Kids Enjoy Johannesburg Camp

More than 300 children joined Camp Gan Israel day camp in Johannesburg for two memorable weeks of meaningful fun. The program, run under the auspices of Chabad House, attracted campers from every one of the city’s Jewish Day Schools, from Torah academy to King David, Yeshivah College to Shaarei Torah.

“It was a unique experience for me,” said Tzivi Lazar of Montreal, Canada, girls division co-head counselor, along with Chaya Silberstien. “To have children from every background and level of observance coming together and becoming united was remarkable.”

With just a two week program to work with, organizers pack the schedule with as many activities as possible. “We had sports, arts and crafts, inflatable rides, candle making, acrobatic shows, trips to Fourways Avalanche and Acrobranch in Melrose, along with daily davening and learning classes,” said camp director Rabbi Pini Pink who directs the camp along with his wife Rochie.

Jammed schedule aside, it is the famed Camp Gan Israel atmosphere that the kids love. “Our supper table has become a concert. My children sing all the songs they learned in camp,” said Susan Klein. “If you could bottle the camp spirit I would pay a lot of money for it!”

Michael Goldberg agreed, “My son has not stopped smiling from the first day of camp, he can’t get enough of it!”

Boys division head counsellors Mendy Katzman, of Staten Island, New York and Yisroel Levertov of Phoenix, Arizona said they were a little apprehensive at first. “A new country, new continent, unknown staff and campers we’ve never met. We were a little nervous. Yet everything was incredible; a professional administration, devoted staff and spirited campers. It is easy to see why this camp just keeps on growing.”

For more info about the camp visit www.cgjioburg.co.za or find us on Facebook: Camp Gan Yisrael – Johannesburg.