Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Picture of the day - CGI @ 5:57 pm PST
Our very own 770 style official United States Post Office located on across the street form the main camp ground, being painted by Mr. Tony Bennet from the Bennet Construction Co. Camp Gan Israel gets a $1.00 check every year from the Postmaster General for maintaining this satellite Post Office Location.
The Post Office was built in 1980.

Source: Photo by Shmais.com

Thursday, July 26, 2001

Carnival , Treasure Hunt! - CGI @ 10:27 pm PST

As the campers awoke to the pitter-patter of rain on the rooftops of their bunkhouses … The Staff of CGI had prepared for them one of the most exciting days of the summer.

Although the learning Classes were confined to the indoors, the new multi-purpose room in the main building served as a shelter for several learning classes.

For the 1st activity, Division 1 and 2 (Bunks Aleph - Tes Vov) lined up outside the door of the Dining Room anxiously waiting to enter the fun-filled Carnival prepared for them by their counselors and Head Counselor Baruch Kaplan. Tickets were distributed to all the campers as they excitedly scampered off to test their skills at the many different booths. From “Bobbing Apples” to the highlight of the carnival the “Game Show” Hosted by counselor of Bunk Hey, Shaul Perlstien. The Carnival lasted for 1 ½ hours and the campers had to be pried away to go to their next activity. Division 3 (Bunks Tes Zayin – Chof Gimmul) began their “Toras Rabbeinu” Sports League.

For the 2nd activity Division 2 began their “Toras Rabeinu” Sports League.

The 3rd Division had an exciting treasure hunt led by Head Counselor Baruch Hecht. What a sight to see Campers searching campgrounds for the Gift of “N’shei Chabad” to Gan Yisroel. The message for the treasure hunt was “Shlichus is what I love to do! Ad Mosai!!!

Every night after maariv the campers watch a short video of the Rebbe. Tonight the video began with a series of “around the year events with the Rebbe” which will be shown in segments over the next couple of days.

Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Picture of the day - CGI @ 5:42 pm PST

Click on thumbnail on left for an enlarged view of Eli Goorevitch - Laguna Beach, CA & Levi Sharfstein - Crown Heights of Bunk 7, 2 of the many k"ah new campers in Gan Yisroel, NY for the second session, during lunch on Wednesday 5 Av.

Source: Shmais.com c/o CGI

RABBI LAZAROFF VISITS CAMP - CGI @ 5:39 pm PST
Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff, Head Shliach of Texas visited Camp Gan Yisroel, NY today. As part of his visit Rabbi Lazaroff spent some quality time with the campers of Bunk 11 who are representing Chabad of Texas as part of the highly sucessful Project Shlichus 5761. Rabbi Lazaroff also sang some songs with the campers and taught them a new one with the words "Zeh Hayom Usuh Hashem..."

Source: Shmais.com c/o CGI

2nd trip bunk lists has been updated - CGI @ 9:34 am PST
Camp Gan Israel 2nd trip bunk lists

Tuesday, July 24, 2001

PICTURE OF THE DAY - CGI @ 5:47 pm PST
Click on thumbnail on left for an enlarged view of smiling Bunk Alef Campers in The Rebbe's Camp, Menachem M. Galperin, Mendel Avtzon & Menachem Shemtov getting ready to go on CGINY's famous bumper boats on Tuesday 4 Av.

Source: Shmais C/O C.G.I.

FIRST SESSION @ THE REBBES CAMP ENDS WITH A BANG - CGI @ 3:46 pm PST
Gan Yisroel, NY founded by the Rebbe 46 years ago completed a smashingly successful first session on Monday morning.

B”H the first session saw the campers grow both spiritually & physically and at the same time enjoying themselves tremendously. The highlight of the first month had to be “Project Shlichus” and that will IYH continue with much force during the second session that started today.

On Sunday night, supper was turned into a mini-banquet for the campers who were only staying in camp for one session. During the banquet the campers were privileged to hear greetings from Executive Camp Director Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok Shemtov, Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and the Head Counselors.

