Communication with parents is essential to achieving our mission with every child.
Messaging us through the Brightwheel app is the quickest & most effective way to reach us during the camp season.
Camp Contact Information
During the camp season please note the following on-site contact information:
Camp Address : 125 Wells Ave, Newton MA 02459
Camp Direct Phone Number : (617) 630-4555
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Grunie Uminer, Camp Director : (617) 323-2000 [email protected]
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Rabbi Mendy Uminer, Camp Rabbi and Financial Officer: (617) 571-1900 [email protected]
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Rachel DeFilipp, Program Director: [email protected]
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Necha Uminer, Assistant Director: [email protected]
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Kristen Holmes, Camp Administrator: [email protected]
For general questions & information please visit our website www.campgan.org or email [email protected].
Please note, the winter camp office at 163 Bellingham Rd, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 is NOT staffed during the summer camp season.
Pre-Camp Open House
Date: Friday, June 19th, 2026
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: 125 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459
- Campers meet their bunk counselors
- Campers decorate their camp locker magnet
- Pick up 2 Luggage Tags - Please attach one to your backpack and one to your lunch box. (This will help the staff direct you to the correct bunk and will let you know where to go for the morning lineup.)
- Pick up a camp calendar
- Get your 3 Camp T-shirts
- Review any allergies, medications, behavioral plans etc. with your child’s counselor and head staff.
- Confirm that you have uploaded and filled in all your necessary forms i.e. health forms. Campers cannot begin camp without all forms uploaded to ultracamp.
- Settle any outstanding balances. Campers cannot begin camp with an outstanding tuition balance.
If you are unable to come to the open house, you should plan to take care of all the above on your child/ren’s first day of camp or contact us to stop by camp before your child’s session begins.
To help parents prepare for the summer, we will also be hosting a virtual Parent Information Session:
Parent Zoom Information Session
Sunday, June 14
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join at: campgan.org/virtual
The Parent Zoom is your chance to learn about the ins and outs of your child’s day at camp, what our staff training looks like and about all the incredible offerings your child will experience this summer. The link for the Zoom Information Recording can be found HERE.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Health at Camp
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No camper will be allowed in camp without a health form.
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If your child carries an EPI pen, please provide one to be left at camp. You must verbally and in writing detail all their allergies. A camp allergy form must be filled out at the open house or on your child’s first day of camp. Forms will be available at the front desk.
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Additionally, if your child receives any support or medication for help with behavior management, please let us know. All information will be kept confidential. This will allow us to best serve your child and peers.
Camp Photos
Camp Photos this year will mostly be accessible through this secure webpage. Please only share this information with grandparents & others who you authorize to see pictures of your kids. Campgan.org/photos
Username: campgan
Password: campgan123
There will also be additional pictures, promos & fun camp stuff posted to our social media sites
- Follow us on Facebook: Camp Gan Israel at Chestnut Hill on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram: campgan_chestnuthill
BrightWheel Electronic Check In/Check Out & Communication App
Camp utilizes the Brightwheel App. You will receive a welcome email directly from Brightwheel, with instructions on how to download the app and set up your own account. When you are setting up your account you can edit your login code and add other users to your account. Please see our quick help guide below. Need help? Contact the camp office and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Once you have set up the app, you will have the ability to simply scan a QR code each morning and afternoon to electronically check in and check out your camper. ALL CAMPERS MUST BE ELECTRONICALLY CHECKED IN BY THE PARENTS UPON ARRIVAL AT THE CAMP OR AT THE BUS AND CHECKED OUT ELECTRONICALLY WHEN PICKED UP. Campers who are not electronically signed in or out will not be accounted for that day.
Our primary communication with parents is through Brightwheel. You must check your messages to be informed of daily goings on at camp, and what your child needs. Messaging us through the Brightwheel app is the quickest & most effective way to reach us during the camp season.
Brightwheel Quick Help for Parents
Password
If you know your current password:
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Log in to Brightwheel on a web browser.
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Click Profile.
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Select Change Password.
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Enter your current password and your new password.
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Click Save.
If you forgot your password:
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On the Brightwheel login screen, tap Forgot Password (or Reset Password).
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Enter your email address or phone number.
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Follow the link sent to you to create a new password.
Add Another Parent or Authorized Pickup
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Open the Brightwheel app.
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Tap your child’s profile.
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Tap Profile (or the pencil/edit icon).
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Scroll down to Contacts.
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Tap + Add Contact.
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Choose the contact type:
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Parent (full access)
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Family
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Approved Pickup
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Enter their information and tap Save.
Theater
We’re excited for this summer’s Theater Program production of Annie! All week 6 campers will have the opportunity to participate in the ensemble and shine on stage. Campers interested in being considered for a speaking, singing, or featured cast role should have completed the audition form and submitted an audition video.
Auditions have officially closed, but if your child is still interested in being considered for cast,
reach out to Abby at [email protected]
The Annie performance will take place on Wednesday, July 29th in the late afternoon. More specific details will follow as the date approaches.
The Parent and Camp Relationship
Our relationship with you begins when you speak or meet with Grunie and we learn about your child. We continue to learn about your child through our Parent and Camper Questionnaires. Throughout the summer your child’s Division Head monitors your child’s day to day experience and maintains periodic communication with you. Our Division Heads and Directors are always available to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have. We keep you informed with daily pictures and reminders as well as a weekly newsletter.
Look for our weekly reminder email on Sundays.

