We encourage you to ask us all the questions you may have about starting your child’s career at Camp Gan Israel. We look forward to developing a close rapport with our camp families. Over the years, the following questions have been asked most frequently:

Where is camp located?

In Collegeville, PA, near the intersections of Rts. 29 and 422, and Germantown and Ridge Pikes.

What are the lengths of sessions from which to choose?

Although we are flexible with camp dates, we encourage your child to attend a 4-week or an 8-week program in order to fully benefit from our in-depth program options.

Who will be taking care of my child?

Our Sr. Counselors are generally college-age students who attend Jewish Teaching Seminary with the goal of earning their Jewish Teaching Certification. Our Jr. Counselors are currently in high school. All prospective staff members are interviewed personally and references are verified.

How are children grouped?

Children are grouped by age, sex, and grade level. There are generally 12 children per group. Our Jr. Division bunks (up to and including 2nd Graders) are supervised by 1 Sr. Counselor, 1 Jr. Counselor, and 1 part-time CIT. Our Sr. Division bunks (3rd Grade and higher) are supervised by 1 Sr. Counselor and, depending on size and age, 1 Jr. Counselor.

What do campers need to bring to camp? Please refer to chart below:

NOTE: PARENTS MUST LABEL ALL ARTICLES WITH THEIR CHILD’S FULL NAME IN PERMANENT, WATERPROOF MARKER.

To be worn or brought to camp every day:	To be brought on the first day of camp in a LABELED BAG and left in your child’s cubby throughout the season:	Not to be brought to camp:
closed-toe shoes 2 bathing suits 2 towels a hat a robe or long T-shirt for girls	pool thongs a light jacket a change of clothes sunscreen	sandals pocket money (unless upon camp’s explicit suggestion) valuables electronic games

 

What if my child is on special medication?

Any special medication being sent to camp must be accompanied by full instructions on the medical report and must come in the original container.

What if my child expresses disappointment with an activity?

Our experience shows that if an activity is fun and age appropriate with other children in the group participating, your child will join in also. Of course, we continuously evaluate all of our activities. Children are encouraged, never forced. If you perceive that a particular activity is troublesome to your child, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What about reluctancy toward swimming?

The caring and nurturing attitude of our entire pool staff makes swimming a comfortable and enjoyable activity; all campers, regardless of age, join in our swim program.

Who runs your swimming program? What’s the program like?

Our swim program is staffed by Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors and lifeguards. They follow the 7-level swim instruction program designed by the American Red Cross. (Please refer to swim program guide included in this packet.)

Why do you omit swimming from the schedule during the ‘9 Days’?

Historically, the ‘9 Days’ (this year, from July 4th-25th) is a period of national Jewish sadness. One restriction upon this period decreed by our Sages is swimming. However, campers in Gan Israel never stop having fun! Instead of swimming, we beef up our activity schedule with lots of extras, including watersports and field trips, so campers hardly miss the water. 

What happens in case of occasional rain?

We are well prepared. Your child’s activity schedule will basically remain the same, as activities are modified and groups are reassigned to indoor locations. Sometimes a rainy day is a great opportunity to take the children on an indoor field trip.

What is the camp’s visitation policy?

Every day at Camp Gan Israel is Visiting Day! Join your child and follow the group’s activities. You will need to call the office to make an appointment and sign in at the Camp office the day you arrive.

Will I be able to meet my child’s counselor before camp opens?

We host a “Meet the Counselor Day” the Sunday before camp begins. More details will follow.

What is camp’s policy in reference to birthdays during the summer?

Camp is delighted to share in the celebration of a child’s birthday. It is best to arrange the same celebration for each child. Parents should contact the camp office and send in $20 at least one week in advance, and Camp will take care of the arrangements.

What does it mean that you are an ACA accredited camp?

The American Camping Assn. (ACA) is viewed as one of the top authorities in the world of camping. To best promote high professional practices, ACA undertakes an exhaustive program of camp accreditation. This assures you of our compliance with over 300 aspects of camp administration, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. We are proud of our accredited status.

Is this camp only for religious families?

No. Our program is designed to reach out to any and every Jewish family with the unique warmth and excitement that our heritage offers. The foundation of Gan Israel is a tangible sense of ‘Ahavat Yisrael’ — love of a fellow Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or level of Jewish knowledge. Gan Israel is a positive, nonjudgmental, no-pressure environment where every person is valued as an individual with their unique contribution to the camp family. Every year, children from the entire spectrum of the Jewish Community attend our camp and walk away at the end of the summer with a feeling of growth in Jewish Pride, Identity, and Self-esteem.