View Comments | Junior Gan Israel Day Camp

7/1/2010

You can't imagine how happy my son is coming to this camp. Thank you!

Shlomo Kulbak, Wilmette

7/1/2010

Five year olds singing camp cheers in the bath at night - priceless

Miriam Lipnick, Chicago

6/30/2010

The only bad thing about the camp is that I get my son to bed at 8:00, but he cannot fall asleep until 10:00 because he is so excited about camp the next day and the activities that will be happening. So I don't know what to do.

Ellen Zemel, Evanston

6/29/2010

After the second day of camp, my daughter took a long nap. When she woke up at 6:00, she changed her clothes and said, "I'm ready for camp!". When I told her it was almost night, she cried for an hour, "I want to go to Gan Israel!"

Beri Cohen, Skokie

9/7/2009

Last night, my three year old fell asleep in the car, and when I was taking her out ot the car to the bed in the middle of her sleep she said to me, "Mom, can I go to my camp tomorrow?"

It was her first real experience away from me, and we did not want it to end. Seriously, you do an amazing job at the camp.

Mrs. Posner is my role model as an educator. I have a very vivid picture in my mind of how, when the children walk in, she greets each child and makes him feel special. Its the way she addresses the child first that is just so sweet.

I have heard the same thing from other mothers. It is so genuine and sincere that the children pick up on it and feel so cared for.

From the bottom of my heart, I hope that the camp continues to grow so that more children can have this experience!

Beri Cohen

8/9/09

I love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why:
To say my daughter loved it is a gross understatement. After last summer she talked about going back for the whole year. Thank you Junior Gan Israel!!.

R. Sexner

8/7/09

My husband and I wanted a quality Jewish camp for our children and we found it in Junior Gan Israel. Unlike some other camps who limit Jewish activities to Fridays, Junior Gan Israel makes Judaism an everyday occurence in a fun and loving environment. It was well worth the 1 hour+ drive every day! I know my kids will be back next year. Thank you Mrs. Posner, Morah Miriam and Morah Joanie!!!.

Arieh & Violet Flemenbaum

7/21/09

This camp has been an amazing exprience for my son - literally. As his mom, I am just so grateful that this was his first experience away from me.

Leslie Wortman

7/20/09

I was hesitant to send my son to Junior Gan Israel because he did not know anyone and he was not familiar with the building. But the staff is exceptional, and both my son and I felt at ease immediately.

Wendy Malkin

8/19/09

You have some beautiful children in this camp. Some people may think I am being partial, but I am not. Harold [the other bus driver] and I were talking to each other and Harold said that the chidlren in this camp are just so mannerable. They are breathtaking. The children in this camp are never wild. We really enjoy these children. They are gorgeous. This camp is the best. I just love these children, they are so beautiful. The teachers do an excellent job. I hope that the parents know how lucky they are. The teachers are great."

Signed,
Wanda Hoover
Bus driver for Junior Gan Israel 2009

8/11/09

We greatly appreciate what a loving, fun, and Torah environment you have created at Junior Gan Israel. Avraham Meir grew SO much over the summer, thanks to Mrs. Posner and the JGI staff. Mrs. Posner has a gift for selecting good staff. His Morah and the counselors were all warm and wonderful. From my heart, I am so grateful. I did not grow up going to day school. To be part of this camp is an incredible privelege.I cannot get over how the camp attracts Jewish people from all the different backgrounds. I also cannot get over all the projects and activities. Unbelievable!

Mrs. Rivka Nedwin, mother of Avraham Meir

7/19/09

At the beiginning of the summer, my daughter-in-law had some concerns. Mrs. Posner listened to her, got involved, and dealt with things. I was so impressed. Now my daughter-in-law wants to continue to send him for the second session. No question about it, my grandson LOVES camp. I am a big fan of Mrs. Posner and Junior Gan Israel.

Ahuva Klein, aka Nana

7/14/09

When I picked Maya up from camp on Friday, Maya was hsyterically upset. I said, "Honey, what's wrong?"

She said, "I miss my counselors already! How many days until camp again?"

I told her we had to wait three days for camp to start again next week. She was so upset, she would not stop. She kept on asking me, "When can my counselors babysit me?"

Sarah Neikrug, Skokie

12/9/2008

My daughter loves Junior Gan Israel, and so do I!

It is so important to me that my children are in a safe and nurturing environment. At Junior Gan Israel, all of my daughter's needs are met, and she feels so good being here. She loves the sports and the activities and the different events. There is so much variety, and everything is so organized. At Junior Gan Israel, she is exposed to many different children, and I see her developing socially throughout the summer.

