach out to 845-425-0903.
Prospective staff members are encouraged to apply by visiting the CGI Poconos website at https://cgipoconos.org/staff.
