In 1956, Chabad launched its Gan Israel summer camps with the belief that every child deserves an entertaining, educational camp experience regardless of their family wealth. Today, Gan Israel -- or “Gan Izzy,” as it’s often called -- has grown into the world’s largest network of Jewish summer camps.

Every year, more than 120,000 children attend Gan Izzy camps in North and South America, Israel, Europe, Russia, Australia, and Hong Kong. And the program still runs on the same core idea that no child should be left out; thanks to the support of communities around the globe, the majority of campers receive full or partial scholarships.

Gan Israel day camps on the West Coast now serve more than 10,000 children each season. One clear sign of the program’s success is the number of people who stay involved year after year; not only do many kids return after their first summer, but the vast majority of counselors were once Gan Izzy campers themselves. And with the passage of time, former campers are sending their own children and grandchildren

More than half of Gan Izzy campers come from unaffiliated Jewish homes, and the camps offer programs that present Judaism in a relaxed, fun way. Campers participate in daily prayer and songs, create spiritually-themed art, and engage in activities that generate interest in Jewish history, observance, and the performance of good deeds.

Gan Izzy campers also enjoy sports such as soccer, swimming, basketball, tennis, karate, and mountain biking. Many camps also offer innovative programs like cyber art, circus skills, wilderness survival, dance and cooking classes. Recent field trips have visited locations like Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disney’s California Adventure. There have also been outings for bowling, roller skating, a harbor cruise, overnights under the stars, and creative Shabbaton weekends.

Camp Gan Israel allows children from all walks of life to meet new friends, celebrate their Jewish heritage, and enjoy the best that summer camp offers. Chabad has made special efforts in recent years to accommodate children with parents in the military, as well as children of new immigrants. Plus, many camps are now equipped to serve young people with special needs.