Food
CANTEEN/ SPENDING MONEY
Canteen money can be added online in your child’s account, or you can send cash (US funds accepted) with your child to cover canteen expenditures. The amount is left to your discretion and should be enclosed in an envelope with your child’s name on it. Once camp is in session you will be able to top-up your child’s canteen online. Should you choose to send spending money for offsite trips, the counselor will deposit this money in the canteen where each camper will have his/her individual account. Children will be able to purchase a limited amount of treats daily. Before trips campers will be able to take out money. All monies should be left in the canteen.
CASES OF WATER BOTTLES
Cases of water bottles will not be allowed on the luggage truck or bus. Cold water bottles will be sold in canteen for 50 cents each. Please note: The tap water is 100% safe and tasty well water which is tested regularly in conformity with government regulations. Your child can bring a reusable water bottle which can be filled from the tap. We have 3 water fountains around camp, for the children’s convenience.
FOOD BROUGHT TO CAMP
Food Policy
After networking with overnight camps in Haliburton and Muskoka and being in tandem with the neighboring camps we realize that a No Food Policy is imperative, and worked to our benefit last summer. In order to keep away rodents and animals we will NOT allow any Nash whatsoever or packages brought nor sent to camp. The only exception to this rule (which will be enforced) is cereal and instant soups, which are kept in the dining area. Any Nash that will be brought will be kept and returned to your child when camp is over. Cereals containing any nut products will be confiscated. We are a nut free camp.
Electronics
CELLPHONES
Campers are not permitted to have cellphones in camp. Cellphones used for traveling must be given to the counselor who will place it in to the office for the duration of the camp season. Camp is not responsible for any valuables, i.e. electronic games, digital cameras etc. left anywhere other than the office.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES/IPODS/ VIDEOS
The only type of electronics that will be allowed in camp are cameras (with picture capabilities only). Any form of electronics, cell phones, mp3 players or iPods will not be allowed. If these items are found in a camper’s possession they will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the session. Camp is not responsible for any valuables left anywhere other than the office.
E-MAILS
E-mails can only be sent through the family dashboard.
Contact
We know how eager you are to hear from your children. Campers are encouraged to write home often. Stamps will be sold in the canteen. They also love to receive mail. Food Packages will not be in allowed in camp. Camp mailing address:
Camp Gan Israel
1726 Gan Israel Trail
P.O. Box 535
Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
TELEPHONE CALLS
Please do not expect a call from your child during the first week of camp. Should you want to inquire how your child is adjusting, feel free to call the office or email us. Henceforth, each bunk will have a designated time once a week to call home. At the same time, we ask for your cooperation by not calling camp to speak to your child, unless it is an “emergency”. At such time, please contact the directors’ cell phone and a message will be forwarded. A steady flow of letters or e-mails, are the best replacement for phone calls.
Do not be worried if your child doesn’t call you on their designated day, trips and special activities can sometimes delay the calling day.
You can expect phone calls between 12:30- 6:00 pm
Bunk Calling Schedule:
Bunks | Day |
---|---|
Aleph, Beis | Sunday |
Gimmel, Daled | Monday |
Hay, Vov | Tuesday |
Zayin, Ches | Wednesday |
Tes, Yud | Thursday |
Yud Alef, Yud Beis | Friday |
VISITING DAY
CGI Toronto does not have visiting day. Many of our campers are from out of town and don’t receive visitors, many of the campers who have settled happily have to readjust when their parents leave. From our experience this has proven to be beneficial for all campers. This will allow for another exciting day in camp.
PHONE NUMBERS DURING CAMP SEASON
To speak to the secretary, call during designated office hours. Alternatively, you can leave a message on the answering machine. We will do our utmost to return the call within 24 hours. If the call is of urgent nature, please state that in your message so that we can prioritize the messages. Please use utmost discretion when calling the directors’ cell phone. These numbers should be used for emergency calls only.
EMAILS:
CITY MAILING ADDRESS:
Camp Gan Israel
770 Chabad Gate
Thornhill, ON L4J 3V9
CAMP MAILING ADDRESS:
Camp Gan Israel
1726 Gan Israel Trail
P.O. Box 535
Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Transportation
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Please log into your account https://ganisraeltoronto.
Flight Information:
Flights to camp:
Wednesday, July 3 arrival to YYZ airport between 6 am – 11 am.
Departure from camp:
Monday, July 29 departure from YYZ airport between 3 pm- 7 pm
Toronto Bus:
To camp: Wednesday, July 3 1 pm from 770 Chabad Gate
From camp: Monday, July 29 Approximate arrival 12 pm
NY Bus:
To camp: Tuesday, July 2 11:30 pm from 1383 President Street
From camp: Monday, July 29 approximate arrival 9 pm
Hours
CAMP TIME
CGI will be on standard time which is 1 hour earlier than daylight savings time.
CAMP OFFICE HOURS
The office will be open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Phone number: 705-754-9920 Otherwise feel free to leave a message. Your call will be returned within 24 hours.
Apparel
CLOTHES LABELLING
Camper’s name must be on every garment to avoid losing articles in the laundry. Articles on which name tapes cannot be sewn, i.e. toothbrush, soap dishes, etc. should have adhesive tape marked with the name. Articles not claimed at lost and found will be donated to Tzedakah.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
The service of a local establishment has been obtained to wash, dry and fold your child’s laundry during the camp season. This year we have removed the separate Laundry fee.
