CGI Montreal Unites 400 Campers for Standing Side by Side Music Video

CGI Montreal Stages Live Performance of “Standing Side by Side”

More than 400 campers and counselors at Camp Gan Israel Montreal gathered this past summer to record a live performance of the camp anthem “Standing Side by Side,” marking a departure from traditional studio-based music production. COLlive reported that the event, described by the camp as its first-ever live Kumzing, sought to capture the emotional energy typically found during camp milestones like Color War or BOG War. The song, which originated as a Color War alma mater in 1996, has maintained its status as a staple in Gan Yisroel camps over the last three decades. The lyrics focus on the relationship between staff and campers, detailing a narrative where a counselor and a camper—each reflecting on their summer experience—eventually cross paths and recognize their shared bond. According to the production notes, the camp moved away from a controlled studio environment to prioritize the authentic atmosphere of hundreds of participants singing in unison. The resulting music video and recording are now available for streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and 24Six. By bringing the performance to digital platforms, CGI Montreal aims to extend the reach of the camp experience beyond the summer months. The lyrics of "Standing Side by Side" emphasize mentorship and communal connection. Camp Gan Israel Montreal stated that the song’s words capture the sincere thoughts of a camper and a counselor as the summer ends, with both individuals addressing the Rebbe to share their own private messages. The counselor contemplates his duty and shlichus in mentoring the boys under his care, supporting every camper as they deepen their bond with the Rebbe.

The performance shows the enduring influence of the Gan Yisroel experience on its participants, documenting the transition from end-of-summer reflection to a lasting connection to the Rebbe. As the video circulates, it serves both as a memento for those who attended the summer session and as a digital archive of the camp’s traditions.