Tekes Boker
Every morning (except Shabbat), we gather as an entire camp to stretch, show off our ruach (spirit), and give out our Super Value awards for the week!
Super Values awards are bracelets (and a special breakfast) given to members of the community who have shown one of our camp values in a special way. Campers and staff are nominated by counselors and leadership members.
Meals
The entire camp gathers together in the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) three times a day for meals. Every meal begins with Hamotzi and ends with Birkat HaMazon, with singing and hand motions included. We also share Hodaot (announcements) at every meal. For more information about meals at camp, please visit our Meals + Nutrition page.
Upper + Lower Camp Activities
Camp is all about choices and during Upper and Lower Camp activities, campers are able to choose their activities for the week. We believe in giving campers the ability to shape their experience by choosing to try something new or participating in an old favorite. Starting in Niviim, campers complete a preference form at camp for their activities. Each week, they have 2 new activities. For our younger campers, they will try a variety of activities as a bunk, cabin, or unit. There are so many choices to choose from – to see our options check out our Activities Page.
Bunk Activity
For the full length of their session, campers live in a cabin with up to 10-17 other campers and 2-4 staff members. From day one, the community and friendship that is built with this group is strong and grows throughout the summer. During Bunk Activity, campers spend time with the bunkmates and partake in fun activities planned by their counselors. This is also when each bunk will have time to tie-dye and spend time on the ropes course.
J-Life
Every camper at GFC spends time daily exploring and building their Jewish identity in fun and creative ways. Through sessions with our visiting faculty, scavenger hunts, games, and other dynamic programs planned and facilitated by our staff and faculty, campers will interact with and learn about their connection to Judaism.
Campers will also participate in fun and engaging t’filah sessions 3-4 times a week.
Swimming
GFC features two pools, two diving boards, and a lake with inflatables, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Campers swim at least once every day. For campers in Bonim and Niviim, they participate in instructional swim 3 times a week. All campers must past a swim test prior to their first free swim. All individuals at the lake, swimming or boating, must wear a life jacket.
Song Session and T’fillot
Every evening following dinner, Machar – S’ganim participate in either song session or t’fillah (prayer). Sometimes all of camp is together, and sometimes we divide into units for campers to get opportunities to participate in different ways. No matter the day, this time is filled with music and spirituality that brings our community together.
Kef Gadol
Each evening concludes with a chance for campers to be together as a unit for fun and bonding during the Kef Gadol (big fun), or evening program. Favorite evening programs include pool parties, Dutch Family Picnic, variety show, and How Well Do You Know Your Counselor.
Lilah Tov (Good Night)
Before bed, all units close out their day with Siyuum (bed time rituals), singing Shema and Hashkiveinu. Units go to bed at time appropriate to their age. Staff members have rotating overnight duty, and a staff member is present inside each bunk from lights out until wake-up the next morning.
All-Camp Programs
Throughout the session, several special events and offsite trips (varies by age) are scheduled. Our all-camp programs include Maccabiah (color war), Spectacular Day (our patriotic carnival and fireworks), International Night, Erev Yisrael (Israel program), All-Camp Variety Show, and more!
Shabbat
We end each week with a beautiful, fun, and meaningful Shabbat. Campers come together dressed in white for incredible music, delicious food, and sunset photos on Friday night. Saturday is filled with plenty of free time, Havdalah, and campfire. Shabbat is a time for the whole GFC community to come together.
