This week, Camp Gan Israel Poconos is launching the first phase of its “Grow the Garden” campaign to expand the capacity of its unique camp.
CGI Poconos is a unique overnight camp that caters almost exclusively to public school girls with little or no formal Jewish education. Over 700 girls have attended CGI Poconos in the last eleven years. And at its current rate of growth, that number will double within three years – but only if there is space to accommodate them.
As the CGI Poconos team contemplated the next steps in the camp’s growth, and considered the need for space and the cost of building that space, they would look up at the spacious log cabin on the adjacent hill and think, “Wouldn’t it be nice if that cabin would be put up for sale at a reasonable asking price?” And then it was.
After jumping at the opportunity to acquire the cabin and property for half the cost of building a similar structure on its existing property, CGI Poconos is now under contract to purchase it, with the closing date coming up later this month. In order to complete the purchase, CGI Poconos needs to raise $500,000.
“CGI Poconos was built on a dream and a vision,” says Gershon Sandler, Founder & Executive Director of CGI Poconos. “The dream, to create a one-of-a-kind camp for girls with little or no formal Jewish education, has been met. The vision, to make this experience accessible to every girl who seeks it, is something we are always working on – by keeping tuition low, and offering as many scholarships as possible thanks to the support of generous donors. And now what we need most is more space so we can accommodate more girls.”
The newly acquired log cabin will be utilized for staff housing, clearing existing staff housing to be used to accommodate more girls. The lounge and dining area will be used for staff gatherings and small-scale events, while the lower level will be developed into a 1,500 square foot craft studio and teaching kitchen.
“CGI Poconos is playing such a crucial role in the Jewish journey for so many young women, many of whom are now getting married and starting families of their own,” explains Devorah Sandler, Founding Director of CGI Poconos. “Every soul is precious. This campaign is about growing the garden so we can have the space and facilities to include each and everyone.”
Imagine the impact this has on their lives, their Jewish journey, and by extension, the Jewish communities they call home. The campaign is about investing in the future of the additional girls who will be able to join with the increased capacity, and about investing in the future of the Jewish community.
This is a one–of–a–kind opportunity to support a one-of-a-kind camp for a unique group of girls. And there are even some one-of-a-kind dedication opportunities available.
To learn more about CGI Poconos’ “Grow the Garden” campaign and to contribute, visit GrowGanIsrael.org.