In addition prizes and certificates for Best learning classes & campers & trophies from the Toras Rabeinu leagues were distributed.

Meanwhile, the second session is B”H off and running where the first session concluded. With an additional 30 k”ah campers, bringing the total of campers to 270 k”ah, the Shul, dining room and camp in general is rocking with Chayus.

On Monday afternoon before lunch all the Campers went to the Shul for orientation and the dividing of the bunks, from the Shul they went to the dining room for a delicious lunch that included tuna fish, fresh French fries, salad and chocolate & vanilla pudding. To top lunch off, Fadak Inc. headed by Shmais.com CEO Levi Hodakov sponsored delicious citrus ices for all the campers.

Source: Shmais C/O C.G.I.

Monday, July 23, 2001

Begining of Second Session - CGI @ 8:51 pm PST

The second session is B”H off and running where the first session left off. With an additional 30 k”ah campers, bringing the total of campers to 270 k”ah.
Before lunch all the Campers went to the Shul for orientation and the dividing of the bunks, from the Shul they went to the dining room the chayos at benching was tremendous and set the tone for a fabulous second session.

The new Bunk list will be posted IY”H tommorow.

End of First Session - CGI @ 8:40 pm PST
Gan Yisroel, founded by the Rebbe 46 years ago completed a smashingly successful first session today.

B”H the first session saw the campers grow both spiritually & physically and at the same time enjoying themselves tremendously. The highlight of the first month had to be “Project Shlichus” and that will IYH continue with much force during the second session that started today.

On Sunday night, supper was turned into a mini-banquet for the campers who were only staying in camp for one session. During the banquet the campers were privileged to hear greetings from Executive Camp Director Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok Shemtov, Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and the Head Counselors.

In addition prizes and certificates for Best learning classes & campers & trophies from the Toras Rabeinu leagues were distributed.

Sunday, July 22, 2001

Shlichus Update - CGI @ 1:34 am PST

In a display of talent this Motzei Shabbos every Chabad House (Bunk) presented beautiful skits about the Ten Mivtzoyim. The camp was divided in three groups with each Chabad House (Bunk) performing in front of their group. One group performed in the Shul, one in the Dining Room and one in our newly renovated multi-purpose room in the basement of the Main building.
Pictures of the skits will be posted shortly.

Friday Chof Tes Tammuz - CGI @ 1:21 am PST
Today after breakfast the winners for learning class competition was announced they were immediately dismissed to a grand trip of speed boating.
Today’s activities were the playoffs for the Torahs Rabienu Leagues. The winners will enter the champion games on Sunday.

Thursday, July 19, 2001

Thursday Chof Ches Tammuz - CGI @ 8:25 pm PST

Today was a very exciting day in Camp, the day started with the bunk competition winners (Bunks 5, 12 and 15) going at 6:00 in the morning to Hershey Park.

After breakfast the runner up (Bunk 10) went speed boating, pizza, ice cream and shopping in the mall.

After lunch the remaining bunks went on hikes to Parksville, the waterfall, Rails to Trails and to a neighboring farm where the farmer entertained them.

Bunks Chof Aleph And Chof Bais played a game of basketball and soccer against Camp Lmaan Achai, and won both games!

Bunks Aleph and Gimmel went on their Shabbos Competition trip.

Tonight night activity was "Judgment Night", the Judges were H.C.B.K., H.W.S.M. and M.D.Y.W. amongst those prosecuted were H.C.B.H. and G.M.M.G.

A special Mazal Tov to Campers Moshe Mandel and Shimon Piekarsky on the celebration of their Bar Mitzvah.

PICTURE OF THE DAY - CGI @ 2:40 pm PST

Camp Gan Yisroel Truck Driver Zev Baran, admiring the new truck tires
that were donated this morning by Pacific Printing Inc.
This picture was taken on July 19, 2001 on Empire Blvd. while picking up 15 new fire extinguishers and other equipment for camp.

