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Special Advertising Section
EVERY YEAR, we excitedly anticipate the arrival of the first day of summer. The sunny weather, the freedom from hectic school schedules, and long, lazy days bring the promise of long-awaited renewal.
For some Jewish youth, teens and families, summer’s arrival also signifies the end of a year-long countdown to an unparalleled experience: Jewish overnight summer camp.
As both statistical and anecdotal evidence confirm, Jewish summer camp is a transformative experience. After a summer full of art projects and sports, camp-wide Maccabiah games, lakeside Shabbat services, and life-changing conversations with counselors, campers return home with excitement in their voices, lifelong friendships, and a passion for Judaism.
More than 70,000 children experienced Jewish summer camp in 2008 alone—and found a community that was vibrant, celebratory, and fun. For some, camp may be an introduction to Jewish teachings, values, and culture; for others, camp life reinforces the traditions learned at home and school. For all children, camp creates pathways to increased Jewish engagement and a life-long dedication to the Jewish people.
At the Foundation for Jewish Camp, everything we do shares a single goal: to make Jewish camp the summer community for every Jewish child. It is within this community that youth become empowered, teens become role models, and future Jewish leaders are created.
As you read this guide, consider that summer can mean more than just sunshine and free time—it can also mean a life-changing experience for your family.
—The Foundation for Jewish Camp
National Camps | Regional Camps
The Foundation for Jewish Camp
15 West 36th Street, 13th floor
New York, NY 10018
T: 646.278.4500; F: 646.278.4501
Email: questions@jewishcamp.org
Website: www.jewishcamp.org
The Foundation for Jewish Camp is a driving force in the field of Jewish summer camp. We are the only national public foundation dedicated to all nonprofit Jewish overnight camps. Working with camps across the Jewish spectrum, FJC develops programs to strengthen camps and create inspiring camp leaders. The Foundation for Jewish Camp views the entire field as a whole and creates new collaborations to help camps thrive. We raise the profile of Jewish camp at the local level by partnering with communities throughout North America, and serve as a central address for parents and organizations alike. FJC is driving a new paradigm that enables camps to view themselves as part of a larger movement while elevating standards of excellence for all camps so that every child’s experience is unparalleled and enduring. We work with 150 Jewish summer camps, 70,000 campers and 12,000 counselors in North America. To learn more about Jewish summer camp and the activities of the Foundation for Jewish
Camp, visit www.jewishcamp.org
Alexander Muss High School In Israel
For more information about AMHSI or partnering a group trip with AMIIE,
visit www.amiie.org.
Location: Hod Ha’Sharon, Israel
T: 1-800-327-5980
Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) is dedicated to engaging teens to discover and embrace their connection to Israel’s history, culture and land through education, experiences, and understanding. AMHSI’s core program is non-denominational, pluralistic, and is designed for public school students. Whether students are looking to explore their heritage or interested in studying history and traveling, AMHSI offers these opportunities, while preparing students for college. The two-month program follows a 4000-year chronological curriculum using the land of Israel as a “living classroom.” AMHSI is fully accredited. Students receive full high school credit for their secular studies and are eligible for college credit as well. Additionally, AMHSI’s parent organization, Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE), works with Jewish day schools and community groups to design programs according to each group’s unique educational goals.
Kibbutz Program Center
Location: Israel
T: 212-462-2764
Website: www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org
mail@kibbutzprogramcenter.org
Summer Kibbutz Ulpan—Follow in the footsteps of countless adventurers before you and experience Kibbutz! The Kibbutz is a uniquely Israeli community rooted in the values of socialism and secular Judaism. It has inspired the imaginations of people the world over who have come to live, work, laugh, love, and dream amongst the valleys and hills of Israel. In the Summer Ulpan program you will experience the Kibbutz lifestyle while participating in programming designed to give you a broader taste of Israel as well. Study Hebrew, make friends, explore Israel on hikes and trips, work a job on Kibbutz, have fun, and participate in one of the longest running and most affordable Israel programs.
