Camp Gan Yisrael accommodates three-term schools

OWN CORRESPONDENT

The August camp follows a sister programme in July, attended by more than 500 children from four-term schools. The Jewish schools fall under the four-term schedule and their mid-year holiday is in July, but there are many Jewish children at the other private schools that run with three-terms.

The August camp caters for Jewish children who are on the three-term schedule, and who often miss out on activities and entertainment because their holidays do not coincide with Jewish schools.

The August camp also offered the children added care and attention, and a higher staff-to-camper ratio. “Too often the needs of these children are ignored,” says Rabbi Pini Pink, who co-directs the camp with his wife, Rochie. “As part of Chabad’s mission to reach out to every Jew, we realised the tremendous need for this camp, and have created a fun, meaningful programme in a loving and Jewish environment.”

According to Pink, the camp not only benefits the children, it helps their parents. “It is extremely challenging to find appropriate activities and entertainment during these holidays, which do not coincide with the four-term school holidays. Parents are left balancing busy work schedules and having their children at home.

Head Counsellor Tali Abrahamson is proud of the camp’s diversity. “We were honoured to host children of all backgrounds.” The camp had a packed schedule – a Gan Yisrael hallmark – including a bowling trip, sports, arts, and crafts, and petting zoos.