The camp has so much to offer that no matter what a child's interests, every child feels successful and happy. The greatest tribute to Junior Gan Israel is that people from all different streams of Judaism feel comfortable here, and families come back year after year.

Mrs. Debbie Well, Skokie

12/7/2008

Zecharia LOVED his counselors at camp. Every morning, he could not wait to run into the room and hug his counselors. It is December now, and he is still talking about the horses at camp last summer.

Sue Dimbert

12/7/2008

Junior Gan Israel is the BEST because it is the most FUN. I will continue to send my children to this camp as long as I can. I have never met anyone as great as Zeesy Posner.

Dana Biran

12/4/2008

My daughter and I love Junior Gan Israel. Even though we live a half hour's drive from camp, it was worth every minute of driving! My daughter was excited to go to camp every day, and when I picked her up, she would be bubbling with enthusiasm about the activities and so proud of her art projects! What I loved most was the atmosphere of warmth and calm and acceptance. I could see that every child was cherished. I heartily recommend Junior Gan Israel to my friends. You have to experience it yourself to know how good it is! We will definitely be back this summer!

Mrs. Ofek Gago, Northbrook

12/2/2008

This was the second year we sent our kids to camp. We really feel it was a great experience for them. They really blossomed socially. I also enjoyed meeting the mom's of different kids. So many nice people send their kids there. Junior Gan Israel is the place to send kids for summer camp.

Dahlia Klien

11/24/2008

There are so many choices when it comes to sumemr camp programs, but I never thought twice about where to send my children. All 4 of my children have attended Jr Gan Israel at one time or another. Each day I dropped them off knowing that they would have a day filled with fun, warmth, attentiveness, and acceptance. There was always consistent communication between the staff and myself regarding the best way to ensure my children were happy. What else can anyone ask for?

Amy

11/25/08

I love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why:
Hailey had such a wonderful summer. She loved going to camp every morning to play with her new friends. And her learning of the davening at 2 ½ years old was amazing!

Laura Goltz

11/24/2008

There are so many choices when it comes to summer camp programs. I never thought twice about where to send my children. All 4 of my children have attended Jr Gan Israel at one time or another. Each day I dropped them off knowing that they would have a day filled with fun, warmth, attentiveness, and acceptance. There was always consistent communication between the staff and myself regarding the best way to ensure my children were happy. What else can anyone ask for?

Amy Carl

11/23/2008

We love Junior Gan Israel Day Camp!
My daughters are excited to go every day! There is a great schedule of activities that my children are prepared for each day. We always know what to expect and to plan for. The wonderful camp director, Zeesy Posner, greets the children every morning at the door. This practice helps instill a sense of calm and safety for the kids and parents...we know that such a responsible person is in charge. At Junior Gan Israel, my children grow in Yiddishkeit and creativity. Junior Gan Israel makes summer our favorite time of the year.

Eve Muchnik

11/23/2008

אני ממש מאושרת שהבנות שלי (3) זכו ללכת לקיטנת גן ישראל "גוניור"- של הגב' זיסי פוזנר. החוויות, העושר הלימודי, והאושר הנפשי שהן חוו שם- מדהים!. הבטיחות : בבריכה ובנסיעות באוטובוס- זה לא משהו שהוא ברור מאיליו, אלו הם הסטנדרטים הגבוהים שהגב' זיסי פוזנר קובעת. צוות המורות והמדריכות שבשיתוף פעולה יוצא מן הכלל מעבירות לילדים המון מידע בדרך של משחק, תשומת הלב לפרטים וההקשבה להורים הופך את הקיטנה למשהו מאוד מיוחד- תודה לצוות המורות , המדריכות והגב' זיסי פוזנר על שהקימו מפעל כזה- ישר- כח

מעיין אבידב נתראה בקיץ

11/23/2008

Junior Gan Israel offers a fun and loving environment for our girls. They look forward to going to camp every day. Zeesy and her staff make an extra effort to make every child feel special and give every kid the best summer experience possible.

Shira

8/7/2008

I love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why: Our family relocated to the Skokie area at the beginning of July for my job. And we were very concerned about the effect of this rapid move on our four-yr old son. However, we have watched him flourish, and in so many ways, during the course of this camp. Thank-you Mrs. Posner, as well as your amazing staff for this PHENOMENAL summer camp!

The Ohayons

11/23/2008

I was apprehensive about sending my 3-year-old daughter to camp, but there was no need to worry. Her camp "teacher" and the counselors made her feel right at home, dealt easily with any anxiety, and she would come home every day with news about new friends and all the great activities she'd done that day. We are hands-on parents and do a lot with our kids at home, but the excitement of camp and being with so many other kids her age in a safe and happy environment cannot be duplicated.