TZNIUS (GIRLS)
The true grace of a wardrobe lies in how it expresses the real, soft spoken beauty of your Yiddishe Neshama, a Bas Yisroel and Bas Chabad. Any item of clothing that is not Tzniusdik will be confiscated and returned at the end of the month. Please don’t take any risks. If you have any doubts, don’t bring it! We don’t want any camper to be put in an embarrassing position by bringing clothing that are unacceptable. Please be sure to only pack items that will be allowed in camp.
Compulsory guidelines for girls:
- Shirts: Sleeves must cover elbows under all circumstances, and have a proper neckline, completely covering the collarbone
- Skirts must cover knees at all times, whether sitting, jumping, or dancing
- ONLY TIGHTS OR THIGH HIGH SOCKS CAN BE WORN IN CAMP. (knee socks are not allowed)
- Leggings CANNOT be brought to camp
- FISH NET/ LACE TIGHTS with holes, where the skin is not completely covered ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CAMP.
- There are absolutely no slits allowed in skirts (no matter the size).
- Nail polish is not allowed.
- Only one piece bathing suits.
- Proper robes and socks must be worn to and from the lake.
- Sleepwear must be a Tznius nightgown, pajama pants are allowed under a nightgown shorts are not allowed,
- Shabbos robes are not allowed in the dining room or Shul. Please make sure your children bring Shabbos clothes.
Tipping
TIPPING
Please show Hakoros Hatov to your child/ren’s staff members; please send your child with an envelope clearly marked with tips for their 2 counselors, learning counselors (boys), and waiter/waitress. There is an online option available.
Suggested amounts: Counselors: $30, Learning Counselor: $25 Waiter/Waitress: $20
Documents
IMMIGRATION
If traveling by air, passports and border letter/letter of permission are required to enter Canada. The Border letter is available on our website and must be printed, completed and sent with your child. Please make sure your child’s document will allow them in and out of Canada i.e. visa and the passport expiry date should be more then a 6 month period. All documents are kept in the camp safe. If your child is coming by bus or car, a copy of the birth certificate and border letter is sufficient.
PAYMENTS AND ADMISSION CARD
A payment plan and postdated visas must be given in at time of registration. No camper will be permitted on the bus unless the camp office has received full payment, completed medical form, signed guide form, Credit Card on file, and lice form. An admission card will be sent to you upon receipt of all above items, please make sure we receive all prerequisite items by May 31, 2023.
SIGNED GUIDE FORM
Parent and child must sign; agreeing to all rules and conditions, the form is on the parent dashboard.
CGI Checklist
CGI CHECKLIST
Before camp:
- Complete medical form
- Transportation form filled out online
- Tshirt size form
Bring to camp:
- Lice form
- Tip/ canteen/ spending money- if you have not done it online
- Border letter/ Valid ID for travel for non-Canadian residents
Lost & Found
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found viewing will take place throughout the camp session. Please encourage your child to notify their counselor of lost items.
Health & Safety
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Medical Form
The comprehensive form is online on your parent dashboard; select health form and please fill in all the Medical forms by March 15, 2022. This form does not have to be filled out by your doctor. We are not responsible for any medical expenses. A VISA/MasterCard number must be submitted for prescriptions and services. All out of Ontario campers MUST ensure they have full medical coverage for Ontario.
Every camper must be current with their immunizations. To purchase Travelers Medical Insurance, you can contact Mr. Noach Heimen 718-387-2114.
Medical Staff
We have an experienced Paramedic and Hatzalah member serving as our on- site medical staff member. We have also obtained the services of Dr. Ronald Zucker, a surgeon at Sick Kids Hospital and our neighbour who has graciously offered his expertise and will be on call throughout the summer for visits. If the Paramedic deems it necessary for the doctor to examine your child a doctor’s fee of $50 will be charged to your credit card (If you do not have OHIP).
Medication
If your child began taking antibiotics within 48 hours of the start of camp, you MUST notify us before camp. Any medications that a camper is taking must be brought to the infirmary. A designated time will be coordinated on the first day for the camper to bring their medicine and introduce themselves to the infirmary faculty. The medicine will be distributed to the campers during meal times, rest hour or night activity. Early A.M. medicine will be available at the infirmary immediately after wake up. If an alternate arrangement is necessary, the infirmary faculty will do their best to make accommodations. All medication and medical conditions will be strictly confidential.
SAFETY @ THE WATERFRONT
1. No camper or staff member is permitted near the lake without a lifeguard present. 2. Please make sure your child has water shoes.
GRAFFITI
All facilities, buildings, cabins, etc. were newly constructed at an enormous cost. We want the camp to remain sparkling and in the same beautiful state for many summers. We expect each camper to respect this request. There is absolutely NO writing, scribbling, or doodling on walls, doors, etc. Should a camper not adhere to this rule there will be a monetary consequence.
LICE CHECK
All campers must be checked for lice/ nits no earlier than Sunday June 26th (within 2 days of coming to camp), and must bring the lice form with them to camp. To avoid embarrassment make sure your child is lice and nit free. If lice are found, your child will be treated and your credit card on file will be charged.
Books & Music
READING MATERIALS AND MUSIC
Only Jewish and Chassidish reading material and music can be brought to camp. Any reading material or music that does not conform to the standards of CGI will be confiscated for the duration of the camp session.