CGI Ottawa Experiences Remarkable Enrollment Increase Each Year

by Tzipora Reitman

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 key to the Jewish future is Jewish camp.”

Case in point: after a summer at Camp Gan Israel of Ottawa, a young camper became so firmly attached to her Jewish identity that when the school year began, she hid in her room, refusing to go back to public school, and begged her parents to send her to Jewish day school. (They did!)

CGI Ottawa was first founded in the late 70’s by Rabbi Motti Berger, of blessed memory, and Rabbi Dovid Hayes and was given a strong foundation. In 1998, it relaunched with only a small group of campers under the Jewish Youth Library of Ottawa, directed by Dr. Yosef and Devora Caytak.

Anna Tal, mom of three children, has been a CGI parent for six years. “It’s unbelievable how much they do at Gan Izzy in just one day, much more than other camps,” she said, mentioning exciting activities like archery, sailing, professional swim instruction, go-karting, karate, woodworking, carnivals, Judaica crafts, and more.

For parent Sari Zelenietz Mills, who is thrilled to find a camp that pleases all three of her children, ages 4, 6, and 8, it is the staff that sets Gan Izzy apart. “The activities are amazing, but you can’t replace the amazing counselors,” 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 counselors literally 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 hails from such far-flung locations as Israel, Guatemala, New York, Nevada and Canada.

For both families, one the highlights of the summer is “Goodnight Gan Izzy,” when the counselors come 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 Mills.

The patient and loving care permeates all activities of camp. Stephanie came to camp as a shy seven-year-old, afraid to get her face wet in the swimming pool. CGI’s professionally trained swim instructors gently coaxed her until she began to feel comfortable in the water. Today, at her university, Stephanie is on the competitive swim team!

Camp as Catalyst to Community Connections

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. In a departure from the school year, when children and parents are involved in their own schools or synagogues, Gan Izzy brings together families of different affiliations, broadening people’s perspectives and creating a stronger and more cohesive Jewish community in Ottawa.

This summer over 110 Jewish campers are experiencing a summer of a lifetime.

Are we still wondering why Camp Gan Israel of Ottawa reports such a large increase in enrollment since its inception?!

On Sunday, July 28, 2019 CGI Ottawa and JYL will be doing a $72,000 Charidy campaign— all or nothing. Please consider donating and helping us help others!

To donate, go to www.charidy.com/jewishyouthlibrary