A.B.
Des Plaines, IL

11/20/2008

I love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why: It was my daughter’s first time away from home. I was really worried how she (and I) were going to handle it. Thanks to Mrs. Posner and her amazing team, my daughter did incredibly well. She absolutely LOVED it. In the morning she couldn’t wait to get there and in the afternoon I couldn’t get her to leave. My daughter’s day was filled with fieldtrips, trips to the pool, numerous fun crafts, enthusiastic moras, and an nurturing environment. Junior Gan Israel is a wonderful camp. I am also very grateful to Mrs. Posner for helping me overcome my separation anxiet

Yelena Shulman

11/19/2008

We moved to Skokie 2 1/2 years ago and have sent our daughter to Junior Gan Israel for three years. She absolutely loved her experience and came home literally singing about her days there. Our son had his first year this past summer and had an amazing time with Morah Sandy. We have been impressed with how caring, nurturing, and organized Mrs. Posner is and how this transfers over to a well run summer camp. We highly recommend sending your children here.

Laura
Skokie

11/18/2008

I love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why: The camp and its morahs provided a nuturing atmosphere for our daughter to learn and to have fun with her friends.

Ellen Rashkow

11/17/2008

Zeesy, even though a few months have passed since camp ended, I wanted to tell you how much we all look forward to the summer.
The songs the kids sing a whole day long, the smiles and jumping for excitement every morning, the reluctance to leave camp at the end of the day, and of course the amazing, dedicated staff, give us what to look forward to a whole (cold) winter long.
We are looking forward to spending our 6th year in your camp (and recommending it to our friends too!)
Hatzlacha, and thanks so much.

The Benjaminsons
Glenview,IL

8/4/2008

The Kaytanah B'Ivirt (Hebrew Immersion) program has been fantastic! My daughter loves her warm, nurturing morot, and comes home singing beautiful songs b'Ivrit. What an amazing concept and fanstastic program.

7/11/2008

At dinner the other night my daughter (a JGI camper) asked my son,"Do you have a Mrs. Posner at your camp?" he responded "No". She then stated "You are not lucky" We love this camp!

7/1/2008

This is our second summer sending our 3 yr old son to Junior Gan Israel, and we love it! For the last month and a half he would wake up everyday and ask, "Ima, is it summer yet? Can I go to camp?" Camp is now here, and he is having a blast! We have not had a bit of seperation anxiety- he is sooo happy to go to camp every morning! It is wonderful to be greeted by Mrs. Posner at drop off and pick up.

This week he woke up at 4:00 on Shabbos morning begging to go to camp. He said, "Morah Becca, Morah Adina, and the other Morahs miss me. I need to go to camp!" I think that in and of itself tells you how AMAZING Jr. Gan Israel is and how loving their staff are. Thank you!

Miriam and Meir Lipnick

5/9/2008

It's almost summer and I am thinking about camp plans for my daughter. We live in AZ and I was planning on staying home and putting her in camp here. When my daughter heard this she begged me to "please let her go to camp in Skokie with Mrs Posner and all the fun trips".

Last summer my daughter really enjoyed JGI. She didn't know anyone and yet felt right at home and loved going every morning. She learned many things, made great friends and really thrived in the environment created there!!! We are coming again! Thank you for a great memorable summer!

Shterni Bryski
Scottsdale, AZ

2/11/2008

When I told my son that we were thinking of sending him to the camp run by our local park district, he said, " Mommy, it's not a Jewish camp- the only camp I want to go to is Gan Israel!" He was right. No matter how many Jewish kids attend the park district camp, it could not replace the all encompassing Jewish atmosphere that Gan Israel provides.

Alita

2/1/2008

What a wonderful experience Camp Junior Gan Israel was for my two boys! It is January and they are STILL talking about it and counting down the days until next summer. The teachers were so patient and understanding and made every day exciting. Mrs. Posner goes out of her way to make every child feel special. We still use and treasure all the beautiful art projects they made. Can't wait for another fun-filled summer!

Kari Gutstein

1/11/2008

Zeesy Posner is one of a kind. When I left my son, I never worried b/c I knew I was leaving him not only in the most capable hands but also the most loving. You had an entire camp to run and yet you gave personal attention to Judah every morning, greeting him at the door and taking him from my arms to yours. You gave him the confidence to leave me and now he can. I've never known anyone else who has such a natural ease with children. Zeesy Posner is warm, kind, loving and so respectful with the children and they know it and love her back.Thank you for sharing yourself with us and with our kids,You run a wonderful fun program that every child wants to attend. We're lucky to have you.

