Summer Journey into Jewish Heritage for Little Ones

New Pre-K Summer Day Camp, Gan Ideal, Now Enrolling

Not long ago, while discussing with a very wise woman I recently befriended, she mentioned that she attends several chasunas (weddings) as she is a twelfth-grade teacher. I proceeded to mention that I used to teach first grade, to which she instantly remarked, “When I was younger, people used to say if you can’t get a real job, go teach kindergarten or first grade, but that is ridiculous because those are the most important and foundational years of a young person’s life. I see the results of that when those children get to twelfth grade!” And how correct she is!

The foundation of who a young person will grow up to be and how they will affect and change the world begins from their experiences as a little person. As parents and educators, we plant the seeds of good character traits and the desire to learn and grow, while we build on each child’s natural abilities and capabilities (as we learn from Rav Wolbe, among many other authorities on early childhood chinuch (education). The summer is an auspicious time to take advantage of this youthful desire to grow and build.

This July 8-26, we are piloting a 3-week preschool program called Gan Ideal for age 3-to-5, providing families with an option over summer break for their children to explore their Jewish heritage with other little people their age. We’ve curated captivating experiences to engage these young ones in continuous activities, allowing them to learn about their Jewish values and traditions while having fun! We strongly believe every Jewish child has the right to a Jewish education, and there is no better time than the summer to be exposed to these teachings.

I look forward to greeting your little ones at Gan Ideal this July and watching your precious children grow and blossom!

Mina Cowen
Director of Gan Ideal
GanIdeal@TheJewishFed.org

Interested in learning more about Gan Ideal? Visit TheJewishFed.org/GanIdeal to sign up to receive more information in the coming weeks! Or call (574) 233-1164 or email GanIdeal@TheJewishFed.org with any questions.