Rising Kindergarten and Rising First Grade
Gan
Where curiosity grows, friendships form, and camp starts to feel big
For Kindergarten and First Grade campers, Gan offers the perfect balance between structure and freedom—enough routine to feel secure, and enough independence to feel proud. It’s a place where children begin to see themselves as capable, curious, and part of something bigger, all while spending their days playing, creating, moving, and making friends.
Gan campers move through the day with their bunk, rotate through activities, swim every afternoon, and begin to see themselves as capable, independent campers. Gan is playful and energetic, but it’s also purposeful—designed to help Kindergarten and First Grade campers grow confidence, build friendships, and discover what they love.
Making a Splash Every Day with Swim Time
For Gan campers, swimming is a highlight of the day, and a powerful tool for building confidence. Campers swim daily (weather permitting) in our lap pool which is the perfect way to stay cool and active all summer long.
Our lifeguards lead instructional swim using the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum, a six-level program that teaches water safety along with progressively building aquatic skills for every age.
Campers also enjoy free swim where counselors join in the fun - splashing, playing games, and connecting with campers in the water.
Special Moments That Only Happen at Camp:
At Camp Kef, it’s the special moments that stick—the ones campers talk about long after summer ends. And while every day is full of discovery, our special guests and activities build on what they’re learning throughout the week.
For our kindergarten and first graders, guests like Grandpop Bubbles and Nature Jack turn science into an adventure with hands-on wonder. Plus, throughout the summer there are also special moments that unite every camp bunk: theme days like Messy Day, MusicFest, and Sports Day let campers of all ages dress up and dive into activities that celebrate camp together.
A Camp Day Built for Growing Independence
Gan campers follow a full camp schedule with rotating activities and specialty programming, while still honoring the developmental needs of young learners.
Throughout the day, campers participate in:
that emphasize teamwork, effort, and fun
Sports
Arts
focused on process, experimentation, and self-expression
that truly feel like summer camp and encourage cooperation
Games
Music
that build rhythm, coordination, and joy
for imagination through improv and dance
Performance
Special Guests & Events
with theme days and thoughtful programs
CULTURE
to connect us to Judaism and Israel through games, cooking, and Shabbat
A Camp that Feels Like Home
Sample Schedule
Early Care (Optional)
7:30AM-8:30AM
Arrival
8:30AM-9AM
Line Up (Songs, Dances & Cheers)
9AM-9:15AM
Activity 1 (Example: Zoom Floom)
9:15AM-9:45AM
Activity 2 (Example: Sports)
9:45AM-10:15AM
Free Swim & Change
10:15AM-11:30AM
Lunch
11:30AM-12PM
Activity 3 (Example: Improv)
12:00PM-12:30PM
Activity 4 (Example: Music)
12:30-1PM
Instructional Swim & Change
1PM-2:15PM
Activity 5 (Example: Taekwondo)
2:15PM-3PM
Clean Up
3PM-3:30PM
Dismissal
3:30PM-4PM
Late Care (Optional)
4PM-6PM
