Parent Information Book

Camp Gan Israel of Natick Metrowest
Summer 2025

Dear parents,

It is with great excitement that we approach our summer at Camp Gan Israel here in Natick! We look forward to providing you and your family with an enriching Jewish summer experience full of fun times, new friends and great memories. Our staff is eager to get to know your child and give them a summer experience of a lifetime!

What makes our program unique is our focus on campers as individuals and our commitment to providing each one of them with a nurturing experience. We design our program to provide for your child's social, emotional and cultural wellbeing. With themes relating to their Jewish identity and by infusing the daily schedule with activities, arts and crafts, songs and stories their experience becomes interactive and meaningful. It’s a place where Judaism comes alive in a fun way.

Our staff here at Camp Gan Israel is dedicated to giving each child an unforgettable experience. Your child will grow and form special relationships with friends and role models to cherish for a lifetime. Every decision that is made in the planning and operation of camp is always made with a focus on safety.

Please review this handbook to familiarize yourself with camp procedures and policies. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns please feel free to contact us,

Sincerely,
Rabbi Levi & Batya Naki

Dates & Times

Camp runs from June 23rd - July 11th.
*July 4th, we will be closed.

Regular Camp Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Extra Camp Hours:
Early Care from 8:00 am.
Late Care until 5:30 pm (with the exception of Fridays).

Drop Off

Morning drop off is from 8:55 am - 9:00 am. Your child’s attendance will be Marked as soon as they arrive.

Pick Up

End of the day pick up is from 3:45 - 4:00 pm. Please inform us in advance if you plan to send someone else, such as a friend or relative (that we may not recognize) to pick up your child. We ask that you make an effort to be on time for both drop off and pick up to help us ensure that our planned schedule runs smoothly. Please contact us if you anticipate being late.

Safety & Security

At Camp Gan Israel Natick Metrowest, your child’s safety is our number one priority. Attendance will be taken in the morning and every camper will be accounted for. Please contact us in advance if you anticipate your child being late. Campers will be under their counselors' supervision at all times.

Food and Snack

For your convenience, we will be providing Kosher lunch and snacks. Please note that we will be unable to reheat or cook any outside food that is brought to camp.

We will have water coolers available throughout our campus. Campers will be encouraged to hydrate often, especially during outdoor sports and activities. Please send your child with a reusable water bottle marked with their name.

What to Bring to Camp

• Camp T-shirts: Camp T-shirts must be worn on Wednesdays (trip days) and on photo day (to be announced). Every camper will receive one camp T-Shirt.
• Swimwear & Towel: Please send your child with swimwear to camp on swim days; as marked on calendar: Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make sure all items are labeled with the camper's name. *Children who require life jackets, should please bring their own to camp.
• Water Bottles: Please bring a reusable water bottle daily, marked clearly with the camper’s name. We’ll have cold water for them to fill up with. Campers will be encouraged to hydrate often.
• Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen each morning before camp. If you would like your child to re-apply lotion during the day, please send them with spray sunscreen labeled with their name. We will also ensure that there are shady, sun-protected areas during outside activities.
• Cap / Hat: To protect campers from the sun.
• Shoes: We highly recommend that campers come with closed toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not recommended as it makes sports and activities difficult. Closed toe shoes will also help campers avoid splinters in our woodchip covered yard.

What Not to Bring to Camp

Cell phones and electronic devices such as smart watches are not permitted to be used during camp hours. We ask you to please not send your child to camp with a cell phone. Cell phones tend to detract from group activities and the camp spirit. If your child needs access to a phone or other device during camp hours, please call us before camp to discuss. Camp Gan Israel cannot take responsibility for toys, jewelry, sports equipment, or other valuables that are lost or broken during camp hours.

Anti-Bullying Policy

At Camp Gan Israel bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against any type of bullying.

Our Camp philosophy is based on our mission statement which ensures that every camper has the opportunity to experience camp in a safe and fun environment. We work together as a team to ensure that campers gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with great memories. Our leadership addresses all incidents of bullying seriously and our staff are trained to promote communication with their supervisors and their campers so both staff and campers will be comfortable alerting us of any problems during their camp experience. Every camper has the right to expect to have the best possible experience at camp, and by working together as a team to identify and manage bullying, we can help ensure that all campers and staff have a great summer at Camp Gan Israel. A camper who persistently bullies may be suspended or expelled without a refund.

Lost & Found

We encourage you to mark items your child brings to camp with his/her name. Shirts, backpacks, etc. can seem identical and individual items are difficult to identify without a label. Lost & Found Items will be available at the camp office. Please contact us regarding specific items and we'll do our best to help you locate them.

We are looking forward to an incredible summer!