Camp Gan Izzy of Ottawa is Gearing Up for Summer

By Tzipora Reitman for CGI

Camp is fun. Camp is Friendship. Camp is spirit, sports, swimming, singing and s’mores. But really, camp is much, much more. The impact of a few weeks at camp far outweighs its relatively short duration.

Research from the Foundation for Jewish Camps indicates that the ‘the key to the Jewish future is Jewish camp’.

Camp Gan Israel (CGI) of Ottawa was founded in the late 1970s by Rabbi Motti Berger a’h, and Rabbi Dovid Hayes. In 1998, it relaunched with only a small group of campers under the auspices of the Jewish Youth Library of Ottawa, directed by Dr. Joseph and Devora Caytak.

CGI is part of the Chabad-affiliated Camp Gan Israel newtwork, which includes camps in more than 40 countries around the world.

Lilah S, a mom of four children, has been a CGI parent for 8 years.

“It’s unbelievable how much they do at Gan Izzy in just one day,” she said, mentioning exciting activities like archery, sailing on the Ottawa River, professional swim instruction, go-karting, karate, woodworking, carnivals, Judaica crafts, challah baking and more.

For Sari M, who was thrilled to find a day camp that pleases all three of her children, ages four, six, and eight, it is the staff that sets CGI apart.

“The activities are amazing, but you can’t replace the amazing counsellors,” she said. “They truly care about the kids, and they are so enthusiastic about everything. Things that might be a drag at school are fun at camp.”

The counsellors come from all corners of the world to create that exciting, fun atmosphere and to share their passion for being Jewish. This year’s staff includes counselors from Israel and Canada.

For both families, one of the highlights of the summer was “Goodnight Gan Izzy,” when the counsellors go to the campers’ homes, read bedtime stories and say Shema with the children before they go to sleep.

It’s these special little personal touches that make Gan Izzy so special,” said Sari.

For some campers, CGI is their only connection to Jewish life and the Jewish community. Other campers come from more traditional or fully observant backgrounds. Camp is the great equalizer, where labels drop away and what remains are lifelong friendships. Gan Izzy brings together families of different affiliations, broadening people’s perspectives and creating a stronger and more cohesive Jewish community in Ottawa.

For over 30 years, the Caytaks have provided a summer of a lifetime to thousands of campers.

For more information and to apply for a staff position (head counselor and counselor positions still available) visit www.cgiottawa.org or contact Mrs. Devora Caytak, director 613 729 7712 or email [email protected]