How Overnight Camps Are Adapting to a New Security Reality

Every summer, Jewish overnight camps across the country come alive with big smiles, inspiring songs, and the fun rhythm of camp life. For families, camp represents something deeply cherished and important, a place where their children can unplug, grow in their confidence, build long-lasting friendships, and strengthen their Jewish identity in an environment defined by warmth and care.

At the same time, many camps are adapting to a changing reality, one in which safety and security planning have become an essential part of responsible camp operations.

At CKids Gan Israel Poconos, security planning has been a deliberate and proactive part of responsible camp operations.

“Camp should always feel joyful, open, and free,” said Gershon Sandler, Executive Director of CGI Poconos. “At the same time, parents entrust us with their children, and that trust comes with a responsibility to take safety seriously and plan accordingly.”

Rather than waiting for circumstances to dictate change, CGI Poconos has spent years developing a layered approach to safety, integrating security planning into the fabric of camp life while preserving its welcoming atmosphere.

Over time, the camp has implemented a range of security improvements, including upgraded access controls, expanded monitoring capabilities, and professional consultation to ensure that safety practices align with best standards for large overnight camps. In recent years, the camp has installed over 500 feet of new perimeter fencing and provided 24/7 armed guards during the camp session.

More recently, CGI Poconos has undertaken significant infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of new perimeter fencing and enhanced campus security monitoring.

The camp leadership is committed to building on this work and continuing to strengthen safety across the campus, and as part of that effort, the camp was approved for a Pennsylvania State Security Grant, administered through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The grant would provide support to improve the camp’s security through thoughtful, comprehensive planning, but to access the grant funding, a community match is required. For that reason, CGI Poconos has launched Secure The Garden, an end-of-year effort to raise the necessary support and continue protecting the camp as it grows.

As Jewish camps navigate this evolving landscape, CGI Poconos’ approach offers a model rooted in balance, combining fun & Jewish pride with responsibility, openness with preparedness.

To learn more about this initiative, visit JewishCampFund.org/2025security/.