Bunk Competition Winners - CGI @ 2:25 am PST

After Maariv Wednesday night the tense atmosphere was felt in the Shul as the Campers and Counselors awaited the announcement of the winners for the hard earned bunk competition.

Finally after all the singing and chanting the Head Counselors made the dramatic announcement and the winners are… first division Bunk Hey (Chabad of Costa Rico), Second division Bunk Yud Bais (Chabad of Spain) and Third division Bunk Tes Vov (Chabad of Venezuela). The winners will be going on a full day trip to Hershey Park on Thursday. Runners up of the entire camp was Bunk Yud (Chabad of Texas) who came in very close to winning; they will be going on a special trip on Thursday. Special recognition was given to Bunk Chof Aleph (Chabad of Thailand) who will be going on a special outing.

Overnights - CGI @ 2:12 am PST
On Monday afternoon the entire camp moved to “Neversink” where they camped out in the wilderness.

Grouped in 2 bunks there was a total of 11 sites with beautiful campfires & BBQ’s found at each one. The sound of camp songs being sung at all the sites was heard all around the entire campgrounds.
Even a little rain that came down for a brief period during the night was not able to dampen the spirits of the campers.

At 8:00am on Tuesday morning all campers were awake after Shachris, breakfast and cleaning the site ready to board the buses for the trip to Mountain Creek the world’s largest water park which is located in Mount Vernon, NJ, where the Campers had a very enjoyable day, see related article.

Thursday, July 19, 2001

MASSIVE KIDDUSH LUBAVITCH @ MOUNTAIN CREEK - CGI @ 11:31 pm PST

On Tuesday, for the second year in a row, Lubavitcher campers & Staff made a massive Kiddush Lubavitch @ Mountain Creek waterpark, that was opened exclusively for Jewish women on Monday and Jewish men on Tuesday. Mountain Creek the worlds largest water park is located in Mount Vernon, NJ.

All the campers & staff present from the Lubavitcher camps including: Gan Yisroel, NY, Morristown Day Camp & Morristown Y.S.P., Camp F.R.E.E., L’man Achai, Oholei Torah day camp & Lubavitch Yeshiva day camp made a massive Kiddush Lubavitch. They made it by acting like they should, especially in the manner in which they dressed. Everyone instantly recognized the Lubavitchers, because they proudly wore their Yarmulkahs & Tzitzis @ all times inside the water park.

In addition to all the fun the CGINY campers had on the various water rides, there was also some fun had with Singer Shloimy Dachs who was so impressed by CGINY Learning Teacher Benny Friedman, whose voice he heard singing over the walkie talkies, that Dachs came over to see for himself and a small concert ensued on the grass at the entrance of Mountain Creek.

After the mini concert, a group of 25 CGINY campers remained to sing camp songs, in the interim getting much attention from the crowds of Jewish passerby's.
___________________________________________________

Source: Shmais.com c/o CGI

CEO OF SHMAIS BUYS FRESH DONUTS FOR ENTIRE CGINY - CGI @ 4:48 pm PST

On Wednesday morning, during breakfast in The Rebbe's Camp, H.C.S.A. announced to the campers that the CEO of Shmais.com, in honor of his birthday this past Monday, had purchased delicious fresh donuts for the entire camp. This marked the 4th year in a row that the CEO has purchased donuts for the entire Camp Gan Yisroel in honor of his birthday. The H.C.'s announcement was greeted with thunderous chanting of "Shmais.com, Shmais.com".

Afterwards the waiters began to distribute the 440 custard and regular donuts to all the campers and staff. When the CEO entered the dining room to capture the moment, he was greeted with a loud "2, 4, 6, 8" followed by the singing of "Happy Birthday".

The Chayus everyone got from the donuts allowed them to learn much better during learning classes that followed breakfast

Tuesday, July 17, 2001

Overnights and Water Park - CGI @ 8:46 pm PST

Tuesday 8:30 pm the most tired yet happiest Campers arrived back home in Gan Yisroel. It was an exhilarating experience to spend the night in the great outdoors and the day amongst thousands of Jewish campers in Mountain Creek Water Park.
Everyone here is recovering from all the fun, details to follow.

