, CA, USA
Camp Gan Izzy Poway is a Jewish summer and seasonal day camp for children who enjoy active days, warm counselors, friendships, trips, and hands-on activities. The camp is part of the international Camp Gan Israel network and has been serving the Poway community since 2009.
The summer program is listed for boys and girls ages 4–13. The broader camp information also describes programming for children going into 1st–6th grade, plus separate adventure camp options for middle school campers. Families should confirm the right age group during registration, especially for younger campers and older preteens.
The camp atmosphere is energetic, personal, and Jewish-centered. Campers may take part in swimming, field trips, sports, baking, crafts, Challah braiding, games, singing, scavenger hunts, competitions, and Shabbat parties. The program aims to give children a summer filled with fun while also building friendship, Jewish pride, kindness, and positive character.
This is not a large, anonymous camp where children disappear into a crowd. Camp Gan Izzy describes itself as a small camp “where everybody knows your name.” That smaller feel is important for children who do better with familiar faces, caring counselors, and a community rhythm.
| Ages: | 4–13 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Sports: | Sports, Sports Training, General Sports |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Exploration, Outdoor |
| Arts: | Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts |
| Religious: | Religious, Jewish |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026 | 5 | $399 | |
| Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026 | 5 | $240 | |
| Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2026 | 5 | $399 | |
| Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2026 | 5 | $240 |
Camp Gan Izzy Poway is a day camp. Campers attend during the day and return home after camp. No overnight lodging, cabins, dorm rooms, hotel stays, or residential supervision are included in the summer day camp program.
The summer camp day runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Early care and aftercare are available for families who need a longer day. Early care runs from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and aftercare runs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The camp is based at Chabad of Poway and uses local attractions for field trips. Campers travel on the camp bus for trip days, with transportation handled by the camp’s certified bus driver. Families should plan for regular drop-off and pick-up unless using the optional shuttle bus service.
The structure is local, community-based, and daily. It is best understood as a Jewish day camp with trips, activities, and care extensions rather than a residential sleepaway program.
Camp Gan Izzy offers an optional kosher hot lunch. Families can purchase daily hot lunch for an additional fee. This is useful for parents who prefer not to pack lunch every day or want their child to have a kosher meal through camp.
Campers who do not use the hot lunch option should bring food from home. The camp day runs from morning through afternoon, so lunch planning matters. Families should also send water and any snacks their child may need, unless separate instructions are provided during registration.
Camp Gan Izzy Poway has a strong Jewish camp identity. The camp mission centers on making the world a better place through acts of goodness and kindness. That idea shapes the camp’s culture, not as a classroom lecture, but as part of daily camp life.
Shabbat parties, Challah braiding, singing, Jewish pride, and meaningful educational experiences are part of the camp atmosphere. Campers also enjoy the classic summer pieces: sports, crafts, baking, games, swimming, scavenger hunts, competitions, and field trips.
Trip Days are a major camp tradition. A few times each week, campers visit local attractions in San Diego. These outings are designed around campers’ interests and are included without an extra field-trip charge.
The camp also has a family-like rhythm led by Rabbi Mendy and Bluma Rubenfeld, who have long experience in youth education and summer camp. Campers return year after year, building friendships, memories, and a sense of belonging.r. Field trips may include local San Diego attractions such as laser tag, Sesame Place, SeaWorld, and similar trip-day destinations
Camp Gan Izzy Poway blends active camp fun with Jewish spirit and community. The activity mix may include swimming, field trips, sports, baking, crafts, Challah braiding, games, singing, scavenger hunts, competitions, and Shabbat parties. The program is designed to strengthen both the body and the soul, with fun and values working together.
Field trips are one of the bigger parts of the camp week. Campers may visit local San Diego attractions, including laser tag, Sesame Place, and SeaWorld. Field trips are included in the camp model rather than charged as a separate extra.
The program is broad rather than single-specialty. A camper might bake one day, compete in games another day, join a scavenger hunt, go swimming, or head out on a trip. This variety helps children who like changing activities and social energy.
