Parent Handbook

Get ready fpr summer of a lifetime

Dress Code

For safety, children must wear appropriate shoes. Croc style shoes, although comfy and trendy, are not appropriate for athletic activities. It is mandatory that campers wear a CGI t-shirt and cap every Tuesday, for trip day.

Additional camp shirts are available for purchase at $15 each.

Personal Property

The Camp does not take responsibility for any personal items brought to camp. Personal sports equipment such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, sports balls etc., will be stored by the counselor and used under staff supervision. Please do not send cellphones to camp. Campers are not allowed to call or text. It distracts from the schedule and activities.

Safety and Accreditation

CGI is in the process of being accredited by the American Camping Association. As an additional precaution, all counselors are trained in CPR and First Aid. The swimming pool is supervised at all times by certified lifeguards. When going on field trips, contact is maintained at all times with the camp office by means of mobile communication.

In case of a medical emergency, G-d forbid, a staff member trained in First Aid/CPR is always with the campers. Family doctors (listed on the registration papers) and parents or guardians will be contacted immediately.

Security Procedures

In case of a major emergency, children will remain on campgrounds and will wait for parents to pick them up.

Medication

The head counselor will be responsible for all health care and for administering medications. All medication to be administered during camp hours must be clearly marked with camper’s name. A separate note containing dosage instruction and parent signature must be sent as well.

Parent Notification of Medical Illness or Injury

All minor aches, pains, insect bites cuts, scrapes and bruises will be dealt with appropriately by camp staff. If a situation arises, where a child is seriously injured or feels ill, parents will be contacted immediately, by phone.

Camper Release

Parents wishing to have their child released during camp to anyone other than themselves or their designated substitute must make prior arrangements with the camp Director.

Camper Pick-up and Drop-off

Parents or guardians driving onto camp grounds should drive slowly keeping to a 5 mile mph speed limit. Please slow down to allow campers to exit, and for staff to sign kids in, then loop around to exit the property. Parents will not be allowed to exit car and join kids.

Please drive in one direction, so as not to confuse any pedestrians. When leaving please follow the circular drive-through path and loop around to the exit onto Hempel Avenue. Please be extra careful to stay on the dirt road and be vigilant as you go around the bend which is near to the pool area, in case there are children coming back from swimming. Please make sure to sign your child in before pulling out and leavingWhen arriving late please notify us via text and we will come pick up your child.

Extended Care

Extended care hours are available. 8-5 daily.

smoking and weapons

Please be advised that our policy is that there is no smoking and no fire arms on camp grounds.

Camp Communication

Camp Administrative Offices: 407.354.3660

Camp Fax Number: 1888.900.7981

Summer After Hours: 407.354.3660

Emergency Cell Phone: 321.948.6921

Email: CGIorlando@aol.com

When you should use these phone numbers:

Your child will be picked up by someone other than you or your scheduled designee at the central location.
Your child needs to be dropped off at an unscheduled private location.
Your child will not be coming to camp for the day.

Emergencies must be called into the camp office.

Any changes that need to be communicated to parents will be done in two ways:

A flyer sent home in child’s backpack. Please check backpacks daily.
An e-mail to parents. Please make sure to check e-mail nightly.

E-mail is an excellent way to communicate with us!

TRIP Transportation

The buses we use have strict disinfecting procedures before and after each trip.

We will keep social distancing guidelines whenever off grounds. Adults and older kids will wear masks when off grounds as well.

Funshops

Campers get to choose specialty activities to suit their personal interests. Funshops are directed by our own staff, as well as professionals who join our team for those hours. Funshops take place on Mondays and Wednesdays , and Fridays. Please make sure to select your child’s Funshop preference, on line, to ensure his/her spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must campers wear a camp hat & T-shirt every day?

Hat yes, shirt no, however we do require that all campers wear a Camp Gan Israel T-shirt as well on Trip Days. Each camper should purchase at least one T-shirt and hat before camp begins. Since all camp staff and campers wear camp shirts, we are instantly recognizable to each other. While on field trips and excursions, camp shirts distinguish our campers and staff from other visitors. Camp shirts, and caps will be available for purchase before the start of camp.

Must campers wear a camp hat & T-shirt every day?

How does my camper find a lost item?

Please mark all belongings with your camper’s name and group. This is very important since shirts, backpacks, etc. are identical and individual items are difficult to identify without a label. Lost & Found items are available each day in the office. Please contact us in writing or by phone regarding specific items.

How does the transportation system work?

Camp Gan Israel uses a modern fleet of buses froma local professional Bus Company. Campers must remain seated at all times. Seat belts are provided and their use is mandatory at all times.

How do I arrange to pick up my camper during the camp day?

If you have to pick up your camper during the day, please notify our office. Once we are aware of your arrival time, we can arrange to have your camper ready for you. Please note that no camper will be released to ANYONE without written permission.

When can I visit my camper?

Unfortunately, Because of COVID19, Parents will not be allowed to visit on site. please like our Facebook page so you can see pictures we post daily.

What if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity?

No camper will be forced to participate in any activity. However, we do urge campers to try all activities and take advantage of the complete program offered at Camp Gan Israel.

How religious is Camp Gan Israel?

CGI is a totally non-judgemental environment made up of campers from all Jewish backgrounds. An individual’s level of observance is not stressed. All children enjoy a shared Jewish spirit through songs and projects.

Can my camper bring a precious item to camp?

We do not permit your camper to bring jewelry, radios, expensive toys, etc. to camp. Camp Gan Israel supplies everything campers may need.

What does my camper need to bring each day?

Clothing: Clothes should be comfortable, washable and appropriate for camp activities. Younger children should have a complete change of clothing to be kept at camp.

Mark Clothing : Clothing, especially outerwear, should be marked with your child’s name.

Additional Items: Campers will need to bring a bathing suit and towel, for swimming. Please send along sunscreen and a water bottle with your child, every day.

How often does my child drink water at camp each day?

Every bunk will be provided with a water supply. It is the campers responsibility to bring the bottle each day filled with water. They will be instructed to drink every hour. Bottles will be refilled as needed throughout the day.

How can I speak with my child's counselor?

A call to the camp office will answer most questions. Since counselors are constantly supervising groups and activities, messages will be taken at the camp office. Please leave your name and evening phone number and the counselor will return your call as soon as possible.

How can I speak with a Camp Director?

The director is available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns, during the day on the Camp site phone and weekends please leave a message at the at the office and she will return your calll. Please feel free to call during these times or leave a message at the camp office during the camp day.

Are we obligated to give a tip or gift to our child's counselor?

Tips or gifts are appreciated. If you wish to do so, here is a general guideline: $15-$20 for a junior counselor and $30-$40 for a counselor.

How can I become more involved with Camp Gan Israel?

The camp encourages the involvement of “bunk mothers” (just like a class mother). If you are interested please inform the Director.

Camp Forms

Please scan and email all forms to office@jewishorlando.com, or fax to: 888.900.7981
or mail to: