Gan Israel prides itself on its exceptional staff. All staff come with prior camp experience and a desire to work with kids. We are dedicated to recruiting, training and keeping the highest quality counselors and staff to ensure the best possible care, instruction and supervision for our campers. Over the years, Camp Gan Israel has always been dedicated to small groups with exceptional staff supervision.
Rivkie Block
Camp Director
Rivkie Block is an accomplished camp director with a wealth of experience in creating and overseeing programs for children. With over 15 years of experience as the director of the Gan Gani preschool at Chabad of Plano, she has a deep understanding of child development and is skilled in creating programs that are both educational and entertaining.
As the acting camp director of CGI Plano, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the camp, working closely with both parents and campers to ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience. She coordinates the camp's state licensing and ensures that all safety regulations are met. She constantly monitors the campers' safety and well-being, ensuring that they are always in a safe environment.
Rivkie is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at the camp and works hard to create a positive and supportive community for campers and staff alike. With her extensive experience and passion for working with children, Rivkie is an invaluable asset to Cam Gan Israel.
Email: [email protected]
Sholom Block
Camp Program Director
Sholom Block is a seasoned and accomplished Camp Program Director with over 7 years of experience in planning and overseeing successful camp programs. With a passion for creating engaging and fun programs for campers of all ages, he has a deep understanding of child development and is skilled in creating programs that are both educational and entertaining.
As the Camp Program Director, Sholom is responsible for designing and overseeing the camp's curriculum, programs, and trips. He has experience in planning camps in different locations such as Melbourne, Australia, Morristown, NJ, and Montreal, Canada. He works closely with the camp staff to ensure that each camper has a safe and enjoyable experience and that all programs are age-appropriate and meet the needs of the campers. He also manages the hiring and supervising of the camp staff and directs the daily camp schedule.
Sholom is also dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at the camp and works hard to create a positive and supportive community for campers and staff alike.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 214-734-7282
Chaya Block
Pre-School Camp Director
Chaya Block is a highly experienced and accomplished Pre-School Camp Director with a wealth of experience in creating and overseeing programs for young children. With over 7 years of experience teaching preschool and running camps in various locations such as Birmingham, Alabama, Brooklyn Heights, and Great Neck, NJ, she has a deep understanding of child development and is skilled in creating programs that are both educational and entertaining.
As the Pre-School Camp Director, Chaya is responsible for creating and overseeing the camp's curriculum and programs for preschool-aged children. She works closely with the preschool teachers to ensure that each child has a safe and enjoyable experience and that all programs are age-appropriate and meet the needs of the campers. Additionally, Chaya works with parents to address any concerns and to update them on their child's progress, ensuring transparency and open communication between the camp and the families.
Email: [email protected]
Rabbi Eli and Nechema Newman
Staff Coordinators
As Camp Staff Coordinators, Rabbi Eli and Nechema work closely with the camp director and other camp staff to ensure that the camp's staffing needs are met. They are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, and hiring local staff, as well as coordinating the housing, food, and after-camp activities for out-of-town staff. They make sure CGI Plano is an attractive place for our out of staff to continue to return too year after year.
Mushkie Kesselman
Gap Camp Director
As the Gap Camp Director, Mushkie is responsible for planning and hiring staff for our 2-week gap camp. She works closely with the camp director and staff to ensure that the camp is staffed with qualified and dedicated individuals who are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for campers of all ages. She also creates and oversees the camp's curriculum and programs for children of all ages, ensuring that it is tailored to the needs of the campers.
Mushkie's experience of over 10 years as a preschool teacher brings a unique perspective to the camp. She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at the camp and works hard to create a positive and supportive community for campers and staff alike.
Email: [email protected]