Sunday, July 15, 2001

VISITING DAY @ CGINY - Levi @ 3:53 pm PST

Hundreds of people from around the world including many Shluchim, CGI Alumni and former CGINY Head Counselors Yossi Spalter & Elkana Shmotkin and former Learning Director Eliezer Zaklikovsky converged on Gan Yisroel, NY on Sunday for the summers first visiting day.

While many parents & friends took campers off grounds to nearby Pizza Shops, Shoprite and other shopping, many others decided to spend their afternoon on the beautiful grounds of CGI and enjoy delicious hotdogs, burgers and other delicious food from the worlds best canteen. The weather for the most part was B”H very good and camps sports fields, the game room and lake with bumper boats were opened to all campers & visitors.

Two staff members were selling this years beautiful t-shirts & hats in the CGI square.

Camp caretaker Eric Taylor was busy all day long directing both vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the busy Old Route 17. As visiting day was coming to an end, smiling campers were seen schlepping bags and bags of nosh & other goodies, back from their day out of camp.

FOR EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM VISTING DAY @ CGINY, COURTESY OF SHMAIS.COM, CLICK ON SIDE BAR "CAMP PICTURES 2001".

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Visitng Day! - CGI @ 11:17 pm PST

We encourage everyone to drive safely and please obey all local speed limits.
The easiest way into camp is though Route 17. Exit 98 on the left lane, make a left at the traffic light and another quick left on to the old Route 17 drive for about 1500 feet and Camp will be on your right side. Please park across the street in the Kiryat Gan Israel Post office / Bus Stop area.

Shabbos Parshas Pinchas - CGI @ 2:42 pm PST

Shabbos Parshas Pinchas, was by far the most spectacular of the summer. It was a Shabbos culminating a fantastic week, which was highlighted by Shlichus War.
Before Minchah the campers were informed about a special prize for the weekly Shabbos raffle - a stereo system. Kabolas Shabbos was lead by a guest Chazzan, long time staff member of CGI Meir Kessler. The Friday night Seudah was extremly lebedik, Head Counselor Sruly Altein started the meal, teaching the camp excerpts from the first Farbrengen of the Rebbe when he came to America, this week sixty years ago. Then the camp sang all the new songs from Shlichus War, that set the tone for the meal, which turned into the most Chayos'diker Friday night that CGI has had this summer. The meal and ensuing Farbrengen continued past midnight, Head Counselor Baruch Kaplan farbrenged with over fifty campers.
Shabbos morning Tehilim had a record turnout, many campers from all divisions woke up on their own, and were there on time (the entire bunk Chof Aleph was there bright and early, in honor of their counselor Levi Raskin's birthday). Camper Avremie Wolff, Morristown NJ lead the Minyan Tehilim.
Camper Baruch Vidal, Atlanta GA davened Pesukai Dezimrah, Camper Shneur Kamensky, Rochester NY davened Shacharis and Camper Yankie Lokshin, Brooklyn NY davened Mussaf.
The letters for counting during Kriah spelled “Shluchei Malach" in honor of the winning team "Merkos Shluchim".
The winners of Shabbos competition were bunks Aleph (Chabad of Hungary), Gimmel (Chabad of Peru), Yud Gimmel (Chabad of Uraguay) and Tes Vov (Chabad of Venezuela). Many other bunks enjoyed late night activities of their own.

Friday, July 13, 2001

The Winner Is... - CGI @ 1:52 am PST

Thursday the Campers woke up at 8:00am, the day began with a regular day schedule - back to the fierce bunk competition. After learning classes, at 12:15pm, all the Campers and Staff gathered in front of the flagpole and lined up in three long lines for the announcement of the Shlichus War Winner!
After the usual pre-announcements and "water throwing"(due to the chilly weather the only water this year was the Judges being thrown into the indoor pool while all the Campers watched through the large windows,) all the Judges screamed out in unison, with their right fists pumped in the air, “the winner, for Shlichus War 5761 is the team of Merkos Shluchim”.

