Ottawa Camp In Full Swing

Camp Gan Israel of Ottawa has over 80 children this summer from very diverse neighborhoods, Jewish schools, public schools and synagogues.

Under the leadership of Assistant Director Bracha Leah Caytak and CGI’s head counselors Gitty Wilhelm and Rivky Yerushalmy, they have put together a fun, creative, ruach filled schedule, where each day is filled with sailing, professional swimming lessons, tennis, dance, gymnastics, karate, woodworking and so much more.

The campers are greeted each day by counselors who were hand picked Gitty and Rivky, each one is experienced working with children and brings warmth, nurturing and a love of Yiddishkeit and Chassidus to the Rebbe’s camp.

Our counselors are from all over world: Chaya Avtzon (Hong Kong) Mussia Pelman (Guatemela) Chaya Sherman (Philadelphia) Sara Yaffe (Boston) Cheli Bigelman (Arizona) Devorah Leah Herson (New Jersey) Tzivi Wenger (Montreal)
Leah Alenick (Crown Heights) Miriam Caytak (Ottawa) Rivky Baron (Florida) Rivkah Blum (Ottawa) Lieba Dietsch (Philadelphia) Sari Galandauer (Jerusalem) and Elina Dachevski (Ottawa).

One camper who went sailing the first time in her life, shouted out excitedly to her counselor, “this is the best day of my life!”

Each morning campers are met with smiles, hugs and lots of fun. Bubbles, jump rope, music and dancing lead into a spirited line up. Davening and learning are an important part of the day followed by a busy and fun schedule.

Lego day, karate, Monkey Rock, Luv2Groove (a professional dance company), and professional swimming lessons are but a few of the outstanding and well organized activities that are planned.

CGI Ottawa always plans new, creative and fun activities. Each week a different bunk goes sailing on the Ottawa River. They learn how to set up the bow and stern and make sure the sails are set up correctly.

They sail on the Ottawa River for 2 hours, taking turns steering with the keel. Campers also stay close to the sail boat and jump into the Ottawa River for a swim.

CGI Ottawa is definitely sailing towards Moshiach!