I'm a huge fan!
Robin

1/14/2008

Junior Gan Israel was a wonderful experience for my daughter. It was the first place she was able to separate from me without any tears! She was too busy having fun and learning in a safe, nurturing environment to miss me at all.

Miriam Katzman

1/27/2008

I love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why:
My kids have the best time!! Not only do they love all the activities the camp has to offer, which is numerous, they also LOVE the Morahs and the teen counselors. Everyone is so excited to see us, there is so much ruach, and camp is extremely well organized. Mrs. Posner is always there to lend a hand or an ear. She greets each and every camp member each day. My kids came home each day singing all the beautiful hebrew and english songs they learned in camp. It's a pleasure to see my kids' love of yiddushkeit grow. I highly recommend this camp to all. Your kids and you will love it!

Julie Feinberg

1/12/2008

Every day Mrs. Posner waits at the door to welcome the campers with her own special touch, each child gets a special hello and a smile as they are greeted into a new day filled with all kinds of activities you would expect in a summer camp. Swimming, sports, arts and crafts, music and field trips. Mrs. Posner and the camp counselors bring tremendous warmth, fun and jewish values into the camp experience.

1/10/2008

Our whole family loves Junior Gan Israel! Here's why:
We am now on our third boy to send to Junior Gan Israel, and every summer was a huge success. Zeesy, a warm & loving person, connects with each & every child. Whenever any of my boys see Zeesy, they always begin with, "Look! There's Mrs. Posner!", as if they've just seen a star. Zeesy is always thinking of ways to add more to each summer -and is committed to excellence. Each day of camp was always filled with fun activities, fun learning, and a big feeling of ahavas Yisroel (love for each other). They always came home happily singing & were always ready to go back each morning. This is our last year with the camp, and I'll be very sad when it's over.

Sincerely, S. Hunt in Skokie

12/27/07

Camp Gan Israel is a great camp!! Each new day, Mrs. Posner opens the doors and greets the campers with a warm smile. Pictures line the hallways of recent activities. Counselors welcome the children and prepare for a fun packed day inside, outside or often a field trip. Our son Eliezer came home happy each day and couldn't wait for the next camp day. He had fun, learned a lot and added to his Torah knowledge all within a heimesh atmosphere. Thank you Jr. Gan Israel

Judy Zagorin

12/25/07

My children and I felt warmth, understanding and a welcoming feeling that was very special-sometimes it was even humbling. My son Benor came home every day with wonderful stories about the great fun he had in the camp and was very exited to go back every day!! Mrs.Posner is a warm personable person who probably was able to make any one feel special and welcomed no matter what!!! That is a great gift that I enjoyed!!

The staff was very proffessional,welcoming and loving to the children, and Mora Rivka was just inspiring to me!!!

Yishar Koach with all our love
Katrine Winer

12/23/07

This past summer was my first time separating from my son and it was so easy. I was able to call Mrs. Posner on her cell phone and she looked in on my son, and my concerns were relieved. The staff was so welcoming and understanding.

Mrs. Raphaella Stern

12/8/07

Junior Gan Israel has been a phenominal experience for my child. Under Mrs. Posner's supervision, this camp provides the warmest, most outstanding and well organized summer of fun. My sons had the most creative and outstanding counselors. Every day when I left my son at camp, I knew that he was going to be well cared for. And every day when i picked him up, he was beaming and I was grateful that we had made such a terrific choice. It was great.

Mrs. Tami Miller, Skokie

10/10/07

We love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why:

It provides a loving and caring experience full of fun and learning every day. All three of our girls have attended Junior GI. My husband, the pediatrician and I cannot imagine a safer, more nurturing environment to stimulate the Jewish values and developmental growth of our children.

Thank you Zeesy for all that you do.

Jill & Oren Lakser

8/24/06

We love Junior Gan Israel! Here's why:

Above all, I knew my children were safe. They always came home happy and in fact, didn't want to come home! Morah Chaya gave my daughter confidence she needed to make the transition to becoming a young lady with confidence. My younger daughter just had the time of their life!!!

We just came back from a long driving vacation, and they sang the Gan Yisroel Camp Song all the way there and back! We can't wait 'till next year!!!

Esther Rabinovitz-Mott and James Mott

8/07/06

Zeesy Posner has a beautiful way of making every child feel special. This was my last year with a child at this camp, and I am sad to say good bye. My boys have all had fun filled wonderful summers at Jr. Gan Yisroel, and I recommend this camp highly to everyone. Thank you Zeesy for so many wonderful summers!

