A Nod to the Young Campers

By COLlive reporter

The veteran Chabad boys overnight Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, NY, sees its Number One Division, or “N.O.D.” as it is commonly known, as one of its achievements.

Designed to offer second and third graders the opportunity to ease into a camp, a process that can be a little overwhelming for first-time campers, the program has enjoyed steady growth.

Originally consisting of only 2 bunks, the program was rebranded as N.O.D. and was given additional resources and now comprises of 5 bunks and about 60 campers of ages 7 through 9.

While the N.O.D. is fully integrated with the rest of camp, from line ups to night activity and everything in between, it seeks to gently acclimatize these younger fresher kids to the rigorous yet enjoyable schedule of a main stream camp.

Heading the division this summer will be Sruli Bronstein of Crown Heights, whose main objective will be to oversee and tend to the needs of these junior campers.

“Whether it be a modified a learning schedule, exclusive davening program or exciting new activities, parents can rest assured that their child will be given every opportunity to enjoy CGI to its fullest from the very first day, all while being carefully guided by a highly capable division head,” said camp director Rabbi Yossi Futerfas.