This summer, Camp Gan Israel of Kansas City (CGI) will celebrate 25 years of Jewish camping.
Founded in 1998, CGI’s goal continues to be pioneering the Jewish day camping industry and bringing the best that the Greater Kansas City area has to offer. Every year, the staff at CGI bring new trips and activities for the campers.
“We are very excited to have reached this milestone,” said Rabbi Levi Perl, co-director of the CGI along with his wife, Brachie. “It is really a pleasure to have made a difference in so many young Jewish lives in Kansas City.”
Camp Gan Israel is located at the Torah Learning Center in Overland Park, Kansas. CGI has two divisions: Tiny Tots (2.5-3) and Pioneers (4-12). New field trips and activities, all built on the CGI tenets of safety, fun, and unconditional love, are in store for summer 2023.
Over the past several years, the CGI family has steadily grown. The camper group is diverse, encompassing families from various backgrounds and observances. CGI will work with every family according to their needs to enable each family to experience a “Gan Izzy” summer.
“It is very important to us that every Jewish child who wants can have a Jewish summer experience,” Rabbi Perl said, “and we go to great lengths to make that happen, including providing scholarships for families who need it.”
CGI works to build self-confidence — campers try their hands at a range of new experiences and work to master new skills. Martial arts, swimming, and STEM-based programs are some of the activities offered to campers daily.
CGI also works to build character. All staff members are trained in helping children develop the “Seven Critical Character Traits” with a focus on teamwork. Tzedakah is highlighted through special days and drives.
CGI builds Jewish pride and is a nonjudgmental environment where all children can enjoy a shared Jewish spirit through songs and activities. CGI campers can build friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Rabbi Perl said that he personally knows individuals living in Kansas City and beyond where CGI has made a “considerable positive impact” in their Jewish identity.
“We really make a point to give the children an enjoyable summer while staying true and imparting Torah values,” he said.
Registration is still open — a 5% discount ends March 31. More information is available at torahkc.org/cgi or by calling the office at (913) 385-5770 x2 for more information.