CGI Toronto Announces Head Staff

It may be cold and the weather forecasters predict yet more snow, still the mindset of the administration of Camp Gan Israel, Toronto, is fully focused on the summer.

Indeed, this was a given, ever since registration opened January 1st and soon after closed for the girls session with a capacity enrollment and a stand-by waiting list. “While still in our infancy, we must be doing something right and bringing a Nachas Ruach to the Rebbe with the incredible popularity our camp enjoys,” noted Goldy Grossbaum, girls division director.

So too, the boys session is filling up for the month of August. The head counselors for summer 5775, Shmuli Grossbaum, from Toronto and Dovid Reyder, from Sharon, MA, are already on the job, choosing counselors and staff and preparing a wonderful program, while the learning directors, Elchonon Chaiken, from Cleveland and Shneur Wolf from Chicago, began seeking talented learning teachers. By popular demand, CGI is pleased to welcome back Rabbi Menachem Schechter from Chicago, who will be returning as Mashpia. Campers and staff alike, benefited and enjoyed his talks, Shiurim and Farbrengens.

The camp enjoys a smooth transition from summer to summer with many staff members and campers coming back for another season. A discounted price of $1,000 is still available (boys) until Lag B’omer. To avoid disappointment, interested parties are encouraged to sign up right away (www.ganisrael.camp).

Numerous additions and innovations are under contract and waiting for “ground zero” (read, the snow to melt) to be completed. Actually, the process began much earlier. Just as the campers were boarding the buses and bidding farewell to each other after the third season last summer, a construction crew was busy bringing in lumber and supplies for an additional double bunk house. Upon completion the spacious campsite will contain two distinct horseshoe shaped cabin pods, with the dining room and Shul in the center of the site. To accommodate the growing staff, the Zal will be moved to a larger and enhanced quarter.

Three octagon gazebos, flanked by a bench along the perimeter, will be positioned on the peripheral of the “grid” and will provide a perfect setting for learning classes, board games, and relaxing. So too, self propelling playground equipment is on order and will be installed before the summer. These items, carefully chosen, will be fun and enjoyable, but at the same time, require the initiative and active participation of the riders,” said Rabbi Yitzchak Grossbaum, camp director.

Down at the waterfront, in addition to the conventional watercraft fleet, three newdinghies (beginner level) sailboats have been acquired. A few sailing enthusiast have graciously offered to come up to camp to introduce and teach the skills needed to enjoy the exhilarating experience of sailing.
CGI Toronto looks forward to an enjoyable and rewarding summer for both campers and staff members.