Making summer memories at Camp Gan Israel

Orange County, NY — The pioneer campers of Camp Gan Israel held a charity car wash recently. Many vehicles pulled into the camp parking lot in Washingtonville and left clean and sparkling.

“Half the proceeds will go to charity, and half will help benefit a special bunk night out,” explains Odeya Pinkus, 11, of Sugar Loaf, as she scrubbed the wheels of a black Avalon.

“It feels good to work hard knowing you are helping people,” she says.

Camp Gan Israel, run by Pesach and Chana Burston of Chabad of Orange County, is part of the largest network of Jewish camps in the world. It is geared for children ages 3 to 13 of all affiliations and backgrounds. The camp recently completed its second summer.

Campers ages 3 to 5 enjoy a specialized pre-school style camp program with Jewish themes and songs and weekly field trips. Children in the older division benefit from a fabulous array of exciting activities, such as trips to theme parks, mini-golf, bowling and zoos.

Professional instructors lead programs in gymnastics, karate, sports and dance, as well as artistic endeavors into painting and jewelry making. Special events such as a camping trip, family Shabbat dinner and special entertainment make for an overall enjoyable camp experience for every child.

Jewish enrichment is offered through various creative activities. Each day of camp incorporates another Jewish theme, explored through special projects and games. Story-time, Shabbat parties, holiday themes, Jewish music and dance all instill a sense of Jewish pride among the children.

“We are proud that our camp has doubled in size this summer,” says Chana Burston, director of Camp Gan Israel.

“Our goal is to provide the tools to allow each camper to express creativity and develop him or herself. This aspiration is realized through providing a combination of enriching and stimulating fun and Jewish-themed activities. This past month was certainly a memorable experience for each child.”

Some of the camper’s favorite highlights this session have been a trip to Splashdown Water Park, a Magic Show, a Grand Jewish Carnival and a surprise visit from “Animal Experience.”

This summer, Camp Gan Israel is located at Round Hill Elementary School in Washingtonville. Chabad also provides a Gan Israel Winter Camp, which runs over the winter break. For more information on Camp Gan Israel and to find out about other programs Chabad offers, call 782-2770 or log on to www.ChabadOrange.