Young Judea Israel Programs
Locations: Israel, Europe, Africa, India and China
Contact: 50 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
P: 212-303-8014 F: 212-303-4572
Email: info@youngjudaea.org
Young Judaea’s Israel Programs stir things up again this year with exciting programs for ages 15-35. On our Summer Programs in Israel, participants spend 3-5 weeks in Israel. For students interested in volunteering we offer a four week program, Tikkun Olam. Travel options include adventures to Spain, Italy, Morocco and Poland. For recent high school graduates, Young Judaea’s Year Course created a one-of-a-kind Business Track, focusing on the international business world with visits to India and China. Those interested in social action can seek it out while volunteering in Ghana for 3 months, our newest Year Course addition. Olami is the travel extension of Year Course which allows participants to explore the world and Specialty Tracks include Medical, Performing Arts, Design, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, and Athletics. YJImpact! was ecstatic to announce WUJS’s move from the desert to the bustling centers of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This six month program offers four tracks for young adults looking for a meaningful long-term opportunity in Israel. For more information,
please visit us at www.youngjudaea.org!
National Camps
JCCs of North America
Locations: Resident and day camps throughout North America
Contact: JCC Association
520 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
T: 212 532 4949
Email: info@jcca.org
Website: www.jcca.org
JCC Association of North America is the central agency for the Jewish Community Center Movement. More than 350 Jewish Community Centers, YM-YWHAs, and campsites in the United States and Canada welcome two million members and participants every year. The JCC is your home away from home. You Belong Here!
USY Summer Programs
Sponsorship: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Location: North America, Israel and Europe
Types of Participants: Coed, grades 8-11 for North American programs;
grades 10 – 12 for Israel programs
Operating Season: Year-round
Contact: 820 Second Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10017; 212-533-7800 ext 1145
Email: youth@uscj.org
Website: www.usy.org
USY offers a broad variety of summer programs. Whether touring across North America on USY On Wheels; exploring Israel and/or parts of Europe on our various Israel pilgrimage programs; or taking classes and living with other Jewish teens in New York City on Summer in the City—USY has something for everyone! USY Summer Programs are an exciting way to explore your Jewish identity and tour North America, Europe and Israel. Experience the beauty of Shabbat, learn about the power of Tzedakah, and gain inspiration through creative prayer and engaging interactive Jewish learning programs. We look forward to seeing you on a USY summer program!
Ramah Camping Movement
Sponsorship: National Ramah Commission, Inc. and The Jewish Theological Seminary
Location: Overnight camps in California, Canada, Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin; day camps in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia; Israel programs
Types of Participants: Coed, grades 3–10 for overnight camps; preschool–7th grade for day camps
Operating Season: Year-round
Contact: 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
T: 212-678-8881
Email: ramah@jtsa.edu
Website: www.campramah.org
Lifelong friendships and personal commitment to Jewish life that is exciting and meaningful are just two of the benefits of a summer at a Ramah camp. As the camping arm of Conservative Judaism, Ramah has enabled campers and staff to live committed and vibrant Jewish lives through immersion in a summer Jewish community. At Ramah camps, education is combined with recreational activities, creating a fun Jewish environment. Campers can expect a program of sports, outdoor education, drama, dance, music, media arts, arts and crafts, and overnight trips combined with Hebrew and Judaic literacy, Shabbat observance, kashrut, and daily prayer. To maintain our strong connection to Israel and to encourage the use of Hebrew in everyday activities, Ramah camps are enriched by the participation of Israeli shlichim. Ramah also offers programs for children with special needs, family camps, winter retreat and Shabbaton facilities, and Israel programs for all ages.
