For immediate release:
Successful winter camp has kids and parents asking for more
St. Petersburg, FL – In response to the overwhelming, positive feedback on its winter day camp, the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Petersberg has announced it will be opening a local branch of the nationally renowned Camp Gan Israel network.
“My kids were very happy there, I could tell when I picked them up. They were so happy,” said mother of two Debi Forman. “They bonded with the counselors, the Rabbi and his wife. As soon as it ended they asked about summer camp, the parents asked for it and the Rabbi said he would look into it.”
Gan Israel Winter Day Camp ran for one week during the winter school break. The full schedule featured an exciting experience of indoor and outdoor activities, daily trips like Celebration Station, a local senior center, and strawberry picking, Jewish crafts and study, challah baking, fun and spirit. Campers came from all backgrounds, spanning the entire spectrum of religious observance and walks of life.
Kids and parents had raving reviews of the winter camp. “My kids loved it and looked forward to it every day,” said Leah Bischoff whose two kids enjoyed the camp. “When it was over they kept asking if there was going to be a summer camp. I couldn’t believe it. They’ve been to a lot of different camps, but this was their favorite.”
Gan Israel summer campers will experience a wide range of exciting activities and field trips in the same warm and spirited atmosphere. The camp will offer a variety of fun and challenging workshops, including sports and crafts, supervised by experienced instructors and emphasizing personal attention.
Registration for Camp Gan Israel of Greater St. Petersburg is in full swing for the summer of 2007. Camp will be in session from July 30th-August 10th on the spacious Azalea Recreation Center in St. Petersburg. Staffed by a team of counselors chosen for their sincerity, dedication and experience, the camp will provide children with positive role models as they cultivate lifetime friendships. Boys and girls ages 5-12 can enjoy a full day at Camp Gan Israel from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Extended care is available, as well as a kosher lunch daily.
“I’m very impressed. The kids were there for such a short period of time yet they were so excited and enriched. I’m so glad they got it done for this summer, maybe next year will go for longer,” said Ms. Forman who participated with several other parents in helping Rabbi and Mrs. Korf make the summer camp a reality.
Interactive and stimulating educational experiences will inspire the children while teaching them a love of their heritage. Activities are designed to instill Jewish pride in the campers as they become acquainted with the Torah and its Mitzvot, as well as the joy of Shabbat and the Holidays. A full week of hands-on learning activities will culminate in a weekly Shabbat party and Challah baking.
Since its national start in 1956, Camp Gan Israel is the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish camps in the world, with close to 98.000 children attending camps in North America, Europe, Australia, South America, and even Hong Kong. Gan Israel camps enjoy a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter with innovative ideas, creative programs, and new activities being introduced continuously.
For a camp brochure, or more information call (727) 344-4900 or visit www.MyJewishCamp.org
Click here for registration forms