PARENTS’ GUIDE TO CAMP GAN ISRAEL SEATTLE 2026/5786

All you need to know!

VENUE:

Gan Israel Seattle

Ages 5 and up: 620 20th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Rabbi Yoni Levitin  - Co-Director:  206-851-9831   This Number has been updated to our Business number. For the most immediate response time, please whatsapp this number and someone from our team will reply.

Mushka Levitin - Co-Director : [email protected]

SCHEDULE:

Camp will run Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM (aside from week 1 starting on Tuesday and week 6 ending on Thursday) , June 30th  – August 6th. Please make sure to be punctual. We have a packed schedule planned for each day, and it is important your child(ren) don’t miss out. 

Arrival & Pickup at Camp Gan Israel 

• Upon arrival, campers should proceed directly inside the gate.

• A counselor will be curbside to check-in your child(ren). Children cannot be dropped off or picked up without getting signed in/signed out.

• After 9:15, please bring your child/ren to the front door and a head staff member will sign you in.

Late Pickup

•  After 3:15 we will be giving a 15-minute grace period. 

• If you arrive after 3:30 PM, your child will be placed in aftercare, and a $20 fee per child will be automatically charged to your card on file. 

CAMP DIVISIONS:

The Camp Gan Israel program is exciting for any age. Our various divisions allow each camper to enjoy a program geared specifically to their age and stage. As each Gan Izzy camper moves up into the subsequent division, the schedule gets fuller and more thrilling. In Camp Gan Izzy there is always something to look forward to!

Gan Izzy - Boy Ages 5-7,  (entering kindergarten - 2nd grade)  and Girls 5-11

The Junior Campers' specialized schedule is complete with arts, sports, Stem, baking, dance, Karate, an age-appropriate swim program, trips and much more! 

Boys Division (Ages 8–13)

A separate boys camp with an incredible team of counselors, exciting trips, tons of sports, and the amazing Gan Izzy energy your child will love. A summer filled with fun, friendship, adventure, and Jewish pride!

COMMUNICATION:

There are several ways in which camp communicates with parents. It is important that someone in your household DOES receive camp messages. Please let us know if there is someone else you would like us to add in addition to or instead of your number.

Weekly email updates. Parents will receive a Highlight Report in advance of each week which will list the main activities of each day and the clothing and/or supplies children will need to wear/bring.

Updates
Parents will receive brief reminders about information happening in camp through email and whatsapp.  If you would like to change/add an address or number, please let us know.

Facebook and Instagram:  Camp will post photos of the fun and excitement throughout the week to Facebook and Instagram. To join these forums, please search Facebook: Camp Gan Israel Seattle and/or Instagram: @cgiseattle

SAFETY: Safety is a primary focus at Camp Gan Israel Seattle.

Staffing All our counselors are experienced camp counselors and/or teachers. Each group will be supervised by one/two/three counselors throughout the day.

Safety Tags:

Each counselor wears a tag with each child’s important information including contact numbers, allergies, and special needs.  In case of emergency, parents or emergency contacts will be contacted immediately. Please ensure that the information provided during registration is current, and notify us when changes do occur.

PARENT ACCESS POLICY:
For the safety, security, and smooth operation of our camp program, parents are not permitted inside the camp building during camp hours (9:00 AM – 3:15 PM).

We understand that there is a preschool class operating within the same building. If you are picking up a child from the preschool midday, you may briefly enter-but please go directly to the preschool classroom and do not stop by any camp bunkrooms or other areas used for camp.

All other parents and visitors must remain outside the building during camp hours. If you need to speak with a staff member or pick up your child early, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to assist you.

For the safety of our campers and the smooth operation of camp, please note that this policy will be strictly enforced. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Counselor Contact Policy:                                                                                                                  
For the privacy and well-being of our staff, parents are not permitted to have direct contact with counselors via phone, text, or social media. Counselors are instructed not to share their personal contact information with parents. All questions, concerns, or communication regarding your child should be directed to the camp administration. This helps ensure smooth communication and allows our staff to remain fully focused on providing a great experience for your child.

Camp T-shirts:

All children must wear camp t-shirts on outings so that our campers are easy to identify. Camp T-shirts will be distributed at the beginning of camp. Your child will either choose to wear it home or bring it home in his/her bag. We will send out more information closer to the date.

SWIMMING:

Gan Izzy:

Swimming Outings: We plan to go to public pools and public beach parks. Our staff are well briefed on supervision and safety procedures.

