Visiting Day at CGI Florida

By Shaina Stolik

Living in Florida, it was most natural for us to send our son to the overnight camp in CGI Florida. I was wondering nonetheless if our son would be missing out on the Chassidishkeit and camping experience of the legacy Gan Yisroel camps up North. The camp videos on the website assured us that there was a lot of fun at camp, but what about toichen?

When we visited him this Sunday in Orlando, FL we were able to ascertain the atmosphere of the camp first hand. We were so moved and impressed by what we saw, I feel compelled to share our impressions so that perhaps next year, your son can benefit from CGI Florida.

Was it Groucho Marx who said, “Who you are speaks so loud I can’t hear what you’re saying?” Conversely, we know full well the importance and influence teachers and counselors have on the psyches of our children. It is not what they say but who they are and how they comport themselves that affects our children. We were so grateful to meet our sons counselors and see that they are competent, fine, eidele Bochurim who exemplify Chassidishe Hanagah and who are relatable and fun. In consonance with their identity as Chassidishe Bochurim, our son’s counselors dress in Yeshiva Levush every day, wearing white shirts and dark pants. In every way, they are a dugmah for our son.

There is so much attention given to motivating the students to fully engage in Mishnayos Baal Peh. It is not an afterthought. We saw an innovative Cocoa club that has ranks and privileges as well as Mishnayos Baal Peh program that includes email updates to the parents every day. I was amazed to learn that there are dedicated Mishnayos Baal Peh and Learning directors. (Perhaps this is standard in boys camps but from my personal experience as a camper, Shiur was an afterthought and a drag.) The learning teachers guided their bunks in creating an amazing Moshiach expo that highlighted their learning and creativity. The campers were the tourguides and there were evaluation sheets for participants as well. Our son’s learning counselor communicated his goals and ideas with us and I can see why my son says that he enjoys the learning sessions!

The campgrounds are absolutely idyllic. The bunks are spacious and air conditioned with a kitchenette and couches. There are plentiful common spaces that are airconditioned and comfortable. The beautiful gashmius definitely complements the Ruchnius!

We are impressed by the director, Rabbi Yossi Goldblatt, who is responsive and responsible, managing the camp smoothly and professionally. He sets the tone for the staff who are relaxed and joyful as well. We left camp wishing that the experience was available to our son year round. There is a reason the Rebbe is such a proponent of Jewish camping for our children.

Thank you Rabbi Yossi Biston for having the ambition and foresight to open a Camp Gan Yisrael in Florida.

A guest comes for awhile and sees for a mile.