About Us
Camp Gan Israel
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 Kiddie Kamp (3 yr. olds) to our CIT division (up to 15 yr. olds), campers enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm and vivacious atmosphere.
Our fast growing Kiddie Kamp offers a wonderful opportunity for youngsters 3-5 to have their first experience in a real summer camp. The children are guided in organized activity, play & social skills by loving, patient and caring staff who serve all year-round as pre- school teachers. Our kiddies are growing fast, this is the place to be! (We are now also including a preschool program for 1-2 yrs. old as well, to be housed on the camp site).
Our Staff
Our Exceptional Staff
Gan Israel prides itself on its exceptional staff. All staff come with prior camp experience and a desire to work with kids. Bunk sizes are kept small and well staffed. Our camper to counselor ratio is better than 1 to 5 campers, and this does not include our wonderful C.I.T.’s. Each elective is run by professional instructors.
Our Camp Director has many years of day camp experience. She is the leader of our top staff and takes great pride in our on-going, comprehensive staff training program. Her extensive experience with pre-schoolers through teenagers makes her a valuable friend and administrator to our camp throughout the summer.
We take great pride in our commitment to recruiting, training and keeping the highest quality staff in the camping profession. Over the years, Camp Gan Israel of Orlando has always been dedicated to small groups with exceptional staff supervision. This ensures the best possible care, instruction and supervision for our campers. Our counselors are highly trained, dedicated, and experienced.
Our Staff Policies
At least 80% of our staff are 18 years or older. The rest of the staff are at least 16.
Below is a table for camper supervision ratio:
| Camper Age | No. of Staff | No. of Campers |
|---|---|---|
| 2-5 years | 1 | 6 |
| 6-8 years | 1 | 8 |
| 9-14 years | 1 | 10 |
Certain times, even if only few campers are at an activity, we require at least 2 staff to be present regardless. Examples: Boating, swimming, an outing when campers may be away from the public view.
Our staff are trained to use positive reinforcement systems, encouragement, and praise, to help campers gain independence, grow confidence and behave in a positive manner. Counselors have a positive approach to behavior management. CGI’s disciplinary techniques forbid corporal punishment. Although our counselors are not licensed professionals, they are directed to recognize, prevent and report any abuse between children or adult/child.
Mission Statement
Camp Gan Israel – Orlando is part of the largest and fastest growing network of day camps, enjoying a reputation as a pioneer in Jewish camping, with innovative ideas and creative activities, to both provide enjoyment and inspire children to try new and exciting things! Gan Israel is a summer camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations through a stimulating camping experience. Our accreditation by the American Camping Association assures you that our focus on child safety and program quality is unparalleled.