Rebbe's Rare Camp Visits Brought to Life at CGI New York

Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, New York, marked its 70th anniversary with a day-long celebration centered on the Rebbe's three historic visits to the facility.

The campground was transformed with replica banners, signs, and displays recreating the atmosphere of those visits. Throughout the morning, campers in each division retraced the Rebbe's route through the grounds, stopping at locations he had visited during previous tours when the camp operated in Ellenville and Swan Lake. Staff members accompanied groups and shared historical details and significance of each stop.

In the afternoon, the entire camp assembled in the shape of the number 70. The day concluded with an anniversary banquet attended by Executive Director Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov, Director Rabbi Yossi Futerfas, campers, staff, alumni, and guests.

The banquet opened with a video presentation of the Rebbe's vision for the camp, featuring excerpts from his talks during camp visits and narration by current campers. Rabbi Levi Greenberg, Chabad Shliach in El Paso, Texas, and former Head Counselor, emceed the event.

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, the longest-serving Jewish Chaplain in the US Military, attended the camp's inaugural summer and witnessed one of the Rebbe's visits. He recalled receiving a Mincha-Maariv booklet from the Rebbe and described how the Rebbe paid meticulous attention to every detail of the campgrounds, including the sports fields. Goldstein reflected that lessons and values from camp accompanied him throughout his life. He concluded his remarks saying, "Judging by the atmosphere in this room tonight, I'd like to sign up for next summer!"

The banquet featured spirited singing led by camp alumni and musicians Baruch Sholom Blesofsky and Bentzi Marcus. As the program concluded, the entire dining room rose to sing the 70th anniversary theme song with energy led by Marcus, followed by joyous dancing.

Rabbi Bentzion Pearson, Celebration 70 Project Coordinator, reflected on staff efforts: "Witnessing the incredible creativity, passion, and investment of our staff throughout 'Celebration 70' was truly inspiring and humbling." He noted that despite staff members being born after the Rebbe's passing, they devoted themselves to bringing his vision to life for today's campers.

A commemorative journal of memories is being prepared, and alumni are invited to submit personal reflections to a designated email address.