Outdoor laser tag. Giant hamster balls. A foam pit. Human foosball. A scooter haven. An enormous waterslide. A hockey rink. After dropping their kids off at Camp Silver Gan Israel this summer and taking a glance at what the camp has to offer, parents may find themselves asking the directors if there are any vacancies for adults.
For nine weeks from June 26 to August 25, kids as young as two and as old as thirteen will be able to run amok at the 11-acre Silver Gan Israel Day Camp in Huntington Beach. The camp is divided into four separate age groups; each providing the perfect, age-appropriate program for every child.
”We’re not a specialty camp. I guess we’re more out of the ordinary,” said Sender Engel, the camp director. “On a typical camp day, we have covered swimming pools, human hamster balls that can carry up to two kids while their friends push them. We also have life-sized games, an imaginarium, volleyball courts, an art center, kickball, archery, bungee trampolining and a game-room with video games, air hockey, pool, foosball and polypong – that’s four-person ping pong.”
Campers are also taught about Jewish culture through innovative programs and events. Weekend Shabbatons, Israeli dancing, challah baking, stories and contests allow for campers to get in touch with their Jewish roots. The camp also offers age-specific Jewish culture programs to each age division so that they can connect with their heritage in a way that’s comfortable to them.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to bond and connect with each other while they do Jewish things,” said Engel. “We hear all the time from people who attended our camp 10 years ago that they’re still connected with kids they met at camp here, became lifelong friends or even got married.”
The campus is protected by private security and also offers transportation for up to 170 campers from Irvine, Laguna Hills, Long Beach, Tustin and Yorba Linda.
Readers interested in further information may call (949)381-5610, visit www.CampSGI.com or contact admin@CampSGI.com.