Did you know? There’s a CGI in the Lakeview neighborhood and it’s going strong! Camp Gan Israel Lakeview was started 10 years ago by Rabbi Baruch and Mrs. Chanie Hertz — with only 8 kids enrolled. This year ka”h, they have 100 campers. (Today Lakeview’s full time shluchim Rabbi Dovid and Devorah Leah Kotlarsky assist with camp as well as many other successful programs in the neighborhood.)
Says one staff member, “CGI Lakeview is unique in that it’s a joyous place for kids of all different observance levels and Jewish backgrounds to share their Jewish heritage together in an exciting way. Our creative and talented counselors are invited from across the country and sometimes the globe, which adds another interesting dimension to a child’s summer or winter break experience.”
And some of this year’s counselors are home-grown — previous CGI Lakeview campers who were inspired to come back and provide an exciting Jewish summer for others.
And it’s not only the campers who are involved. Camp Gan Israel Lakeview includes events for the parents and the whole family, such as a camp Shabbos dinner, a camp family barbecue, and Friday morning coffee socials for parents.
The camp has also been a stepping stone to a closer relationship with Judaism. Baruch Hashem, more than one family has felt the importance of sending their children to a Jewish day school, or increasing the meaningfulness of their daily lives through doing more mitzvot, as a result of the positive energy of this program.
While CGI Lakeview strives to make its program affordable and accessible, they don’t scrimp on the action. The camp hits all the hot kids’ spots in Chicagoland, such as Funtopia, Sky High, waterparks, Chicago’s world-class museums, and much more. Instructional swimming is also included for all age levels, and activities include pizza making, challah baking, arts and crafts – a full summer (or winter) of activities. Songs, high energy, and friendships bring it all together. They must be doing something right because both parents and kids have been requesting more weeks of camp, and the feedback has been effusive:
“My son had a wonderful time at Camp Gan Izzy this summer. Each morning he couldn’t wait to get to camp! The activities and field trips were exciting and the sense of warmth provided by the staff was truly special. My son can’t wait to go back! Many thanks!”
~ Julie L.
“My daughters have been part of the Chabad of Lakeview experience for several years, and they could not love an organization and the people who run it more! The camps are filled with affection and care for each individual child, while a deep sense of Jewish identity and learning weaves a complete experience of fun and love of one’s roots.”
~ Lia E.
Summer sessions run late June through mid-August for children ages 2-12, with early and late childcare available. Winter camp coincides with public school vacation days. Sign up or find out more by calling 773-973-6386 or visiting www.cgilakeview.com