Instantly pandemonium broke out with screaming shouting singing and dancing.

After lunch Bunks 1-14 went on hikes to Liberty, Parksville and the "Water fall". While bunks 8 and 12 went speed boating for their Shabbos competition trip.

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

SHLICHUS WAR THEME SONGS - Levi @ 10:48 am PST

Team of Shluchim
(T.T.T.O. VeHa’aviosim MBD)

My Shabbos by the Shliach
Is always more serene.
Since in a Chabad house
The Rebbe’s clearly seen.

From his family and friends
The Shliach is removed.
To do the Rebbe’s Shlichus
How could he refuse?

The farbrengens Friday night
Inspired me.
Sitting with the Shliach
In unity.

His guidance helping hand,
Changed me through and through.
Making me feel that
I’m a Chossid too

Mesiras nefesh beguloi
The goal of every Jew.
But as the Rebbe’s, Shluchim
This is all we do.

Shliach Shel Adam, K’moso
Rebbe -- Shliach unite
Bringing Moshiach closer
Lighting the Golous night.

Team of Merkos Shluchim
(Original tune)

All alone, a young man sits,
His soul crying out from deep within
His Yiddishkeit sold carelessly
He asks Hashem “please let me see”

Few moments later a bochur stands
Before him holding matzos in his hands
Our holy Rebbe sent these to you
For he knows that you’re a Jew

The Rebbe worries for every single Yid
Despite their level or city were they live
For this reason the Rebbe chose his bochurim
Who stand on guard to be sent speedily
For this reason we as Merkos Shluchim
Are marching forth Triumphantly!

Team of Chayolim

I am what they call a minuteman
To serve the army as best as I can
Normally I’ll be working elsewhere
But as soon as war breaks out I will be there

Every Chossid is a minuteman
Serving the army as best as he can
Whenever I get a chance to fight
I will strive to touch every Yid in sight

The Rebbe demands that every single Jew
Should become part of his mission too
We’re ready for the call, to prepare the world
For the coming of Moshiach Tzidkaynu

Shlichus War Teams - CGI @ 4:12 am PST

Team of Shluchim
Theme: A Shliach settling in a city to be the Rebbe's representative to reach and affect every Jew in the city.
General: Yudi Steiner
LT. Gen.: Shmuli Backer
LT. Gen.: Zalmy Hecht

Team of Merkos Shluchim
Theme: A traveling Shliach to reach even the furthest Jew wherever others may not be able to settle.
General: Simmy Morgenstern
LT. Gen.: Motti Seligson
LT. Gen.: Shneur Shneerson

Team of Chayolim
Theme: Every Chossid, regardless of his job, has an order from the Rebbe to influence every single Jew that he comes in contact with.
General: Mendy Greenberg
LT. Gen.: Koppel Cohen
LT. Gen.: Levi Raskin

From Project Shlichus to Shlichus War! - CGI @ 4:05 am PST

On Tuesday for the second activity all the Campers went up to their bunkhouses to complete the final touches on their bunk decorations and costumes for “Project Shlichus”.
At 3:45pm all the Campers and counselors got dressed into their costumes and stood outside of their respective Chabad Houses with proud signs and flags welcoming everyone in to their Chabad Houses.
After individual pictures were taken of each group in front of their Chabad Houses, all the Campers assembled in the center of the hill for a special formation.
What a Site to see! From the English royal guards to the Alte Chasideshe Yiden of Russia, from the vacationers of Hawaii to the Moroccan Jews, the hill looked as colorful and diverse as can be!
The bunks then each had a chance to present their cheer or song about their Chabad House and Country, each in their own accent or language. The Chayos and noise (thanks to the infamous CGI siren) was tremendous!
This prompted on of the CGI neighbors Mr. Ray Kelly to come on his tractor to the center of the hill berating the Staff for the commotion and the noise Camp was making, this lead into a confrontation with Masmidim Director Yossi Waks. . . . . . BOG WAR!
After a loud thank you to Mr. Kelly and the completion of the Presentation the Campers all went down to the Shul where they were explained the names of the teams in this Shlichus war and the teams were divided. (see related article).
The Chayos of Mincha and Bentching of supper really started this Shlichus war off on a high!
Very entertaining scavengers followed supper, the Campers then went up to bed and fell asleep within minutes after a long exciting and tiring day in Gan Yisroel – The Rebbe’s Camp!

