Staff Handbook
1. Welcome Letter
Dear CGI United Staff,
Welcome to Camp Gan Yisroel United 2025!
We are thrilled to begin this transformative summer with each of you. Whether you’re a returning team member or joining us for the first time, your presence here is not only valued — it’s essential.
As staff at CGI United, you are the heart of the camp. You are leaders, role models, teachers, and most importantly, lamplighters. Every smile you offer, every word of encouragement, every moment of presence shapes the experience of our campers and elevates the Ruchnius atmosphere of camp.
This handbook has been created as your guide and anchor throughout the summer. Inside, you’ll find clear policies, expectations, and values that reflect who we are and why we’re here. Please read it thoroughly and refer to it often.
CGI United is more than a camp — it is a community built on chassidus, care, and connection. We strive to create a space where every girl feels proud of who she is, secure in where she belongs, and inspired by the light within her.
This summer, may we each grow in our avodas Hashem, deepen our friendships, and help every camper shine — body, heart, and soul.
With appreciation and brachos for an incredible summer ahead,
Camp Gan Yisroel United
2. Mission & Values
Camp Gan Yisroel United exists to create a vibrant, chassidishe, emotionally safe and spiritually nurturing space for the girls to thrive.
Our mission:
To inspire campers through Chabad chassidus and the Rebbe’s teachings
To foster a joyful and supportive environment where girls feel proud of their Yiddishkeit
To cultivate leadership, middos, and lasting friendships
We believe every camper deserves to shine, and every staff member plays a vital role in making that happen.
3. Staff Conduct & Expectations
Expectations of CGI United Staff:
• Arrive on time for all responsibilities and activities
• Communicate respectfully with campers, staff, and directors
• Maintain a positive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Serve as a dugma chaya in speech, behavior, and dress
• Stay present and engaged — phones and distractions are not permitted during supervision
We are a team — kindness, initiative, and collaboration are key to our camp culture.
4. Daily Schedule & Responsibilities
Each day at camp follows a structured rhythm that depends on your full participation.
Staff responsibilities include:
• Waking up campers and ensuring they’re dressed, davened, and ready
• Running bunk activities, transitions, cleanup, and mealtimes
• Participating in nightly staff check-ins
• Filling out bunk logs and camper feedback as needed
You will receive a detailed staff schedule and rotation chart during Orientation.
5. Camper Safety & Supervision
Safety is our top priority.
Staff must:
• Know where their campers are at all times
• Never leave campers unsupervised
• Follow proper night rotations (including room checks)
• Enforce buddy systems and tag-in/out for trips or swimming
• Report any injury, illness, or concern to Head Staff immediately
All staff are mandated reporters and must escalate any signs of harm or abuse.
6. Communication Protocols
Effective communication keeps camp running smoothly.
• Radios are for Head Staff only. All other updates via WhatsApp and staff huddles.
• Do not use personal phones around campers.
• Questions or concerns should be directed first to your Head Counselor.
• Parents may not be contacted directly. All parent communication goes through Directors only.
We are one team with one voice.
7. Dress Code & Appearance
All staff must dress in a way that reflects the dignity of their role and the camp’s chassidishe values.
● Skirts must cover the knee at all times (even when sitting)
● Tops must cover the collarbone and elbows
● No leggings, ripped jeans, or tight-fitting clothing
● Shoes must be appropriate for running and activities
● No nail Polish
● Hair must be pulled back in a pony (for hygiene and lice concerns)
Looking neat and respectful helps create a warm and elevated atmosphere.
8. Health & Emergency Procedures
If a camper is sick or injured:
• Notify the nurse or Head Staff immediately
• Stay with the camper until help arrives
• Fill out an incident report if necessary
Medication:
• All meds must be turned in to the nurse and may not be kept in bunks
In case of emergency:
• Follow evacuation drills as practiced
• Remain calm and gather your campers at the designated location
Mental health support is available — speak to the camp mother if concerned.
9. Housing & Camp Life
Dorm life is a major part of the camp experience.
Expectations:
• Keep your room clean and organized
• Respect your roommates’ space and property
• Observe lights-out times
• Do not invite campers or visitors into staff areas
Staff who model consideration and maturity help campers do the same.
10. Shabbos Guidelines
Shabbos is a highlight of the CGI United experience.
• Staff must be fully ready and dressed 30 minutes before licht bentching
• Phones must be turned off and stored before Shabbos begins
• Participate in davening, meals, and farbrengens
• Maintain dorm supervision and assist with camper needs
Please bring appropriate Shabbos attire, including flat shoes and a robe.
11. Phone & Media Policy
To protect the camp environment:
• Staff may not have phones on them during any camp activity
• Taking pictures of campers is prohibited unless you are the designated photographer
• Social media posts may only be made with Director approval
Media is powerful — we use it responsibly and sparingly.
12. Staff Evaluations & Feedback
Growth is part of the journey.
• You’ll receive regular check-ins from the director
• Constructive feedback helps you grow — be open and receptive
• Bring ideas! We love staff who want to contribute creatively
You’ll also fill out a feedback form at the end of the summer — your voice matters.
13. End of Summer Wrap Up
As we wrap up a meaningful season:
• Staff are expected to help with cleanup, bunk breakdown, and pack-out
• Final camper send off includes singing, davening, and group photos
• Complete your Staff Evaluation and return borrowed items (radios, supplies, etc.)
We end strong and with gratitude.