Laura in Skokie

7/17/06

Hi Guys,

You have a great looking site and I love the pictures from camp! It sure looks like those kids are having a ball!

Yossel G.
Melbourne, Australia

7/9/06

I love Junior Gan Israel!

Here's why:
Benny LOVED his week. Many thanks to Morah Nechama Dina Bergstein and all the wonderful counselors who made his time at camp so great. There wasn't one thing that he could pick out as a favorite. As he said "everything was TERRIFIC!"

Mrs Posner....yashar koyach. You have a fantastic program. Keep up the great work.

Benny Gray and his grateful mommy
Sharon, MA

2/14/06

My daughter Sarah loved Junior Gan Israel camp last year. The teachers were great and Sarah made new friends. She loved all the activities, especially swimming and horseback riding. She can't wait to go again this summer.
Mrs. Zeesy Posner does an awesome job and we love her.

Julie Feinberg
Skokie, IL

1/16/06
Roie loved swimming last year with Junior Gan Israel! He is looking forward to going back again this year. We love Junior Gan Israel and keep wishing that you would continue until the kids are just a little bit older!

Rosanne Arnet,
Skokie, IL

8/29/04
Mrs. Posner, Morah Elana, Morah Mendelsberg and all the wonderful Jr. Counselors who made my daughter, Meira's summer in Skokie an amazing time at Camp Gan Israel, THANKS. I give you all a huge yasher kochem for providing a wonderful experience. Your camp is very organized and professional. It was a pleasure to be greeted personally every morning as well as see the latest photos of what has been happening. Meira uses her placemat with all her friends and counselor's pictures for every dairy meal, as well as still sings the camp songs. Let me know when your camp will include the older ones and Meira will gladly return. Thanks again and have a great year.
Judi Superstein,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

08/26/04

The sad thing is that my 2 daughters are now both too old for the most wonderful summer camp in the greater Chicagoland area. What will we do next year!
The program, the building, THE PEOPLE, the everything - all fantastic. Thank you.

Mrs. Posner
Mrs. Atlas
Mrs. Mendelsberg
Ms. Finkel
And all the others I don't know by name.

08/05/04
Thanks to Mrs Posner, Morah Frieda, Avigail and Rachel:
Rebecca enjoys the camp and loves her friends immensely.
She sings songs she learned at the camp and is looking forward seeing her friends every morning. She now asks for two pennies for Tzedekah because one is not enough. She will miss her friends at GI.
Thank you.
Rebecca's Momma and Tati.

Hey, guys! What a stunning website! Beautiful! Wishing you all sorts of hatzlacha, mostly emotional, spiritual, financial, and instinctual.

Rishe

01/01/04
It is really exciting to come to JuniorGI.org and witness the vivacity of a camp that I assumed was history. I recall as a little boy going to Mrs. Posner's camp, I loved every moment of it then, and I wouldn't be shy to say that it gave me a warm feeling that stays with me even today. Thank you Junior Gan Israel.
SMH (an old fan from the early 80's)

06/06/04
To the webmaster,
I enjoyed the new format for the photos. It makes it easier to look at all of them than it was in previous years. Keep up the good work.
Belinda Kaufman

8/19/03
Zeesy,
Thank you again for another amazing summer. Your camp is definitely the best around. If I could send my children to your camp until the age of 20, I would. Thank you to Morah Chaya and all the wonderful girls who help out. Have a wonderful year, we can not wait until next summer!
Lori Gerson

8/8/03
Thank you for another successful and fun filled summer! May you and all the Morot have the strength and drive to continue providing our children with such wonderful camp programming! Enjoy the rest of the year and looking forward to next summer! The web site is amazing, I especially enjoyed your photo gallery!
Jodi

8/7/03
Can you please post the words to the camp song. My daughter is singing a song to the tune of "It's a small world after all." We would love to hear the complete version! (And if "deep in your heart" is a different song, we would like to see that one as well).
Thanks a lot.
Audrey Levin

8/3/03
B.H. Thank you Zeesy for introducing me to your website. It is kid- friendly, colorful, and chock full of important information, presented in a clear and organized fashion. Of course, knowing you, I expect only the best! Continued hatzlocho,
Love, Blumah

7/31/03
We love Junior Gan Israel!!! We love Zeesy, and we love the camp!!
Cheryl Sperling

7/15/03
Dear Mrs. Posner,
I live in Florida. Last summer I found a picture of my grandchild on your website! I have been looking every few days since camp began this year! I found a this-year’s picture today.
Thank you,
Matilda Weiss