Tuesday, July 10, 2001

Shlichus - War - CGI @ 2:46 pm PST
Click on thumbnail on left for an enlarged view of Parksville, NY farmer Ray Kelly on his tractor screaming at CGINY Masmidim Director Yossi Waks on the CGI hill on Tuesday afternoon 19 Tammuz. Kelly was in camp to break out Shlichus (Bog) War.

Source: Shmais.com c/o CGI

Sunday, July 08, 2001

Sunday 17th of Tammuz - CGI @ 3:40 pm PST

Earlier this afternoon their was great excitement in the air as all the Campers went up to their bunkhouses to finish decorating the bunks and making costumes to resemble the country that they are representing in “Project Shlichus”. While their counselors continued collecting information about the Chabad Houses and contacting their respective Shluchim, the Campers were actively working on the posters and decorations of the bunk.

Afterwards there was the traditional Campers Counselors Baseball game the final score was 16-2 with the counselors in the lead, the younger bunks played a grand game of hockey in the Shul.

After Mincha Rabbi Baras told the Camp a story. To break the fast to the excitement of all the campers the whole camp was served pizza from “Delicious Pizza” in South Fallsburg (Lazer Raksin).

Shabbos Parshas Balak - CGI @ 3:30 pm PST

Like last week, before Mincha the campers were told about a brand new 10-speed bicycle to be raffled off after Shabbos. In the course of the Shabbos there were 1500! tickets given to the campers. H.C.B.H. told the campers a story before Kabolas Shabbos. C.S.B. davened Kabolas Shabbos @ the Umud, and it was very lebedik especially during the singing of Lecha Dodi

This, the 2nd Friday night Shabbos meal in camp was as “lebedik” as ever, most of the songs were focused on Shlichus in connection with last weeks launch of “Project Shlichus”. For the second week in a row camps chef Shlomo Futerfas made delicious knaidelach to go along with the chicken soup.

After the meal close to 50 campers stayed on to Farbreng till 12:00 midnight with H.C.S.A.

Shabbos morning there was cocosh & marble cake, cereal & fruit for snacks. Camper Shimon Shur davened @ the Umud till Shochain Ad, he was taken over by Camper Shnayor Kamensky. Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov was honored with Maftir. The letters for counting during Kriah spelled “Moshiach Now” backwards. Camper Yankie Lokshin davened Mussaf @ the Umud.

Seudas Shabbos began with a story from H.C.B.H. and when the singing began the dining room was rocking. The camp made sure to sing with extra enthusiasm @ 1:30pm which is the time that the Rebbe would come down to Farbreng.

The 3 Head Counselors, Rabbi Baras & Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon from Hong Kong farbrenged during the afternoon learning classes with groups of campers.

It was a very active afternoon for Mishnayos Baal Peh.

For most of the afternoon, Rabbi Shemtov farbrenged in the guest dining room with many members of Yeshivas Kayitz present.

Prior to Mincha there was Seder niggunim in the Shul. This week’s “Shmaryionky” had a guest star from the custodial department of camp.

After Havdola the winners for Shabbos competition were announced. Bunks 8, 12, & 19 won, the runners up were bunks 13, 20.

After Maariv in addition to the regular late night sports activities, Bunks 1, 5 and 10 were privileged to be the first bunks to enjoy the first “night swim” in Camps indoor heated pool, and Bunk 14 enjoyed the newly renovated “game room”!

