Lakewood Ranch to world's largest Jewish summer camp network

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Camp Gan Israel, the world's largest network of Jewish camps with more than 500 locations, will return to Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton for its fifth year.

"Summer is a critical time in a child's life. A successful summer camp experience is more than a break from studies to let loose. Every activity is a major learning experience," said Chanie Bukiet of the CGI camp. "Our program is designed to let our camper's minds run wild, enjoying nature, crafts, sports and water activities, while building character and responsibility in a relaxed, fun atmosphere."

Camp Gan Israel is run jointly by Rabbi Mendy and Chanie Bukiet who have more than four decades combined experience working with education and youth. Whether running camps in Australia, Brazil, Israel, California, Detroit or New York working as teachers, Hebrew school directors and youth program directors, their experience helps create a one-of-a-kind curriculum for campers.

Each week has a theme such as Shabbat or Israel. For example, during a charity-themed week campers create little wooden charity boxes, enjoy a penny hunt, bake edible charity boxes and hold a walk-a-thon for charity.

This is in addition to three times a week swimming with a certified lifeguard, biweekly trips and Chabad's unique FunShop activities featuring science, technology, engineering and math robotics and baking this year.

CGI runs from June 29-July 17 out of The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road.

Information: chabadofbradenton.com or call 941-752-3030 Registration is now open. All applications received before June 1 receive free T-shirts.

This story was originally published March 21, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch to world's largest Jewish summer camp network ."