Camp Information

Camp Gan Israel of British Columbia is part of the largest and fastest growing networks of Jewish day camps in the world. Gan Israel enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trend setter with innovative ideas, creative programs and new activities being constantly introduced. We opened in 1975 as a small camp and have grown to over 170 campers per year- and counting!

Many a child has been known to wait all year to come back to Gan Israel. From Kiddie Camp to Adventure Camp, campers enjoy a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in a warm, loving and vivacious atmosphere.

Our fast growing Kiddie Camp offers a wonderful opportunity for preschool-aged children to have their first experience in a real summer camp. The children are guided in organized activity, play & social skills by loving, patient and caring staff, some of whom who serve all year-round as pre- school teachers. Our kiddies are growing fast, and this is the place to be!

Our camp site contains facilities well suited to a full program of sports, games, crafts and other enriching camp activities. Our experienced staff works to develop skills, confidence and a sense of fair play within each child.

No one puts more care into the care of your child.

Gan Israel is much more than a physical break from the school routine and winter activities. It’s a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the body and soul. It provides your child with a rich and wholesome summer vacation of fun and excitement along with friendship and meaningful educational experiences.

Gan Israel campers are imbued with a deep sense of pride in their Jewish heritage and a love for the land of Israel. Weekly Judaic themes are taught through exciting activities, stories, songs, games and contests, which are all part of the unique Gan Israel experience. Combined with group discussions and educational programs, these events bring to life the beauty and values of our tradition.

Must campers wear a camp T-shirt every day? Yes, we require that all campers wear a Camp Gan Israel T-shirt every day. Since all camp staff and campers wear camp shirts, we are instantly recognizable to each other while on field trips, and camp shirts distinguish our campers and staff from other visitors. In addition, the camp phone number is printed on the shirts. Camp shirts will be available for purchase ($5 for the first shirt and $12.50 for additional shirts) before the start of camp.

How does my camper find a lost item? Please mark all belongings with your camper’s name and group. This is very important since shirts, backpacks, etc. can be identical, and individual items are difficult to identify without a label. Lost & Found items will be placed outside everyday at pickup. Please contact us in writing or by phone regarding specific items.

How does the transportation system work? Camp field trips take place either on a rented school bus or in our brand-new camp van. We are working on transportation for children coming from Richmond, Tri-Cities, and other locations outside of Vancouver. Please contact us if you need transportation in order to attend camp.

How do I arrange to pick up my camper during the camp day? If you have to pick up your camper during the day, please notify our camp directors as early as possible. Once we are aware of your arrival time, we can arrange to have your camper ready for you. Please note that no camper will be released to ANYONE without prior permission.

What if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity? No camper will be forced to participate in any activity. However, we do encourage campers to try all activities and take advantage of the complete program offered at Camp Gan Israel.

How religious is Camp Gan Israel? CGI is a non-judgmental environment made up of campers from all Jewish backgrounds and affiliations. An individual’s level of observance is not stressed. All children enjoy a shared Jewish spirit through songs and projects.

Can my camper bring a precious item to camp? We do not permit your camper to bring jewelry, radios, expensive toys, etc. to camp. Camp Gan Israel will not be responsible for lost or broken items.

What does my camper need to bring each day? Campers should pack  bottled water, several snacks and a hat, every day. All food sent to camp must be meat & nut free. The schedule that will be sent to parents before the start of camp will include days when swimming gear or other specific items will be needed. Please apply sunscreen at home. You may also send sunscreen to camp with instructions to re-apply.

How often does my child drink water at camp each day? Campers should bring a bottle of water each day. They will be instructed to drink often. Bottles will be refilled as needed throughout the day.

Do you offer hot lunch? We are working with local kosher caterers to provide hot lunch. Menus & order forms will be available in June.

How can I speak with my child’s counselor? A call to the camp directors will answer most questions. Since counselors are constantly supervising groups and activities, messages will be taken at the camp office. Please leave your name and evening phone number and the counselor will return your call as soon as possible.

How can I speak with a Camp Director? Rabbi Dovid and Chaya Rosenfeld are available to answer your questions and discuss your concerns, during the day at the Camp Office (604) 266-1313. In case of emergency, after camp hours, please email vancouvercgi@gmail.com or call 778-878-2025.

Our mission is to delight our campers by giving a fun and meaningful Jewish camp experience for children from diverse Jewish backgrounds. We marvel at the opportunity to make kids smile. We are passionate about providing safe, quality programming and constantly monitor our progress. We are parents and understand the need to provide a nurturing environment where children learn the importance of sharing, caring and providing for others. We strive to complement our camp work with exceptional service through regular communication, being available to parents and an easy to navigate website. We create a culture of happiness and cheer, by forming a team of positive, upbeat role models.

