Ckids Gan Israel Expands to New Location

When it comes to previous accomplishments, the Rebbe taught Shluchim to never be satisfied. That’s why the highly successful Ckids Gan Israel overnight camp is building on the immersive Yiddishkeit, energetic atmosphere, and insane fun—taking this summer to a whole new level with impressive new campgrounds featuring state of the art amenities and a diverse selection of outdoor activities on-site.

“Since last summer, we knew we had to expand,” director Chaya Plotkin explains. The first year, Ckids Gan Israel opened up with 30 campers mid-pandemic. Last year, enrollment doubled with 60 kids experiencing life-changing Jewish atmosphere and minute-to-minute fun. In 2021, Levi and Chaya Plotkin moved down to South Florida to devote their full attention to Ckids Gan Israel. And this summer, Ckids Gan Israel is opening up spots for 100 kids at an all-new rented location in North Carolina.

The new grounds take the daily camp schedule to an entirely new level. Featuring a lake with paddle-boating, canoeing, kayaking, and inflatables; a junior Olympic pool, rock climbing walls, zip-lines, archery, a high ropes course and a trapeze swing, the grounds give campers access to incredible activities every single day. Of course, these are in addition to the sports leagues, hands-on workshops, and weekly trips that kids always look forward to. About the program’s high quality, director Rabbi Levi Plotkin, says, “We don’t cut corners.”

Today, priority registration opens for this life-changing summer experience, giving all campers who have previously attended camp a chance to return before registration opens up next week to the general public.

Ckids Gan Israel will be moving from their previous location in Lake Worth, Florida, generously granted to them by Rabbi Yosef Biston, Head Shliach to North Broward and Palm Beach county. Rabbi Biston is proud of the accomplishments of Ckids Gan Israel. “The kids learn Yiddishkeit, they live it, they practice it. It’s something very exciting,” he says.

With the camp’s new centralized location, the goal is to attract an even more diverse group of kids from all over the Southeast—Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina. Ckids Gan Israel will be offering airport dropoff and pickup plus free bussing from South Florida, keeping the experience easily accessible to the many Florida-based campers. “We’re excited to welcome Ckids Gan Israel to North Carolina, says Rabbi Yossi Groner, head shliach of the state. “This campground has been waiting for these campers to come elevate it with their Torah and mitzvos.”

Rabbi Yossi New, head shliach of Georgia, is excited about the new overnight camp that will be just 5 hours away from the shluchim in his area. “It’s the perfect option for kids who’ve been to Hebrew School, have been to Camp Gan Israel day camps, and are ready to take their Yiddishkeit to the next level.”

Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, director of Ckids International, is proud of the accomplishments: “Throughout the year I’ve spoken to countless shluchim that are raving about what camp has done for their kids.”

One shliach, Rabbi Pinny Adler from Chabad of Pinellas County, elaborates. “You think that kids will go to camp, get inspired, and a few months later they cool down. But after a half a year they don’t calm down. I see these kids getting more in ten days than an entire year of kids programs put together.”

Even though camp costs can be above budget for some community’s families, Rabbi Adler urges every shliach to make it work—whether by fundraising, applying for grants, or seeking help from the location Jewish federation. “We spend so much money on programs throughout the year,” Rabbi Adler continues, “No one should miss out on this experience because of funds.”

To find out if Ckids Gan Israel is right for a child in your community, call 347-446-0479 or visit ckidsganisrael.com.