Samantha Roth, left, and Romi Kotler cool down at the pool during the already scorching summer at Camp Gan Israel.

The children who attend Camp Gan Israel become part of the Chabad Naples Gan Izzy (short for Gan Israel) family.

"At the end of a busy camp day when I see a camper turn to give her counselor a hug, and she says, 'I wish I could be here all year long!'," said Rabbi Fishel. "And another camper says to his mother, 'Let's just stay, I don't want to leave Gan Izzy,' I know that the attention and love the campers receive from their devoted counselors is absolutely supreme."

Gan Izzy is a branch of Camp Gan Israel International, the world's largest Jewish Camping network, according to the camp's Web site www.cginaples.com.

According to Fishel, "One of the parents from last year wrote, 'My three sons attended camp last summer. From the very first day, they loved it! I saw them grow more confident each day. I do know that the bond they formed with their counselors was amazing.

The best part was that the camp nurtured their love and knowledge of Judaism in a fun, caring, manner.'"

Campers at Gan Izzy get to participate in sports like soccer, swimming, baseball, basketball and football.

Arts and crafts are enjoyed along with lessons in Jewish pride. Friday Shabbat parties, Challah-baking and kosher food hunts bring Jewish culture to life for the children.

"What our camp does for a child, no other experience can accomplish," said Fishel.

Camp Gan Israel is located at 1195 Creech Road. For more information call 262-4474.

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Summer fun! Kids kept busy at Camp Gan Izzy