By COLlive reporter
Photos: Eliyohu Golomb
Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, New York, celebrated its 70th anniversary on Thursday, 16 Menachem Av, with a full day of immersive programming inspired by the Rebbe’s three historic visits to camp.
From sunrise until late into the evening, campers were immersed in a living journey through the camp’s history—retracing the Rebbe’s footsteps, exploring the stories and significance of his visits, and joining together in a joyous celebration of the camp’s seventieth summer.
Campers awoke to a transformed campground, where replica banners, signs, and displays recreated the atmosphere of those historic visits. Throughout the morning, each division retraced the Rebbe’s route through the campgrounds, recreating the route he took during his visits when the camp was located in Ellenville and Swan Lake, stopping at the same locations he visited during his tours.
Accompanied by their learning staff, campers heard the fascinating stories, historical background, and significance behind each stop, gaining a vivid appreciation for the Rebbe’s deep involvement in every aspect of camp life.
That afternoon, the celebration continued with a special lineup, as the entire camp assembled in the shape of the number 70, commemorating seven decades since the camp’s founding.
The day culminated in a regal anniversary banquet celebrating the camp’s 70th anniversary. Among those in attendance were Executive Director Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov and Director Rabbi Yossi Futerfas, who joined campers, staff, alums, and guests in marking the historic milestone.
The anniversary banquet was coordinated by staff members Levi Teldon, Nosson Shur, Binyomin Zarchi, and Mendel Zaklikovsky.
The banquet opened with a beautifully produced video highlighting the Rebbe’s vision for Camp Gan Israel, featuring excerpts from his sichos during his visits to the camp provided by JEM, together with narration by current campers. The presentation connected the camp’s rich history with its vibrant present, setting the tone for an evening celebrating seven decades of the camp and the enduring impact of the Rebbe’s vision.
The banquet was masterfully emceed by Rabbi Levi Greenberg, Chabad Shliach in El Paso, Texas, who served as Head Counselor during the summer of 5769.
A highlight of the evening was the address by Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, the longest-serving Jewish Chaplain in the US Military, who attended Camp Gan Israel during its inaugural summer and personally witnessed one of the Rebbe’s visits to camp.
He recalled receiving the Mincha-Maariv booklet from the Rebbe. He shared how the Rebbe paid meticulous attention to every detail of the campgrounds—including the sports fields—reflecting the extraordinary importance the Rebbe placed on the camp.
Chaplain Goldstein reflected that the lessons, values, and sense of purpose he absorbed at camp accompanied him throughout his life, inspiring and strengthening him through both opportunities and challenges.
Concluding his remarks, he looked out at the packed room and said with a smile, “Judging by the atmosphere in this room tonight, I’d like to sign up for next summer!”
The banquet concluded with spirited singing led by camp alumni and noted musicians Baruch Sholom Blesofsky and Bentzi Marcus, featuring beloved camp songs spanning generations.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came as the program drew to a close, when the entire dining room rose onto the benches to sing the camp’s 70th anniversary theme song with electrifying energy, led by Marcus.
Staff and campers then broke out into joyous dancing, filling the room with an atmosphere of tremendous simcha as they celebrated this historic milestone together.
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The celebration left campers and staff with a profound sense of pride and gratitude for being part of the Rebbe’s army and for taking part in the seventieth summer of the camp.
‘Celebration 70’ Project Coordinator Rabbi Bentzion Pearson reflected: “Witnessing the incredible creativity, passion, and investment of our staff throughout ‘Celebration 70’ was truly inspiring and humbling. Despite our entire staff having been born years after Gimmel Tammuz, they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to bringing the Rebbe’s vision to life for today’s campers. It was a powerful reminder that the Rebbe’s vision is alive today, continuing to inspire a new generation with the same passion, purpose, and devotion. The future has never looked brighter.”
As Camp Gan Israel enters its eighth decade, Celebration 70 stood as both a tribute to its remarkable past and a clear affirmation that the Rebbe’s vision continues to inspire and shape a new generation of Chassidim around the world.
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A commemorative journal of memories and reflections is being prepared. Alumni campers and staff are invited to contribute a personal memory, reflection, or story from their time at CGI NY. Please send your submission to [email protected]