Friday, July 06, 2001

Project Shlichus - CGI @ 9:14 pm PST

It was Thursday 2:05 PM, the ground shook in Gan Yisroel as some 20 flags were proudly waved.
Gan Yisroel was announcing their latest event – “Project Shlichus”! A fiery speech was delivered by H.C.B.H. about the work of the Shluchim, immediately following, the camp was allowed to stand in their place and begin marching as they sang “From 770”. As the singing continued the stage curtains opened revealing the counselors waving flags of their newly “acquired” country or state.
Each bunk has now been asked to transform their bunk into a Chabad House. “No longer will you be known as bunk Yud Gimmel, rather ‘the Shluchim of Uruguay’”.
When asked for a Lebedike Bentching the H.C. is heard saying, “Shluchim of United Kingdom show the world what you’ve got”. Many bunks have already placed big signs in front of their bunkhouses. “Chabad of Hawaii”, “Chabad of Alaska”, could be seen standing side by side.
Letters received from Shluchim from around the world are hanging proudly in their respective bunks. “Thank you for joining me on my Shlichus” reads one. “Your involvement will surely give us the Koiches to go on with our work” wrote R.Y.C. Cantor Head Shliach of Bangkok Thailand. Campers and counselors alike with maps and displays of their region are decorating bunks. Pictures of the interesting sights of their respective countries are being put up on the walls.
Throughout the day we were hearing “the Shluchim of Argentina” singing “we want Moshiach now” in Spanish.
Shluchim from around the world have sent Tanya’s, Pushka’s, flyers and brochures here for this spectacular event. “This sounds like it’s gonna be fun” said a camper from bunk Chof Beis. “Yes! We’re Shluchim too!” was said by many children of Bunk Daled. The project, which is planned to continue throughout the summer, is meant to focus on various subjects. Contests on how to publicize Mivtzoim, Yomim Tovim, Chasidish Minhagim, etc. scheduled for the upcoming weeks. “We hope we can teach the children Yidishe and Chasidishe values this way, without having them constrained to the conventional classroom methods” said one of the head staff. “This is a lot of Oros but lets make sure it comes into Keilim” said Rabbi Shemtov.
Rabbi Shemtov expressed his concern that the project be well organized and scheduled in order to insure a proper delivery to the children.
All-in-all camp Gan Israel is in a whirlwind, on a high with excitement. “The iinvolvement of the Shluchim has really been inspiring” said correspondence coordinator L.T. Levi Slonim. It seems that it would be best summed up by the remarks of Shliach Rabbi Yossi Amar from Argentina “this project comes as no surprise, it’s called the Rebbe’s camp for a reason”.

"Project Shlichus" - CGI @ 2:11 am PST
Click on thumbnail on left for an enlarged view of the counselors in The Rebbe's camp jumping off the stage in the Shul with flags in their hand for the launching Thursday afternoon of "Project Shlichus". Full report on this amazing project to follow IYH..

Source: Shmais.com c/o CGI

Wednesday, July 04, 2001

Picture of the day - CGI @ 4:23 am PST
Click on thumbnail on left for an enlarged view of two campers, (Shimon Klein & Yanky Teller) in The Rebbe's camp, posing with camp mascot "Moshe Yukel" on Wednesday afternoon 13 Tammuz.

Source: Shmais.com c/o CGI

Wednesday, July 04, 2001

Waiters win by a landslide! - Levi @ 9:30 pm PST
The CGI Waiters do it again! Coming back to the dinning room with a triumphant 8-0 victory over the Torah Teen “Shtaigers”. Although the “Shtaigers” where reported to be a good team, they were no mach for the “CGI'ers” who have repeatedly shown excellent performance even under the most tense situation.

H.W.S.M. says “this comes as no surprise to me; these boys are constantly putting out their best, serving camp both in and out of the dining room”. Proof to that was their fabulous participation this past Shabbos in MBP. “I don’t think we could have gotten so much MBP done without their help”. Says MBP Dir. C.H.A. The main though will be in the upcoming game with the Kitchen Staff “Kuchers” who are scheduled to play in the near future. An exact date is not yet forthcoming but rest assured you will be informed. For now, the waiters are busy doing their work faithfully and resuming their Norman Seder which includes rising at the very early hour of 6:30am
And learning the Rebbe’s holy Chassidus, which will hasten the coming of Moshiach right now!