FOOD:

Both lunch and snacks must be sent each day with your child. Water will be provided throughout the day. Please send a reusable water bottle with your child, with their name clearly marked on it. Camp Gan Israel Seattle is a NUT FREE ZONE. Please do not include any sort of tree nuts in your child’s lunch or snack; including, but not limited to peanut butter, peanuts, trail mix, etc.

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP:

Gan Izzy

Dress:

• Children should come dressed in comfortable and appropriate clothing for camp. Camp activities can be messy, and may sometimes cause stains which may not be removable. Please bear this in mind when dressing your child.

• Please send your child(ren) in shoes that are appropriate for active play. We do not recommend flip flops.

• Camp T-shirts must be worn on all trip days. 

• Please make sure to label all clothing and items , i.e. swimsuits, towels, sweaters, backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles, hats  etc. 

Sunscreen:

Please apply sunscreen to your child in the morning. Parents are asked to include labeled sunscreen in their child’s bag.

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP:

Valuables:

Please do not send children to camp with money, games, electronics or other valuable items. We cannot take responsibility for lost items. Children may not bring a smartphone or an iPad to camp. 

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:                                                                                                         
Camp Gan Izzy is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for every camper. Bullying, teasing, intimidation, exclusion, harassment, or repeated unkind behavior will not be tolerated.

Campers are expected to treat fellow campers, staff, and volunteers with kindness, respect, and good sportsmanship at all times.

Any concerns regarding bullying or inappropriate behavior should be brought to the attention of camp leadership. Incidents will be addressed promptly and appropriately, and parents may be contacted when necessary.

Our goal is not only to prevent bullying, but to help children develop the values of kindness, respect, and responsibility toward others.

Tuition & Payment Policy
Camp Gan Israel Seattle is structured as one continuous summer program running from June 30 through August 6. While families are welcome to register by the week, the camp is planned and operated as one complete summer experience.

The shorter first and final weeks are intentional, allowing our staff adequate time for orientation, training, setup, and end-of-summer wrap-up.

Each year, tuition is typically increased to reflect the increasing costs of staffing, transportation, field trips, supplies, and other operating expenses. For the 2026 season, we chose not to increase our base tuition despite these rising costs. As a result, the standard weekly tuition remains the same throughout the summer, including the first and final weeks.

To ensure the highest quality program, families are encouraged to register during the Early Bird registration period. Early registration allows us to hire staff, purchase supplies, reserve transportation, and finalize programming well in advance. Registrations received after  "Standard rates " deadline are subject to the published late registration fee, which helps offset the additional administrative and operational costs associated with late enrollment.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:                                                                                                          
To help us provide a safe and successful camp experience for every child, parents are expected to fully disclose any medical, behavioral, emotional, educational, or developmental information that may affect their child's participation in camp.

Our ability to appropriately support and accommodate a camper depends on receiving accurate and complete information during the registration process. If significant information is omitted or discovered after registration, Camp Gan Izzy reserves the right to evaluate whether we can adequately meet the needs of the camper and maintain a safe and positive environment for all campers and staff.

In some cases, additional support, accommodations, or an alternative placement may be necessary.

Medication:                                                                                                                                     
Any medication that needs to be administered during camp hours must be provided directly to camp administration in its original labeled container, along with written instructions from the parent. Campers may not keep medication in their backpacks unless specifically authorized by camp administration.

LOST & FOUND:

Items that are visibly marked will be returned when found. All other items will be kept in a lost and found box in the camp office.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:

Birthdays are a special part of camp, and we are happy to help celebrate your child's birthday with their camp friends.

If your child will be celebrating a birthday during camp, please notify camp administration several days in advance so we can help make the day special.

Parents who wish to send a birthday treat must contact camp administration beforehand. All treats must be commercially prepared and approved by camp to ensure they meet our kashrut, allergy, and safety guidelines. We look forward to celebrating many happy birthdays this summer!

LICE POLICY:                                                                                                                                           
If your child is found to have head lice, you will be contacted and asked to arrange immediate pickup. Campers may return only after they have been treated and are confirmed to be lice- and nit-free.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

-Camp Gan Israel Seattle 

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the Camp Gan Izzy Parent Handbook. I agree to review its contents with my child(ren), where appropriate, and understand that the policies and procedures outlined in the handbook are in place to help ensure a safe, positive, and enjoyable camp experience for all campers.

By signing below, I agree to abide by the policies and expectations outlined in the handbook and understand that failure to comply with these policies may result in appropriate action at the discretion of Camp Gan Izzy.

I understand that it is my responsibility to contact the camp office if I have any questions regarding the handbook or any of its policies.