According to the American Camping Association, there are 16,327 summer camps across the U.S. This past year, over 200 of these overnight camps were Jewish.
The case for overnight camp has been made. It provides children with a community of friends with whom they could connect, instilling a much-needed feeling of self-worth and respect. It teaches necessary skills of teamwork and leadership, while providing fun and adventures activities creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each camp thrives to make this a reality.
At the beginning of the 20th century, as thousands of Jewish immigrants began to flood the United states, Jewish organizations started opening summer camps to provide a several weeks break for the children and to familiarize them with the American way of life. Although originally it was because the Jewish children were not welcome in other camps that were at the time religion based, eventually, they realized that summer camp can be used for educational purposes.
At that time, the Conservative movement opened up their Ramah camps, the Reform movement opened up the URJ camps and many of the federations and JCCs opened camps as well.
In 1956 the Rebbe founded Gan Yisroel to provide this opportunity for his Chassidim, creating an overnight camp that will be a source of both fun and learning. Over the years, “Gan Yisroel” became the largest camping network, providing fun summer experiences for hundreds of thousands of Jewish children each year.
Today, many Shluchim realize the strong impact and effect of overnight camp, and convincing Jewish families from various backgrounds to send their children to Gan Yisroel camps has become a priority. For example, CGI Poconos, a summer camp for girls from public school backgrounds, has hosted over 700 Jewish girls sent by more than 200 Shluchim in the last decade alone. The challenge, however, that many Shluchim face is how to convince a family that has been attending a different, less traditional camp for many years to make the switch? How can we give these children the opportunity to experience Gan Yisroel if they feel so connected to other camps?
Here’s what you might not know: Many of the Ramah, URJ, NJY, B’nai Brith, and almost all other major (and even not so major) Jewish camps have one thing in common – They operate in the summers only.
What does that mean for us? When Gan Yisroel can offer specifically an overnight winter camp option for their campers, it becomes a golden opportunity to bring in new families! This is also a perfect trial run for families who hesitate to send their children away for a full month.
As a recent prime example, CGI Poconos, commonly known for their popular summer camp for Jewish girls, began operating a 10-day overnight winter camp last year, bringing in dozens of new girls to join the camp family. CGI Poconos is proud to be one of the only overnight winter camps combining the summer camp experience with fun winter activities such as skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and much more, all filled with traditional Jewish values.
“The Winter Camp offers an amazing opportunity for Shluchim who have families in their communities that are previously aligned with other Jewish summer camps to get a taste of Gan Yisroel and its impact,” said Gershon Sandler, Founder of CGI Poconos. “Most, if not all major Jewish overnight camps don’t offer a Winter camp option, giving us the opportunity to share the Rebbe’s passion of Gan Yisroel with all.”
This year, winter camp, which takes place during the public-school winter break, overlaps with Chanukah, creating a wonderful program opportunity for the camp. CGI Poconos’ Winter Camp Dates this year are: Thursday, December 22 – Sunday, January 1.
To find out more or to refer a camper visit www.CGIPoconos.org/winter/
