Activities

We believe that the summer should be a time for children to enjoy the outdoors, learn more about themselves and discover their skills and talents. Throughout the summer, your children will be taught by many outside professionals with the intention of gaining a particular skill and expanding their interests.

Waterfront Activities

The waterfront is one of our favourite areas at Camp Gesher. Campers have a general swim period every day, and organized swimming lessons three to four times a week. At the end of each session, our swim staff present badges certified by the Red Cross to campers that have passed a new swimming level. A bronze cross training course and certification test is also offered to all interested campers. Facilities at the waterfront include a waterslide, water trampoline, inner tubes, and equipment for water sports such as water polo.

We offer waterskiing at varying levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced), wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and tubing. At the end of each session, badges from the Ontario Water Sports Association are handed out at the bronze, silver, and gold levels to all campers demonstrating the necessary skill requirements.

Campers have canoeing sessions and periodically special kayaking lessons from world-champion kayak expert Ed Winacoat. Camp Gesher is also certified by ORCA (the Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association) to give campers official certificates of merit based on their achievements in canoeing.

Sports

Sports activities include volleyball, basketball, rugby, football, cricket, soccer, badminton, baseball, bocce ball, floor hockey, ultimate Frisbee, parachute games and tennis. In addition to scheduled activities, we also have sports-oriented hobby groups, early-morning running groups, and nightly soccer and basketball games. Facilities include a basketball court, a multi-purpose room for indoor activities, a playground and grassy park, a large sports field with a baseball diamond and soccer nets, and beach volleyball. All sports activities are co-ed, geared towards all skill levels, and take place in an atmosphere where participation is valued over competition.

Tripping and Camping Program

Campers have many opportunities to learn and practice tripping and camping skills over the course of the summer. All age groups go on a one to two-night camping trip each session which usually involves canoeing, hiking, and sometimes portaging.

Drama, Arts & Crafts

Drama is an integral part of life at Camp Gesher. Throughout the summer each age group has an opportunity to explore movement, improv, and some short script-work. Each Friday, a different group puts on a short play that the campers have written and prepared themselves during the week. There are many opportunities for campers to perform songs, poems, and skits in front of other campers and staff.

Our arts and crafts program allows campers to unleash their creativity and imagination. With a focus on the environment, we encourage the use of recycled and reused materials with an emphasis on reducing waste. Many of our projects are geared towards beautifying the camp and campers often have the opportunity to create permanent art for all to enjoy.

Hebrew (Ivrit) Activities

An Israeli counselor teaches Hebrew to campers of all different backgrounds through various fun and stimulating activities. The activities teach Hebrew by encouraging campers to use and learn the language in both new and familiar games. The counselor also helps integrate Hebrew into the campers’ everyday lives through informal dialogue.

Organic Farming and Sustainability Program

Gesher has partnered with a local organic farm to help teach the campers about sustainable living and provide Gesher with delicious produce. Several times each week, younger campers visit the farm to help with the gardening, pick fruit and vegetable, and learn about farming. The farmers also assist Gesher with creating our own vegetable and flower gardens. To minimize Gesher’s ecological-footprint, the farmers take all of our food waste to feed to their pigs and use our waste wood to heat their greenhouse in a high efficiency furnace.

Group Activities

Each day, every age group participates in an activity specifically planned and run for them by their counsellors. Topics often include Israeli culture and geography, Judaism, social justice and activism, environmental issues, leadership and team-building. The activities are run in a creative and stimulating way to actively engage all campers.