UPDATED for Summer 2024
Sports
At Gan Israel, campers participate in various sports activities, receive expert coaching, and enjoy a wide array of recreational activities. Our sports coach is Shawn Tait. He has been a high school sports coach for 17 years and had over 30 seasons coaching Girls and Boys Soccer, Indoor Track, and
Outdoor Track and Field. Instructional sports will take place twice each week and will include soccer, kickball, basketball, and volleyball. Our focus on good sportsmanship and self confidence makes everyone a winner!
Art
Art instruction is led by veteran art teacher, Julie French, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Different themes and skills will be explored in art class, with campers using their creativity to work on different pieces each week.
Swimming
Campers swim at Hillhouse High School in New Haven several times each week. Swim time is divided into instructional swim as well as free swim. All campers are swim-tested before they swim for the first time to determine their swim level. All lifeguards are Red Cross-certified and there is a lifeguard:camper ratio of about 1:8.
Martial Arts
Our martial arts instructor, Master Anthony Pontillo, will join us from World Champion Tae Kwon Do. He has over six years of experience teaching martial arts and we look forward to having him at CGI! All Upper Campers will participate in martial arts sessions each week.
Archery
Rabbi Wilhelm will instruct archery at camp this summer. As a USA Archery Level 1 certified instructor, he is excited to teach the Sr. Division campers this skill and will incorporate different techniques and target games into each weekly session.
Game Zone
Our newly-expanded Game Zone features more fun than ever! With new Nintendo Switches, new arcades, electronic basketball, foosball, air hockey, Tiki Toss, life-sized games, and much more, campers will have time to explore this fun zone each week!
Weekly Activities
Weekly activities include art, sports, martial arts (details above), drama, STEM, Jewish-themed activities, Ezyrollers (a favorite!), baking, and more.
Special Events
High-energy events and shows round out the fun at CGI! This summer, we have a full schedule, including a dog stunt show, ventriloquist, rock wall, mime, Bubble Bus, and more. Most shows/performances will be held outdoors.
Yoga
Yoga will be led for Mini Gan Izzy groups by Lani Rosen-Gallagher of Full of Joy Yoga. Each class will include breathing exercises, stretches, balancing, calming meditations, and social/behavior tools. Lani has been teaching yoga to children for many years and just published her first book!
Animals
Critter Caravan will be joining Mini Gan for several sessions throughout the summer. Each time, new animals are brought for the children to learn about, explore, touch (if they are brave!) and observe in action. This educational, interactive program is always a hit!
Music & Movement
Sheina Einstein will be leading Mini Gan's music & movement sessions on Fridays. Sheina has performed for groups in the tri-state area for several years, bringing her love for music to a wide variety of audiences.