CGI 2023:All divisions of CGI will be located at Vancouver Hebrew Academy, 1545 W 62nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 2E8. We have exclusive use of the locations inside the building, as well as the grass field, basketball courts & playground.

Scholarships

Camp Gan Israel offers scholarships to families who are unable to pay full tuition for camp. This Tzedaka fund is sponsored by generous people in the community. Please consider your needs very carefully when applying for a scholarship. All scholarships are handled in a sensitive manner, with absolute confidentiality.

The following is important information regarding the scholarship process:

·         Deadline. Scholarship applications will not be accepted during camp. Please ensure to complete the application process before the start of the 2022 Camp Session.

·         Discounts. No other discounts are allotted to scholarship recipients. Scholarship awards supersede and disqualify all other discounts.

Scholarship Application Process:

Please follow this guide carefully to ensure that your application is processed.

1.     Complete a Camp Gan Israel Registration form. Registration form is available here.  Scholarship forms that are not accompanied by registration forms will not be considered.

2.     Complete the Camp Gan Israel Scholarship application. Application is available here.

3.     Scholarship committee reviews applications. The committee will meet to review your application and will award scholarships based on each individual case and the limitations of the scholarship fund. Please allow approximately 1 week to hear back with a decision.

4.     Receive notification of Scholarship decisions. Following the decision of the scholarship committee, you will be notified by email of the decision. You must respond to the email in order to accept the scholarship. 

Please feel free to contact our Directors, Rabbi Dovid or Chaya Rosenfeld at (778) 878-2025 if you have any questions.

Kiddie Camp

• For children born in 2019 & 2020


• Half-day option: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; Full-day option: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm


• Early childhood structured schedule


• Exciting, age-appropriate activities and field trips


• Playground & outdoor play


• Circle time & Jewish crafts


• Loving, devoted counselors and small staff-to-camper ratio


• All staff trained in CPR and first aid


• Weekly newsletter for parents


• Children must be toilet-trained to attend Kiddie Camp

Division A

• Camp runs Monday – Friday from 9 am – 3:30 pm


• Girls and Boys entering K – Grade 2


• Exciting field trips multiple times per week!


• Sports and outdoor activities


• Jewish-themed projects and crafts


• Loving, devoted counselors


• All staff trained in CPR and first aid


• Weekly specialty instructors


• Weekly newsletter for parents

Division B

• Camp runs Monday – Friday from 9 am – 3:30 pm


• Girls entering Grade 3-5


• Exciting field trips multiple times per week!


• Sports and outdoor activities


• Jewish-themed projects and crafts


• Loving, devoted counselors


• All staff trained in CPR and first aid


• Weekly specialty instructors


• Weekly newsletter for parents



CIT Program





• Camp runs Monday – Friday from 9 am – 3:30 pm


• Girls entering Grade 6-8


• Exciting, age-appropriate field trips


• Leadership opportunities with younger campers


• Jewish themes and lessons


• Energetic and devoted counselors


• All staff trained in CPR and first aid


• Clubs run by professional instructors





Adventure Camp





• Camp runs Monday – Friday from 9 am – 3:30 pm


• Swimming and Trips multiple times per week


• Boys entering
 grades 3 – 7; will be divided into 2 groups


• Daily sports


• Jewish themes and lessons


• Energetic and devoted counselors


• All staff trained in CPR and first aid


• Clubs run by professional instructors

Child development is the most significant ingredient in a healthy camp experience. Our staff is the real secret to our success. Our experienced counselors are known for their personal warmth and ability to care for each child as an individual. Many staff members return year after year, lending experience and continuity to all programs. Each counselor is a role model for our children, promising them friendship that will last forever! Their love for the children is surpassed only by the children’s love for them. CGI is made from the best staff on earth! For a list of staff click here.

Throughout the summer and during the year, Camp Gan Israel hosts family and community events to foster a deeper sense of community and Jewish pride in our children. These events will look different this year due to COVID-19. Please see below for some of our past events, and contact Rabbi Rosenfeld at vancouvercgi@gmail.com if you would like to participate in or sponsor an event.

Click to view a list of past events.

Winter camp is located at Lubavitch Centre, 5750 Oak St, Vancouver on the 2nd floor.

Ages: K-7

Camp is 9:30-3:30 daily from December 20-31, 2021

Optional early care is available.

For full information and registration visit our home page and click register