CGI Running Springs is Running Strong in Second Season

Running Springs, CA — On a warm July evening, the children of Camp Gan Israel – Running Springs cheered as the skies above the S. Bernardino Mountains exploded with color and light in celebration of Independence Day. The campers also have cause to celebrate as one of the most unique summer camps on the West Coast strives to make 2007 a truly spectacular summer.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

“The first session, with the girls, has just finished and things couldn’t be going better,” said Camp Director Gershon Sandler . “This summer we’ve got more campers than ever. It’s wonderful to see the children really enjoying the great outdoors in a unique setting that’s so different from where they come from.”

“With an expansion of programs, activities and events, the campers don’t have enough time to do everything they want.”

“Camp Gan Israel is a place where Jewish children can develop a greater awareness and understanding of their shared heritage,” said Rabbi Boruch S. Cunin, head of West Coast Chabad. “A new appreciation for Judaism the campers can take back to their own communities. Children will create memories here they’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

This year saw a sharp increase in the camp registration as word spread of the outstanding camp experience CGI Running Springs offers. With 145 children attending this year’s first session, enrollment has more than doubled. Many children were able to enjoy the Jewish overnight camp experience for the very first time through a camping incentive program co-sponsored by the Jewish Camping Federation and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.

CGI Running Springs offers a broad range of exciting activities designed to appeal to children with varying interests and skill levels. “We encourage all campers to explore new pursuits, and also provide opportunities for them to develop their abilities in favorite areas,” said Sandler. So in addition to scheduled activities with their cabin group, campers can also choose electives according to their individual preferences; these electives give campers the flexibility to enjoy their current interests and discover new horizons.

“The camp has introduced many fun, new programs this summer,” said director’s assistant Zalmy Hecht. “We’ve started an amazing drama program, where the girls get to act and create their own plays. Also, an Israeli dance instructor leads one of the most popular programs at the camp. The boys will have the unique opportunity to explore their musical abilities and produce quality recordings with our experienced music instructor. We also unveiled the new sprung building, a huge facility that can be used for a variety of purposes.”

This summer sees the addition of archery to the long list of sports offered at CGI, which include basketball, touch football, soccer, volleyball, street hockey and ultimate Frisbee. The Olympic-sized swimming pool gets even better when the 30 foot inflatable waterslide is brought out for very special water activity days.

With the beautiful backdrop of the S. Bernardino Mountains, the campers enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities; hiking the various nature trails, Alpine sliding up in Big Bear and enjoying the perfect spot of Lake Arrowhead for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboats.

Running Springs has also started a new gardening program. “The children learn basic gardening skills in a Jewish context,” said Sandler. They get the hands-on experience of working the garden and they get to see and enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

One of the goals of CGI Running Springs is to instill in campers a sense of awe, reverence and gratitude by exposing them to the miracles of nature. The National Children’s Forest is a special area within the S. Bernardino National Forest dedicated to teaching children about nature’s wonders. With all the recent discussions about global warming, the camp helps the children get more in touch with nature and helps them find their place keeping the planet healthy and green for all future generations.

“Camp Gan Israel was named after the Besht — Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shem Tov — who was a nature yid,” said Sandler, using the Yiddish word for Jew. “He spent a lot of time out in the wilderness; he would leave civilization, renew his spirit, and return to inspire others.”

With an expansion of programs, activities and events, the campers don’t have enough time to do everything they want,” laughed Sandler. “As we enter the second session, with the boys, CGI Running Springs is ready to give them a summer they’ll never forget.”

To learn more about Camp Gan Israel Running Springs, contact Camp Director Gershon Sandler at (909) 867-7020, or visit www.CGIRunningSprings.com .