The Southwest Voice

By: Esther Schlanger

Purim, Passover, Rosh Hashona and many other Jewish festivals came alive to local Jewish children this summer, as Bakersfield experienced its first Camp Gan Israel.

Camp Gan Israel, run by Chabad of Bakersfield, a local Jewish outreach organization, offered its campers a fantastic time, filled with sports, swimming, crafts and games –– all with a Jewish theme. Amongst the array of activitties were Purim dress-up day and a Chanukah candle hunt.

"I can’t wait to come back next year!” exclaimed Leah. “We had such a good time and learned so much too!”

We are here to give the children a positive Jewish experience and to teach them basic Judaic principles in a fun and loving environment.

Counselor Shaina Katzen traveled from New York to share her experience and expertise in helping to run the camp.

“We took the children on many exciting outings: ice skating, roller skating and Color-Me-Mine, just a few to name. They had two fun-filled, exciting weeks. I am going to really miss all my campers,” says Katzen. She plans on keeping in touch with the campers throughout the year.

Mrs. Jacquelyn Sinai, mother of Michael, age 5, said, “The camp was a great experience for my son, he had a fantastic time in a warm, Jewish environment. Thank you!”

Esther Schlanger is the director of Camp Gan Israel.