“There is nothing so reassuring as a parent than to see my kids rush out and hug their counselors as I drop them off each morning,” said Caroline Katz, who sends her children to Camp Gan Israel.
Aura Hirschman agreed. “Both my boys love the basketball clinics. The camp somehow continues to outdo itself; each year the programming gets even better.”
Others call the camp “flowing with milk and honey,” “a camp for the whole family,” and a place where “fun and friendship … last forever.”
Operated by Lubavitch of Wisconsin, “The camp is part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world,” said Devorah Leah Shmotkin, director.
Gan Israel is located at the Donges Bay Elementary School in Mequon, where it utilizes the cafeteria, gymnasium, computer lab, music room and athletic fields.
Shmotkin added, “Our camp enjoys a reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs and new activities. But our real secret to success lies in our staff. Our counselors are chosen for their personal warmth and ability to understand and care for each child. Their love for the children is perhaps surpassed only by the children’s love for them.”
Stacy Kohl agreed that the counselors are “great. My daughter, Samantha, is still singing the songs and cheers she learned from them.”
And Sandy Weintraub noted, “We were pleasantly surprised to get a call from Robin’s swim instructor, updating us on her progress. The instructors are really something special.”
Shmotkin said the camp aims to expose the children to the widest array of activities, field trips and educational programs. “We offer a great mix of sports, crafts and field trips. Also, every week has a trip day when, for example, we go sailing or ice skating, to Great America or a Brewer’s game, or play laser tag or horseback riding. We’re not bound to our grounds.”
Most mornings are dedicated to the Create-A-Camp program, when the children design part of their day by choosing their own activities. Other options include Sport-of-the Week, a series of weekly sport courses such as lacrosse, field hockey and frisbee golf; Theater Camp, when the children prepare a presentation; and other group programs such as Team Building and Leadership, an initiative designed to teach campers trust, group problem-solving, creative thinking and leadership skills, especially using a ropes course.
‘Infusing pride’
While the activities are paramount, the camp prides itself in incorporating Judaica in a way that “permeates the day. The campers come from all levels of observance so we have found a non-academic way to infuse a sense of pride in their religious heritage and a love for the land of Israel,” Shmotkin said.
Hands-on activities include challah braiding, stories, songs and games. “This year, we plan to focus on the Jewish calendar through a new ‘Around-the-Year Calendar Exploration’ revolving around the Jewish holidays,” she said.
Shmotkin believes attracting children from all backgrounds is unusual and adds to the camp’s “uniqueness.”
“Some of our parents have told me that they were initially hesitant, because of our traditional orientation. But, after seeing the way each child is considered special as an individual, and the great mix of children from all backgrounds, they wanted their children to be part of it. We show the kids how Judaism can be fun and exciting.”
Julie Biller said, “The camp does a great job in instilling Jewish values in a fun, creative way.”
One stop-shopping
For the first time this year, Camp K’ton Ton, which had been operating under the auspices of the Children’s Lubavitch Living and Learning Center, has been incorporated into Camp Gan Israel.
This summer, an enrollment of some 200 children entering K5-6th grade at the Donges Bay site and another 150 2-4 year-old preschoolers at the Karl Campus, which will continue under the direction of Devorah Shmotkin senior, longtime CLLLC director, is expected. Also, a program for 7-8th grade girls has been added.
“We decided to coordinate our programs, dates and hours under one rubric to better help parents meet the needs of all their children,“ Devorah Shmotkin said.
At both sites, the needs of every child will be emphasized. “I get a daily report from all the counselors on every camper — ranging from social interaction to progress in their activities. This detail really helps us to help the kids grow. Our philosophy is that every child is special,” Shmotkin said.
“Staff for the preschool program are certified early childhood professionals,”Devorah Shmotkin said.
A state-licensed day camp and accredited by the American Camping Association, CGI operates from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with both pre- and post-camp extended care options. Hot, kosher lunch and afternoon snack are provided and transportation is available.
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