Wednesday, July 04, 2001

Tuesday Yud Beis Tammuz - CGI @ 11:16 pm PST

In Honor of Yud Bais Tammuz the Campers played an exciting game of “Escape From Russia”, (organized by our very own dedicated Night Activity Director), during activities this afternoon. The objective of the game is to receive a passport and visa to “Escape from Russia” without being caught by the Russian Guards.

A special Yom Tov Seudah was served in honor of Yud Beis Tammuz, during this supper a special atmosphere was felt by all the campers in the beautifully decorated dining room. A special song sheet was printed in honor of the occasion, with songs associated with Yud Bais Tammuz, the campers sang with lots of Chayus and emotion. Executive Director Rabbi Shemtov then addressed the entire camp about the practical implications of Yud Bais Tammuz, and it’s meaning to us Chasidim today, he then continued to speak about the specialty of camp.
In closing of the Seudah, two new projects were initiated, a Chitas Club during rest period, and an essay contest, explaining the meaning of the names of the teams in “Toras Rabbeinu Leagues”, details of the contest will follow.

After lights out the staff had a special “Staff Seder” in honor of Yud Bais Tammuz. A Farbrengen with Rabbi Michoel Seligson followed the Seder, Rabbi Baras later joined as well, after his own Farbrengen with the Masmidim. The Yeshivas Kayitz had a Farbrengen of their own with the Rosh Yeshivah Rabbi Wolberg.

CGI's 22 year old truck - CGI @ 4:43 pm PST

The 1979 International Harvester truck that has been in CGI's  possession since the summer of 1983 is no where to be found. In the many summers that the aging truck has been shleping from luggage to steel beams and other precious cargo, has finally needed a major overhaul, and is currently being repaired by an International truck dealer in Paramus N.J., it is not clear to how the truck ended up there, but the camp director assures us that the truck
will be back in service shortly.

Monday 11 Tammuz - Levi @ 3:25 pm PST

Today after breakfast H.C.S.A. announced that the entire camp will be going on the first trip this summer to “Roller Skating” the campers broke out into a loud cheer and the excitement was felt in the air.
At 10:30am the campers from bunks Aleph through Yud-Aleph boarded the busses for the first shift to “Skaters World” in Ferndale, NY for an exciting hour and a half on the Roller Skating rink. When the younger bunks returned they had lunch and the bunks (Yud-Bais through Chof-Bais) went on to the skating rink.

The days excitement did not end with Roller skating. During the first afternoon activity camps “Toras Rabbeinu” leagues began with a bang and the campers were all very into all the sports activities, looking forward to being the best in their league. The names of the teams are the Seforim that the Rebbe wrote.

WE HAVE A WINNER! - Levi @ 13:30 PST

Camp Gan Israel Parksville, New york
is proud to announce it's 1st winner of the
weekly Shabbos raffle. Mendy Epstein of bunk Zayin
is the proud owner of a brand new 10 speed mountain bike.

Source: CGI NY

GAN YISROEL STAFF GET BEAUTIFUL WATCHES! - Levi @ 13:21 PST

After lunch on Tuesday afternoon, the Staff of Gan Yisroel, NY were presented with a beautiful silver watch “with much appreciation” for their hard work. The stunning looking watch has a gorgeous clear Gan Yisroel logo etched into the face.

The campers cheered after each staff member was presented with his watch. After everyone got their watch H.C.S.A. told the staff to open up the tin container and a loud “pssst” coupled with “ooohs” and “aaahs”erupted after the staff & campers alike saw the watches for the very first time.

The staff did not waste any time and immediately took off the watches they were wearing and replaced them with the new CGI one.

Source: Shmais.com