Youth · Camp Gan Israel

A summer of fun, a lifetime of memories.

Home to the happiest campers in all of South Sarasota County! Friends, fun, field trips, and more — a Gan Izzy summer is jam-packed with awesome activities and overflowing with Jewish pride.

Next summer's dates & registration will be posted here

Ask about camp Divisions & rates

Ages

2 – 13 · plus JCs

Hours

Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Where

Chabad of Venice · 21560 Angela Ln

Included

Snacks, lunches & supplies

Why Gan Izzy

No one puts more care into the care of your child.

Gan Israel is much more than a break from the school routine — it's a comprehensive program designed to strengthen body and soul: a rich, wholesome summer of fun and excitement along with friendship and meaningful educational experiences.

Our staff is the real secret to our success. Experienced counselors known for personal warmth and the ability to care for each child as an individual — role models whose love for the children is surpassed only by the children's love for them.

Jewish pride, joyfully. Campers are imbued with pride in their heritage and a love for the land of Israel — weekly Judaic themes taught through activities, stories, songs, games and contests that bring the beauty of our tradition to life.

A smiling camper in a Camp Gan Israel shirt

From the Summer 2026 lineup

Three weeks, wall to wall.

Sun Splash Waterpark Sky Zone Ringling Circus Chuck E. Cheese's Foam Party Nerf Gun Battle Talent Show Mitzvah Carnival Camp BBQ Glow in the Dark

Beach Day Mad Science Balloon Artist Scavenger Hunt Girls Spa Day Muffins for Mom Challah Baking Wacky Water Day Pioneer Late Night Mitzvah Maker Space

Every summer gets its own theme — 2026 was "CGI: Unlock It!"

Divisions & rates

Ages 2 through 12th grade.

Mini Gan Izzy

Boys & girls ages 2–4

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Mon–Fri

Water play every day, plus face paint, mad science, yoga, gardening, challah, and music & movement.

1 week $100 · 3 weeks $275 ($25 off) · daily $20

Gan Izzy

Boys & girls, K – 8th grade

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM · Mon–Fri

Trips, funshops, sports, swimming, art, science & baking, specialty clubs, entertainers — snacks and lunches included.

1 week $175 · 3 weeks $475 ($50 off) · daily $40

Junior Counselors

9th – 12th grade

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM · Mon–Fri

Leadership program with exclusive trips — truck factory, horseback riding, woodworking, archery, chess tournaments, competitive sports.

Ask about the JC program

Before- and after-care available · scholarships available (email rabbi@chabadofvenice.com) · daily photos in the parents' WhatsApp group

Parents ask us.

How religious is Camp Gan Israel?

CGI is a totally non-judgmental environment made up of campers from all Jewish backgrounds. An individual's level of observance is not stressed — all children enjoy a shared Jewish spirit through songs and projects.

What does my camper need to bring each day?

Nothing! Campers are provided with snacks, drinks, and all supplies needed for activities. Every camper gets a water bottle, refilled throughout the day, with hourly reminders to drink. Please do send a smock, a change of clothing for water activities, and sunscreen — labeled with your camper's name.

Do campers wear a camp T-shirt?

Each camper receives a camp T-shirt to be worn on Tuesdays and Thursdays (trip days).

Can I visit or pick up early?

Parents may visit any camp day (check the schedule first — your camper may be on a trip). For early pickup, notify the office and we'll have your camper ready. No camper is released to anyone without written permission.

How do I reach my child's counselor or the director?

Call the camp office and we'll take a message — counselors return calls after activities. The director is available at the office all day and most evenings 8:00–10:00 PM by cell.

What if we can't afford camp?

Scholarships are available — email rabbi@chabadofvenice.com for the scholarship form. And parents can sponsor other kids' summers too, from one week ($300) to full food sponsorship ($3,600).

Help us say YES to every kid.

Our future depends on these precious children. Sponsor a camper's week, a trip, or the whole summer's food — and help them connect to their Jewish heritage.

$300

1 week

$600

2 weeks

$1,000

Sports sponsor

$1,800

Trip sponsor

$2,500

Security sponsor

$3,600

Food sponsor