CGI Detroit Teen Campers Reflect on ‘Summer of a Lifetime’

By COLlive staff

Camp Gan Israel of Detroit recently completed the 2020 summer season of their Teen Camp Division, now in its third year.

The program, designed for Chabad girls entering 9th and 10th grades, offers a separate camp experience for girls entering High School, and is “focused around ingraining Chassidishkeit and chayus in the girls, led by a dedicated group of staff,” camp directors said.

The action-packed exciting program included workshops, late nights, Shabbos programs, farbrengens and more.

Campers reflect on their summer experience:

Dearest Teen Camp,
Thank you for giving me more than I can ever ask for, the summer of a lifetime!

You’ve given me a sense of a direction, and you have shown me the life I want to live. From the awesome Farbrengens, to Shiur, DMCs & activities!! I can’t describe how AMAZING it was! Our incredible staff and all my friends, I will miss you so much!! Thank you for everything!! – F.F.

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The sun sets in the horizon. The stars begin to come out as the moon gently pushes away the sun. Another day has passed in Gan Yisroel. How different is this day than one of just a few short weeks ago. Eager yet worried faces stepped off the bus. Now saddened and tearful faces board. Yet there is a look of satisfaction on all. It tells of a month of fun, excitement. But really, it tells much more than that. It tells of growth. Chassidishkeit. The activities were amazing and meticulously planned, and each one, enjoyed. Yet the thing that will forever stay with me is the Farbrengens, Rebbe times, Shiurim, and how in everything we did, we were infused with a Chassidishe vibe that was so tangible. Now as I step on to the bus I reflect. What words can I say to the most amazing staff who gave me all of this in just three and a half weeks? I know I am ready to go out and share what I have gained. Thank you Gan Yisroel.

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From a parent:
I can’t tell you how major it is that you have made camp possible! I am also blown away how it’s possible to have older girls come back SO happy, inspired, fired up and ready to continue to grow the way they should.
The creativity, the passion, and love that was shown to the kids is overwhelming.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!