πŸ“˜ CAMP HANDBOOK

Camp Essentials

Everything you need to know for an unforgettable summer at Camp Gan Israel Morristown.

SUMMER 2026 Β· 5786
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Season
Jun 29 – Aug 14
(Specialty: Jun 22–26)
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Hours
Mon–Thu 9:00–3:30
Fri 9:00–2:00
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Phone
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Email

Welcome from the Directors

Χ‘Χ‘Χ΄Χ“

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Camp Gan Israel! We're delighted that you've chosen us for your child's summer adventure. As always, we are planning our camp experience with new activities and exciting programs, promising a summer filled with unforgettable memories.

Our Staff

At the heart of our camp is our dedicated team, who bring a mix of fun, learning, and adventure to each day. From engaging trips and refreshing swimming sessions to a variety of electives and camp-wide activities, there's always something new for your child to enjoy.

Boys Division and Kiddie Camp

Our facilities at the Rabbinical College of America (RCA) will accommodate both the Kiddie Camp and the Boys Division, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space for our campers. The Kiddie Camp will enjoy water activities on site, while the Boys Division will have swimming on site as well.

Girls' Division

We will once again be renting the beautiful Sussex Avenue School, ensuring ample space for our Girls' Division to play and enjoy camp. The Girls' Division will enjoy regular swimming sessions at Morristown High School, with seamless transportation provided. During the first two weeks of camp, swimming will take place at the beautiful Stardust Pool.

Safety and Inclusivity

Our top priorities are safety and inclusivity. We create a welcoming environment for Jewish children from all backgrounds, fostering a community of respect and learning. Our sites are secured with professional security guards, and we have an on-site ambulance for immediate medical attention β€” ensuring peace of mind for you and a safe environment for your child.

Your trust in us means the world. We're committed to making this summer not just fun and safe, but a truly memorable journey for your child.

Looking forward to a summer of joy and adventure,

Rabbi Mendel & Chana Stiefel
Camp Directors, Gan Israel Day Camps – Morristown, NJ

Before camp starts 10 Steps to a Smooth Start

1

Upload immunization records

Log in to your camp account β†’ click your child's name β†’ scroll to My Forms β†’ Complete a New Form β†’ Immunization Upload β†’ Select your child β†’ Upload.

πŸ’‘ If your children attend Cheder during the year and their records are up to date there, we already have them on file β€” no further action needed.
2

Update health info

Log in to your camp account β†’ click your child's name β†’ scroll to My Forms β†’ Health Form. This helps us support your child's physical and emotional wellbeing.

3

Medication at camp

We do not administer medication. If your child needs medication during camp hours, send a doctor's note along with the medication. It'll be securely stored in the director's office and given to your child at the scheduled time.

4

Share insights about your child

Log in β†’ click your child's name β†’ Edit Bio Information β†’ scroll to the box "Please share with us any pertinent information…"

πŸ”’ This stays confidential and is shared only with staff working directly with your child.
5

Sign trip waivers

Several camp trips require waivers. The list of waivers and links to sign is in the Parent Portal (they're gated to keep the trip destinations private).

Sign the Waivers β†’
6

Label your child's items

Camp runs on a dynamic schedule β€” items get lost easily. Labels help us return lost items to the right camper.

🎁 We've partnered with Mabel's Labels. 10% off regular items with code CAMPGAN10. Personalized, waterproof, dishwasher/laundry safe. Ships free to your house.
Get labels β†’
7

Join our WhatsApp group

We use WhatsApp for day-to-day notifications and last-minute updates (like trip delays). Most important camp messages land here first.

Join WhatsApp β†’
8

Read the rest of this page

Everything you need for this summer β€” camp life policies, lost & found, lunch, sickness protocol β€” is all below. Read top to bottom once so nothing surprises you in July.

9

Review the packing list

Our interactive packing list is organized by Kiddie Camp, Boys, and Girls divisions. Check items off as you pack.

Open packing list β†’
10

Get your kids excited!

We suggest printing the lunch menu and theme calendar. Let your children soak up the anticipation by familiarizing themselves with all the exciting highlights we have in store.

πŸ–¨οΈ Print Menu & Calendar β†’

Contacting us Get in Touch

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Camp Office

Main line (all extensions)
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ«

Rabbi Mendel Stiefel

Camp Director
EXT 2
πŸ‘©β€πŸ«

Mrs. Chana Stiefel

Director, Girls Division
EXT 3
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Mrs. Fayge Weinberg

Director, Kiddie Camp
EXT 4
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WhatsApp

Quick questions, fastest reply
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General Office

For anything else

Keeping in touch How We'll Reach You

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WhatsApp

Day-to-day notifications + live updates (bus delays, etc.). Parents using bus transportation: check WhatsApp first.
β†’ Join the group

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Email

Important announcements and forms. Check regularly to stay in the loop.

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Weekly e-newsletter

Every Friday: upcoming events, trips, must-bring items, and the week ahead.

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Photos

Daily camp photos are shared via our private parent photo gallery (face-matched to your child). Details on sign-up below.
β†’ Sign up for your child's gallery

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Facebook

facebook.com/MorristownCGI

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Instagram

@ganizzymorristown

πŸŽ’ What to Pack

Our interactive packing checklist is organized by division (Kiddie, Boys, Girls) with direct links to recommended products. Check items off as you pack.

Open the packing list β†’

Camp life Everyday Policies

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Lunch policy

A hot lunch is served daily (menu below). If your child won't eat the day's lunch, send food from home.

  • Nut-free β€” strictly enforced across camp
  • No meat-based foods from home
  • Fresh fruit, veggies, bread & spreads available every day
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Lost and Found

Misplaced items are collected daily and returned to campers if marked. Children can check lost items at the camp office.

At season's end, all unclaimed items are displayed for campers and parents to pick up.

🌑️

Sickness & Medication

Please keep your child home if they are unwell. If a child needs to leave camp due to illness, we'll contact parents for pick-up.

  • Medications + EpiPens/Auvi-Qs need a doctor's note or emergency plan
  • Stored securely in the director's office
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Safety on site

Both camp sites are secured with professional security guards and an on-site ambulance.

  • RCA campus (Boys + Kiddie)
  • Sussex Ave School (Girls)

This summer's lunch Lunch Menu

πŸ”Parent Portal

Some information is kept behind a password for your child's safety β€” specifically anything that reveals where campers will be on any given day. Sign in with your parent password to access:

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Drop-off & pick-up locations

Specific addresses + circle details for Boys, Girls, and Kiddie Camp.

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Theme calendar

Week-by-week schedule: trip days, swim days, dress-up days, specialty events.

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Trip waivers

Sky Zone, Kids Empire, X-treme, Power Up Arena, Lakeview Marina β€” all the links.

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Division B overnights

Dates, locations, and prep details for the overnight trips.

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Private photo gallery

Your child's photos, auto-matched. Available once you approve via the signup flow.

🎨

Icon key

What each symbol on the theme calendar means.

πŸ”‘ Go to Parent Portal Use the parent password you received via email. Lost it? Email office@ganisrael.org.