Camp JRF: The Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus
Sponsorship: Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
Location: Pocono Mountains; South Sterling, PA
Participants: Co-ed, entering 3rd–12th grade; Operating Season: June 30—August 16 (Full summer, 4-week, 3-week and 2-week sessions available depending on camper age. Teen Israel Trip also available)
Contact: 101 Greenwood Avenue
enkintown, PA 19046
T: 877-CAMP-JRF (877-226-7573)
Email: info@campjrf.org
Website: www.campjrf.org
Recognized as one of the “Top 10 Jewish Camps,” Camp JRF on the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus continues to provide innovative, creative, and engaging programs for youth entering third through twelfth grades. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Camp JRF provides strong connections to Judaism, Reconstructionism, and positive human values in the context of a beautiful, fun, and safe environment. The camp aims to create a holistic camp experience, providing opportunities for expression in multiple domains, including the visual and creative arts, music, drama, sports, and water sports, as well as experiences with community leadership and a keen view of Judaism and the environment. Staff members bring maturity, experience, Jewish knowledge, and great caring to their campers. Israel trip for older teens, shortened session for younger campers, and five-day family camp available. Kosher. Fees: Vary by session (sibling and multi-session discounts available). Scholarships available to qualified applicants. Please call or visit our website for more information.
PanimWorks: Southwest
Sponsorship: PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values
Locations: Navajo, Hopi and Zuni Reservations, Southwest USA
Types of participants: Coed, students entering 10th-12th grade and graduating seniors
Operating Season: Session 1: June 28-July 9 Session 2: July 15-July 28,
Session 3: Aug 2-Aug 13
Contact: 6163 Executive Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20852
T: 301-770-5070; Fax: 301-770-6365
Email: panimworks@panim.org
Website: www.panimworks.org
Live and work in an entirely new culture this summer! Make a difference as you live in rustic accommodations on a Native-American reservation, interacting with local residents while working together to promote positive change. This trip in the majestic Southwest includes hands-on service projects as well as outdoor recreational activities. Make lifelong friends and learn about the ethical values that define Jewish life while earning up to 45 community service-learning hours. PanimWorks is open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduating seniors. Fees: $2500 for session 1 and 2. Session 3 has an extra outdoor adventure and tuition is $2750. Limited scholarships available.
PanimWorks:DC JAM (Judaism, Activism and Mitzvah Work)
Sponsorship: PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values
Location: George Washington University, Washington DC
Types of Participants: Coed, students entering 11th-12th grade and graduating seniors.
Operating Season: Session 1: June 29-July 12, Session I2: July 14-July 27, four week option with Internship Bridge: June 29-July 27.
Contact: 6163 Executive Blvd
Rockville, MD 20852
T: 301-770-5070 Fax: 301-770-6365
Email: dcjam@panim.org
Website: www.dcjam.org
Come to Washington, DC, and participate in a one-of-a-kind program on the campus of The George Washington University. Become a leader in the political world and the Jewish community today! Learn about key issues impacting the U.S. and the world through interactions with leading U.S. policymakers and experts, while exploring the connection between Judaism and advocacy. Participate in meaningful hands-on service projects, while earning community service-learning hours. Develop the skills to pioneer change and impact the issues you care about. Fees: $2500 per session or $4,950 for both sessions; scholarships available.
URJ Camps
Sponsorship: Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
Locations: Massachusetts (2 camps), California, Indiana, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington and Ontario
Types of Participants: Coed, grades 3-12 for overnight camps
Operating Season: Year-round
Contact: 633 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017; 212-650-4070
Email: urjcamps@urj.org
Website: www.urjcamps.org
The URJ Camps, the camping programs of the Reform movement, offer children an invaluable opportunity to discover the joys of living Judaism as part of a warm, spirited and diverse community. In safe, scenic, natural environments, surrounded by nurturing and empowering role models, campers master a variety of new skills and grow in confidence and maturity. URJ camps provide a rich foundation for a camper’s future, nourished by special memories and lifelong friendships. We take fun seriously—campers have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities including sports and outdoor education, arts and cultural programs, overnight and day trips, and integrated, informal Jewish educational activities. URJ Camps offer programs during all seasons, including regional NFTY youth events, family camp weekends, URJ synagogue retreats, and reunions.
