About Us
Camp Gan Israel is part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world. Gan Israel enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs and new activities.
Many a child has been known to wait all year to come back to Gan Israel! From Preschool camp to our C.I.T. division, campers enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and vivacious atmosphere. Camp Gan Israel of Poway is a "one of a kind" Jewish summer & seasonal day camp located in Poway. For kids going into 1st - 6th grade and a C.I.T. program for the middle school kids in 7th & 8th grade. Every day at camp is an exciting adventure with friends, Rabbi Mendy and our attentive, caring counselors. Camp activities include (depending on the season) swimming, exciting field trips, competitions, sports, baking, crafts, Challah braiding, games, sleepovers, singing, scavenger hunts, baby chicks & Shabbat parties. Our low counselor to camper ratios ensure a safe time for all. Camp Gan Israel is much more than a physical break from the school routine and winter activities. It’s a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the body and soul. It provides your child with a rich and wholesome summer vacation of fun and excitement along with friendship and meaningful educational experiences. There is a preschool "Camp Gan Israel" program for children from 6 weeks old to 5 years which is run by the Chai Preschool. The camps are at the same location but are separate organizations.
Many a child has been known to wait all year to come back to Gan Israel! From Preschool camp to our C.I.T. division, campers enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and vivacious atmosphere. Camp Gan Israel of Poway is a "one of a kind" Jewish summer & seasonal day camp located in Poway. For kids going into 1st - 6th grade and a C.I.T. program for the middle school kids in 7th & 8th grade. Every day at camp is an exciting adventure with friends, Rabbi Mendy and our attentive, caring counselors. Camp activities include (depending on the season) swimming, exciting field trips, competitions, sports, baking, crafts, Challah braiding, games, sleepovers, singing, scavenger hunts, baby chicks & Shabbat parties. Our low counselor to camper ratios ensure a safe time for all. Camp Gan Israel is much more than a physical break from the school routine and winter activities. It’s a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the body and soul. It provides your child with a rich and wholesome summer vacation of fun and excitement along with friendship and meaningful educational experiences. There is a preschool "Camp Gan Israel" program for children from 6 weeks old to 5 years which is run by the Chai Preschool. The camps are at the same location but are separate organizations.
Location
Camp Gan Israel is based out of the beautiful Chabad of Poway. Our air conditioned facility boasts a state of the art game room, outdoor playground, large social hall, basketball & tetherball court.
The Directors
Our camp directors, Mendy and Bluma Rubenfeld have been youth directors and educators in Poway for the past 19 years. Seeing the need for a Jewish summer program in the Poway area they started Camp Gan Israel in the summer of 2009 . Rabbi Mendy and Bluma have 6 children of their own, ages 19 - 5. Mendy & Bluma are passionate about the positive impact of a great day camp experience for kids. Together they are a dynamic duo! Rabbi Mendy and Bluma are veteran counselors with over 31 years of summer camp experience. As a teenager, Rabbi Mendy was awarded the prestigious "Counselor of the Year" at Camp Gan Israel overnight camp in Parksville, NY.
Staff
Child development is the most significant ingredient in a healthy camp experience. This is why our staff is the real secret to our success. Our experienced counselors are known for their personal warmth and ability to care for each child as an individual. Many staff members return year after year, lending experience and continuity to all programs. Each counselor is a role model for our children, promising them friendship which will last forever! Their love for the children is surpassed only by the children’s love for them.
Our head counselor, counselors and junior counselors are energetic, caring, CPR certified and very responsible. They all love being at CGI and their favorite part...... is the kids, of course! To apply to be a counselor, you must be 17 years or older. To apply to be a Junior counselor you must be 14 years old.
Our head counselor, counselors and junior counselors are energetic, caring, CPR certified and very responsible. They all love being at CGI and their favorite part...... is the kids, of course! To apply to be a counselor, you must be 17 years or older. To apply to be a Junior counselor you must be 14 years old.
Field Trips
Camp Gan Israel’s well known “Trip Days” are geared to the children’s interests and are scheduled a few times a week and feature excursions to many local attractions. as well as an overnight camping trip and sleepover Shabbaton.
Whether it be ice skating, laser tag, Legoland or bowling, field trips are always a highlight at CGI. Campers are transported on our safe camp bus and driven by our certified bus driver, Rabbi Mendy.
Whether it be ice skating, laser tag, Legoland or bowling, field trips are always a highlight at CGI. Campers are transported on our safe camp bus and driven by our certified bus driver, Rabbi Mendy.
Our Mission
Our mission at CGI is clear: "Make the world a better place!" By doing acts of goodness and kindness we can change the world.
10 REASONS CGI POWAY IS YOUR KIDS BEST CHOICE!
1. We offer flexible days and rates and tuition is paid weekly!
2. We offer a wide variety of fun and educational activities and programs.
3. We are all about "good old fashioned fun"!
4. We are a small camp "where everybody knows your name".
5. We do not charge extra for most field trips.
6. Campers in middle school are considered Counselors In Training (C.I.T.'s) - Tuition for CIT's is half price!
7. Our campers feel like BIG fish in a small pond vs. small fish in a BIG pond.
8. Kosher Hot Lunch Optional
9. Our prices are a lot cheaper than most other camps. Compare at $375/week
10. Jewish pride is our middle name!
1. We offer flexible days and rates and tuition is paid weekly!
2. We offer a wide variety of fun and educational activities and programs.
3. We are all about "good old fashioned fun"!
4. We are a small camp "where everybody knows your name".
5. We do not charge extra for most field trips.
6. Campers in middle school are considered Counselors In Training (C.I.T.'s) - Tuition for CIT's is half price!
7. Our campers feel like BIG fish in a small pond vs. small fish in a BIG pond.
8. Kosher Hot Lunch Optional
9. Our prices are a lot cheaper than most other camps. Compare at $375/week
10. Jewish pride is our middle name!