About This Camp

Camp Gan Israel Detroit is a premier Jewish overnight summer camp affiliated with the Lubavitch Foundation – Michigan, offering separate boys and girls divisions at beautiful locations in Michigan. The camp provides a unique blend of traditional Jewish religious programming with exciting recreational activities, creating an enriching experience that combines spiritual growth with fun summer adventures. Boys attend camp at 14901 4-H Dr. in Tustin, Michigan, while girls enjoy their program at 1450 Lake Valley Road N.E. in Kalkaska, Michigan. The camp operates on two 4-week sessions during the summer, with campers able to attend one or both sessions. Programs include the regular Boys and Girls divisions as well as the specialized BMD Program for older campers. Activities range from religious observances like davening and learning to thrilling adventures such as rafting, camping trips, and bivouacs. The camp features exciting themed competitions like the Hiskashrus War and Moshiach War, special celebrations including Bar/Bas Mitzvah ceremonies and birthday parties with home-baked cakes, plus traditional camp fun like swimming, color runs, and the annual Gan Yisroel Day Parade.

Activities

[‘Wars/competitions (Hiskashrus WarMoshiach War)’‘Banquets’‘Religious activities (davening and learning)’‘Bar Mitzvah/Bas Mitzvah celebrations’‘Birthday celebrations with home-baked cakes’‘Gan Yisroel Day Parade’‘Swimming’‘Camping trips’‘Siyum ceremonies’‘Religious activities (Erev Shabbos)’‘Color Run’‘Trips’‘Rafting’‘Bivouac’]

Key Highlights

  • [‘Premier Jewish overnight camp with separate boys and girls divisions’
  • ‘Unique blend of religious programming and traditional camp activities’
  • ‘Two flexible 4-week sessions with specialized BMD Program for older campers’]

Special Features

  • [‘Separate boys and girls divisions at different Michigan locations’
  • ‘BMD Program for older campers’
  • ‘Lubavitch/Chabad affiliated with religious programming’
  • ‘Two 4-week sessions with option to attend both’
  • ‘Kosher meals through Michigan Summer Food Service Program’
  • ‘Hebrew calendar integration’
  • ‘Detailed packing lists including religious items’
  • “All clothing must be clearly marked with camper’s name”]

Best For

Jewish families seeking a traditional Orthodox summer camp experience with strong religious programming, separate gender divisions, and comprehensive Jewish education combined with recreational activities

Parent Considerations

[‘Limited rating data (only 3 reviews with 3.7/5 rating)’, ‘No counselor-to-camper ratios provided’, ‘Strong religious focus may not suit all families’, ‘Extensive packing requirements including religious items’, ‘Gender-separated programming limits co-ed activities’, ‘Religious clothing requirements (tzitzis, Shabbos attire) add to costs’]

Schedule

Summer 2025: Session 1: July 1-28, Session 2: July 28-August 25, with visiting day on July 28