Regional Camps
Herzl Camp
Location: Wisconsin
Contact: 7204 W. 27th St, Ste 226
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
T: 952-927-4002
Website: www.herzlcamp.org
Email: info@herzlcamp.org
Herzel Camp is all about trying something new, making great friends, learning about Israel, singing, playing, laughing, and celebrating Judaism by living it everyday. Everyone at camp is a part of traditions, some thousands of years old and others brand new, which bring Judaism to life and make Herzl one of the best ways for Jewish kids to spend their summers. Our commitment is to give campers of any affiliation the greatest Jewish camping experience possible. Founded in 1946, Herzl Camp today is located on the shores of Devil’s Lake, in Webster, Wisconsin. Just two hours from the Twin Cities, the camp is 120 acres of beautiful woodland. Daily activities include basketball, drama, sailing, rock climbing, fishing, ultimate Frisbee, tennis, swimming, boating, amanut (arts and crafts), dance, outdoor cooking, wilderness survival, music, and many more. Additionally, our camp is known for having incredibly dedicated, creative, and talented staff members, nearly all of whom have grown up at Herzl Camp. There are still spaces available for grades 3-11 this summer.
Camp Pembroke
Sponsorship: Eli and Bessie Cohen Foundation
Fees: 3 ½ weeks $3,550; 7 weeks $6,400
Location: Lake Oldham, Pembroke, MA
Types of Participants: Girls, ages 8–16
Operating Season: July 1–August 19
Contact: 30 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721
T: 800-375-8444
Email: pembroke@cohencamps.org
Website: www.camppembroke.org
At the only all-girls Jewish resident camp in New England, each summer our campers discover new things about themselves, their heritage, and the world around them. Celebrating 75 years of quality camping less than an hour from Boston, our program consists of a full range of land and water sports and creative and performing arts, including athletics, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, a heated pool for swimming, music, drama, lyrical and modern dance, gymnastics, arts & crafts, and tennis. Our specialty programs include horseback riding, ice skating, and golf. Informal Jewish/Israeli cultural experiences include Shabbat and Havdallah services, music and dance, and observing kashrut. We have a CIT/Leadership program that includes Israel travel. ACA-accredited. Financial aid and First-Time Camper Incentive Grants available.
Camp Tel Noar
Sponsorship: Eli and Bessie Cohen Foundation
Fees: 3 ½ weeks $3,550; 7 weeks $6,400
Location: Sunset Lake, Hampstead, NH
Types of Participants: Coed, ages 8–16
Operating Season: July 1–August 19
Contact: 30 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721
T: 800-375-8444
Email: telnoar@cohencamps.org
Website: www.camptelnoar.org
Located an hour north of Boston, Camp Tel Noar is a warm, intimate and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to grow and mature. With a heritage of over 60 years, our camp cabins surround a central lounge with a fireplace to foster community living and interaction between different aged campers. Arts & crafts, athletics, visual & performing arts, waterfront sports, a full gamut of electives, inter-camp competition, special events, trips and more round out our fun-filled summer program. Campers experience creative Sabbath services including Havdallah, blessings before and after meals, and Israeli songs and dances at our kosher camp. We have a CIT/Leadership program that includes Israel travel. ACA-accredited. Financial aid and First-Time Camper Incentive Grants available.
