It has been impossible to miss the laughter and energy coming from the Chabad House at Rutgers University building in New Brunswick this summer. Campers from Camp Gan Israel Highland Park have been participating in swimming, sports, arts & crafts, dance, and more – all within the Covid-19 guidelines established by Governor Phil Murphy and maintaining the fun and high standards the camp is known for.

Camp Director, Chayale Shagalow, explained that “Each camper received their own Camp Box to minimize sharing supplies. Each camper received art supplies, a ball, drum set, archery set, and more. Bunks and counselors remain together as a cohort, and hand sanitizers, soap, and disinfectants are placed in each bunk and common area. Baruch HaShem, we checked the campers’ temperatures and health as they arrived. We’ve all been healthy.”

Head Counselors have been extremely creative in designing a fun-filled schedule that emphasized fun and minimized contact. While some contact sports had to be eliminated, other activities were added to take their place and there was no shortage of fun this summer! In addition to healthy breakfasts, hot lunches, and snacks that were served daily, campers were treated to Incredible Edibles in which campers enjoyed Cotton Candy Monday, Snow Cone Tuesday, Cake Decorating on Wednesday, Popcorn Thursday and Challah Baking on Friday. Campers learned to swim and enjoyed free play in the two large on-site swimming pools.

Spirits were nourished with daily davening and shiur with Rabbi Shaya Shagalow, Camp Rabbi, and participated in mitzva opportunities such as writing letters to lone soldiers in Israel.

Camp Gan Israel Highland Park was so excited to give their campers a much needed summer experience after four months of quarantine and its success was marked on every camper’s smile!