Chabad’s Summer Camp Raises Funds for Children with Illness

WASHINGTONVILLE, NY [CHI] — The children of Chabad’s Camp Gan Israel, located in Washingtonville, were excited to participate in a special charity project called the “Chai-a-thon.” Chai, means “life” in Hebrew, and the proceeds of this project will help sick children to enjoy a summer at Camp Simcha, a Jewish camp for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

A representative of Camp Simcha visited the campers of Gan Israel and showed them a video presentation about the children who would benefit from the Chai-a-thon by attending a camp especially created for them. “Camp Simcha offers a sophisticated camp experience to children who would otherwise be stuck at home in wheelchairs or in hospitals for treatments,” the representative explained to the campers. “With boating, sports, a photography studio, swimming, and lots more, these children form memories and friendships to last them throughout the year ahead.” The campers of Gan Israel, Orange County are among 50,000 youngster across the United States and Canada to participate in this project.

“The campers were enthusiastic about this idea,” said Chana Burston, director of Camp Gan Israel. “Teaching our children to give to others helps counter the self-absorbed focus of today’s society,” she explained. “The media, especially advertisements, keeps our youth dreaming of the next great toy or new device that they just must have. The Chai-a-thon was an excellent opportunity to remind the campers that there are children out there who are very sick and that we can make efforts to help them.”

Campers invested tremendous effort in recruiting sponsors to pledge money for the program – children ages five and six were sponsored for a “jump-a-thon” and campers ages seven through twelve participated in a “run-a-thon”.

“The Chai-a-thon” was a wonderful way to emphasize this year’s camp theme of ‘We Can Do It’,” said Chaya Landes, of London, England, head counselor and program coordinator of Camp Gan Israel. “‘We Can Do It” empowers each child to realize that they make a difference and better the world by performing good deeds.”

Chaim Pincus, 8, of Washingtonville, raised over two hundred dollars for Camp Simcha by running sixty-one laps. “I felt good about raising money for the Chai-a-thon because the money will help sick children enjoy summer activities,” says Chaim, “ I hope we can do this every summer.”

Camp Gan Israel, directed by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston of Chabad Of Orange County, recently completed its third summer. With over sixty children from throughout the county, Camp Gan Israel provides a summer experience filled with creative programs, exciting activities and trips and Jewish education. Camp Gan Israel Winter Camp, which runs during the winter break, includes daily trips and educational activities. For more information about Camp Gan Israel Summer or Winter Camp, call Chabad at 782-2770, write rabbi@ChabadOrange.com, or log onto ChabadOrange.com.

Counselor Alec DeRoss, of Monroe, jumps for charity at the “Chai-a-thon”

Exotic birds visit Camp Gan Israel – Head counselors Chaya Landes of England and Chana Rimler of Australia during a “claws-on” educational parrot show with the “Parrott Rebbe

Having a ball. From L-R: Megan Heller, 10, of Chester, Jacob Berkowitz, 11, of Newburgh, Amanda Heller, 12, of Chester and Emily Berkowitz, 13, of Newburgh

Jumping for Charity. Children jump to raise funds for children with illness during a “Chai-a-thon” charity event

Having a blast a Camp. Head Counselors Chaya Landes, above left, of England, and Chana Rimler, above right, of Australia, with campers Laura Horowitz (left), 9, of Milford, and Kendel Lascar, 8, of Washingtonville