Camp Tevya
Fees: 3 ½ weeks $3,550; 7 weeks $6,400
Types of Participants: Coed, ages 8–16
Operating Season: July 1–August 19
Sponsorship: Eli and Bessie Cohen Foundation
Location: Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH
Contact: 30 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721
T: 800-375-8444
Email: tevya@cohencamps.org
Website: www.camptevya.org
With 70 years of camping experience, our nurturing camp setting and talented staff ensure summer camp memories that last all year. Located one hour from Boston on picturesque Lake Potanipo, Tevya helps campers learn to appreciate the values of sharing and working together while developing independence, self-esteem and spirit. Our full range of activities include archery, arts & crafts, land and water sports, canoeing, wind surfing, sailing, drama, model rocketry, ceramics, imaginative woodworking program, and tennis. Informal Jewish and Israeli cultural experiences include music and dance, Shabbat services including Havdallah and observing kashrut. We have a CIT/Leadership program that includes Israel travel. ACA-accredited. Financial aid and First-Time Camper Incentive Grants available.
Camp Monroe
Sponsorship: Private
Location: Monroe, NY (1 hour north of
New York City)
Types of Participants: Co-ed, ages 6-16
Operating Season: June-August
Contact: Stanley Felsinger, PO Box 475, Monroe, NY 10949
T: 845-782-8695; F: 845-782-2247
Email: office@campmonroe.com
Website: www.campmonroe.com
FRIENDS, FRIENDS, FRIENDS...Imagine campers and staff with arms around each other’s shoulders singing and swaying in the comfort, safety and warmth of a Jewish camp environment. Our campers have a wonderful experience while they build skills and self-esteem, and make lifelong friendships. Our facilities are beautiful and extensive, our large adult staff is professional and experienced, our counselors are enthusiastic and mature, and we love our campers and treat them as family. Campers come from a variety of Jewish backgrounds attending public schools, Jewish day schools, and private schools. We successfully promote Jewish values, ethics and pride while our campers participate in over 50 activities. Our fine reputation extends for over 60 years. Two indoor gyms, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, softball, tennis, computer, video, and photography centers, crafts and fine arts studios, climbing wall, ropes course, horseback riding on premises, lake/pool —all land and water sports, Shabbat program that everyone loves, delicious kosher food.
Emma Kaufmann Camp
Fees: For more information and to register please call (412) 521-8011 ext. 318.
Operating Season: June 21 – August 16
Contact: 5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
T: 412-521-8010; F: 412-208-9107
Email: sbuzza@jccpgh.org
Website: www.emmakaufmanncamp.com
Emma Kaufmann Camp is located along Cheat Lake in Morgantown, WV. Owned and operated by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, EKC is a co-ed residential Kosher-style camp with an emphasis on Jewish values, informal education, Shabbat celebrations and premiere programming & activities. This child-centered environment includes campers ages 7 to 16, attending 8, 7, 4, 3, 2 or 1 week sessions, which includes our First Experience and Specialty Camps. Activities include High and Low Ropes Courses, Horseback Riding, Mountain and BMX Biking, Athletics, Instruction and Recreational Swimming, Water Skiing, Canoeing, Knee Boarding, Tubing, Kayaking, “The Rave,” “The Blob,” “The Saturn,” Arts & Crafts, Ceramics, Drama, Color War and much more.
Camp Towanga
Contact: 131 Steuart Street, Ste. 460
San Francisco, CA 94105
Locations: Yosemite site and travel options
T: 415.543.2267 (415.KID.CAMP)
Website: info@tawonga.org; moment.tawonga.org
Located at the doorstep of Yosemite National Park, on the middle fork of the Tuolumne River, on 160 acres in the Stanislaus National Forest, Camp Tawonga has been a leader in Jewish camping since 1925. An American Camping Association accredited camp with a staff/camper ratio of 1:1.5, Tawonga offers programs for 2nd through 12th graders; and Weekend Programs for individuals, couples and families. Campers attend summer sessions at our Yosemite location, or can choose one of our Teen Adventure Quests that travel throughout Yosemite, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and New England. Teens can also apply for leadership programs, like staff in training or Tawonga’s Teen Service Learning trip to Costa Rica, a four week trip combining service, travel, and learning.
