Frequently Asked Questions

CAMP BASICS
Q:What are camp hours and how does drop-off work?
A:Gates open at 8:45 AM and camp begins promptly at 9:00 AM. We are unable to accommodate early drop-offs.

If you arrive after 9:00 AM, please walk your child in and check in with a director.

Pickup takes place between 3:45 PM and 4:00 PM. If a parent has not arrived by 4:00 PM, we will reach out.

Aftercare is available from 3:45 PM until 4:45 PM. During this time, campers enjoy supervised free play. Pickup during aftercare is directly from camp grounds.
Q:Who is Camp Gan Israel for?
A:Camp Gan Israel is open to children entering Kindergarten through 6th Grade.

Camp is divided into three divisions to provide age-appropriate programming:

Division A: Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Division B: 3rd–6th Grade Girls
Division C: 3rd–6th Grade Boys

Camp Gan Israel is a Jewish day camp focused on building Jewish identity, pride, and connection. Our campers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including both Israeli and non-Israeli families.

Camp enrollment follows halachic guidelines regarding Jewish status.
Q:What is the cost of camp and how does payment work?
A:Tuition is $400 per week.

A $100 deposit is charged at the time of application and applied toward tuition. Full payment must be completed prior to attendance.

Refund policies are based on registration timelines. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (Refund Policy linked at bottom of page) for full details.

DIVISIONS & PROGRAMMING
Q:When are field trips?
A:Each division has one field trip per week.

Division A and Division B travel on Wednesdays.

Division C travels on Thursdays instead of Wednesday.

On trip days, campers must wear their Camp T-shirt and bring a water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, and swim gear if applicable. A detailed calendar is shared before camp begins.
Q:What happens on rainy days?
A:Camp runs rain or shine.

When necessary, programming may shift to alternate indoor activities, a visit to Julius Boehm Pool, or an adjusted schedule that keeps the day engaging and active.

TRANSPORTATION & EXTENDED CARE
Q:Is transportation available?
A:Optional bus transportation is available for families in the Bellevue and Redmond areas.

Pickup and drop-off location:
16199 Northup Way, Bellevue (Eastside Torah Center parking lot)

Morning departure: 8:30 AM
Return arrival: 4:15 PM

Parents must remain with their child until staff loads them onto the bus. If a parent has not arrived for afternoon pickup, we will contact you.

Transportation cost is $40 per week.
Q:Is aftercare available?
A:Yes. Aftercare runs from 3:45 PM until 4:45 PM and includes supervised free play.

Cost is $40 per week.

DAILY PREPARATION
Q:What should my child bring to camp each day?
A:Campers should bring:

A packed dairy/vegetarian lunch (no meat)
Snacks
A refillable water bottle
Swim gear on scheduled swim days
A labeled sun hat and sunscreen

Please label all belongings clearly. Camp provides sports equipment and structured activity materials.
Q:How does swimming work?
A:Campers swim at Beaver Lake under the supervision of a certified lifeguard and trained staff.

Division A campers (Kindergarten–2nd Grade) are required to wear life jackets while swimming.

Campers in Divisions B and C who wish to swim without a life jacket must complete a swim declaration form during final registration indicating their swim ability. Based on the parent’s declaration and lifeguard assessment, campers may be approved to swim without a life jacket.

Campers swimming without life jackets wear color-coded swim caps for safety identification.

Life jackets are provided by parents and may remain at camp during the week.
Q:How does Lost and Found work?
A:Please label all belongings with your child’s name.

Lost and Found items are kept at camp. Unclaimed items may be donated at the end of the summer.

COMMUNICATION & POLICIES
Q:Are phones or smart watches allowed?
A:Camp maintains a phone-free environment to promote full engagement and healthy social interaction.

If a device is brought to camp, it may be held by administration during camp hours and returned at dismissal.
Q:How do I communicate with camp during the day?
A:Counselors are actively supervising campers throughout the day and are not available for direct calls.

For general matters, please email Office@ChabadIssaquah.com
.

For urgent matters only, you may call 425-985-8996

In the event of an emergency involving your child, we will contact you immediately.
Q:Can camp use photos or videos of my child?
A:Camp Gan Israel may use digital, photographic, video, and audio images or likenesses of campers, as well as camp-created materials, for promotional and camp-related purposes in accordance with our registration agreement.
Q:Who should I contact with questions?
A:Mrs. Nechama Farkash
Phone: 425-985-8996
Email: Office@ChabadIssaquah.com