Camp FAQs


Do I need to pack a lunch for my child? 
What should my child wear to camp?
When will my child go swimming?
How can I speak to the Camp Director?
What should my child bring to camp?
How religious is Camp Gan Israel?

Do I need to pack a lunch for my child?
It's your lucky summer! Gan Israel provides delicious snacks and lunches to campers each day! You can put the lunch boxes away! 

 What should my child wear to camp?
All campers need to have close backed shoes in order to play outside safely and to participate in sports activities. It is recommended that campers come to camp wearing their bathing suits on JCC swimming days. Water shoes will be required for water activities that take place at camp. Children who do not have closed back shoes for sports activities and water shoes for water activities will NOT be allowed to participate on those days.

When will my child go swimming?
Campers will swim at the JCC on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays unless otherwise noted. Please refer to your camp calendar for more details. Campers will participate in water activities at Chabad House on days when we do not swim at the JCC.

 How can I speak to the Camp Director? 
To speak to Rashi Brashevitzky, please call or text 757 289 2180 - or you can email [email protected]

What should my child bring to camp? 
Campers need to bring a towel, bathing suit, sunscreen (unless it is applied before coming to camp) and watershoes. Please try to avoid sending your child with toys and other items from home as they tend to get lost easily and we cannot be responsible for them if they are lost. Lunch and snacks will be provided - please do not send food items.

How religious is Camp Gan Israel?
CGI is a totally non-judgemental environment made up of campers from homes with a wide variety of Jewish observance. . An individual's level of observance is not stressed. All children enjoy a shared Jewish spirit through songs, projects, games and cooking and baking experiences.