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Special Advertising Section
Eagerly anticipating my ninth summer as executive director of Habonim-Dror Camp Tavor, I like to take a step back and look at the big picture. And the big picture is: I'm more and more convinced of the crucial importance of what Jewish camps offer.
A story readily springs to mind that exemplifies the beauty and magic of Jewish camping: When seven-year-old Mark came to camp for the first time in June of 2000, he was one of the youngest and smallest kids at camp. I recall Mark's face on his very first day of camp, wide-eyed and eager as he got familiar with and then participated in a Hebrew version of the hokey-pokey song. Last July, on a sunny Michigan day, this very same Mark, now a tall and beaming 14-year-old, stood in front of a group of our youngest kids, with a big glow on his face and led that same lively Hebrew song.
Jewish camping in North America has been around for over 100 years. In the beginning it was a time to get kids out of the cities and be in the “country” with their peers in a safe and healthy environment. It is still a time to get children into the country, but now, it has become a place to develop and create community, to find Jewish roots, to allow freedoms in a safe and friendly environment, to be around children of like roots (but with various year-round influences), and to help mold the next generation of Jewish leaders. Recent statistical data add credibility to what those of us in the camping world know from instinct. The informal environment of Jewish camps, which enables kids to have fun and become self-aware and socially conscious while led by older youth—has grown our leaders in the Jewish and secular world of today. Knowing that our efforts have such a strong impact is an extremely rewarding feeling.
We are in the right time and right place to keep it going.
—Shelley Goldwater, Habonim-Dror Camp Tavor, Executive Director
To advertise in this section, please fill out the form here, or call 202-363-6422
Habonim-Dror Camps
Locations: British Columbia (Miriam) www.campmiriam.org; California (Gilboa) www.campgilboa.org; Maryland (Moshava) www.camphabonimdrormoshava.org; Michigan (Tavor) www.camptavor.org; New York (Na’aleh) www.naaleh.org; Ontario (Gesher) www.campgesher.com; Pennsylvania (Galil) www.campgalil.org; Israel (post-10th grade) www.habonimdror.org Contact: Habonim-Dror North America, 114 West 26th Street Suite 1004, New York, NY 10001; 212-255-1796; Email: programs@habonimdror.org; Website: www.habonimdror.org/programs/machanot.html Types of Participants: Coed; grades 3-9 Operating Season: July-August; Program Description: Habonim Dror is a youth movement dedicated to creating Jewish leaders who will actualize the principles of social justice, equality, peace and coexistence in Israel and North America. At seven summer camps in North America, campers benefit from 70 years of Jewish camping experience and traditions forming the foundation for our unique educational and recreational programming throughout each summer. Whether a first time camper or a returning champion, your child will love everything that Habonim Camping has to offer. Each of our camps is a place where children play, sing, laugh, share and grow together in a safe, healthy and encouraging environment. With its emphasis on sharing and social responsibility, Habonim creates a sense of community that is cherished long after the summer is over. Through the year, the Habonim Dror Experience continues as a positive aspect of campers’ lives as they are welcomed to participate in a rich program of fun and educational activities offered regularly throughout the year in both local and regional venues. Friendships created in a summer last a lifetime.
Emma Kaufmann Camp
Contact: Winter Address: 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217;
412-521-8010; Fax: 412-208-9107; Email: sbuzza@jccpgh.org; Website: www.emmakaufmanncamp.com; Operating Season: June 22 – August 17; Program Description: 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.; Fees: For more information and to register please call (412) 521-8011 ext. 318.
Panimworks: An Activist’s Adventure
Sponsorship: PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values Location: Navajo Reservation, Southwest USA Contact: 6101 Montrose Road, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-770-5070; Fax: 301-770-6365 Email: panimworks@panim.org Website: www.panimworks.org; Types of Participants: Coed, students entering 10th-12th grade and graduating seniors Operating Season: Session 1: June 29-July 10 Session 2: July 27-August 7; Program Description: 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 members of the Navajo Nation 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: $2,150, scholarships available.
Summer JAM (Judaism, Activism and Mitzvah Work)
Sponsorship: PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values; Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC Contact: 6101 Montrose Road, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-770-5070 Fax: 301-770-6365; Email: summerJAM@panim.org Website: www.dcjam.org Types of Participants: Coed, students entering 11th-12th grade and graduating seniors Operating Season: June 30th-July 27th Program Description: 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 up to 75 community service-learning hours. Develop the skills to pioneer change and impact the issues you care about. Fees: $4,285, scholarships available.
Foundation for Jewish Camping
Contact: 15 West 36 Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10018; 646-278-4500 Email: questions@jewishcamping.org Website: www.jewishcamping.org Description: Summers at Jewish overnight camp turn Jewish youth into spirited and engaged Jewish adults, laying the groundwork for strong Jewish communities. The Foundation for Jewish Camping aspires to elevate the field of Jewish camp, conferring proper recognition and granting appropriate support to expand its impact across our community, so that camp can be a critical element of every Jewish young person’s education. The Foundation for Jewish Camping unifies and galvanizes the field of Jewish overnight camp and significantly increases the number of children participating in transformative summers at Jewish camp, assuring a vibrant North American Jewish community. The Foundation for Jewish Camping, a public foundation, is the only national organization dedicated to nonprofit Jewish resident camps, advancing program and leadership excellence in camps and access to vibrant Jewish experiences for campers. The Foundation for Jewish Camping works with more than 150 camps, 65,000 campers, and 10,000 counselors across North America to further its mission.
JCCs of North America Camps
Locations: Resident and day camps throughout North America; Contact: JCC Association, 520 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018; 212-532-4949; Email: info@jcca.org; Website: www.jcca.org; Types of Participants: Coed, preschool to 8th grade for day camps; grades 2-12 for overnight camps; Operating Season: June-August; Program Description: Thirty-five residential and more than 200 day camps welcome more than 100,000 North American children to JCC camps annually. Your child can enjoy everything from fine arts to computers, flag football to mountain biking and climbing towers. Many of our camps offer elective and specialty programs, including special needs. The Mandel Center for Jewish Education has developed TAG: Jewish Values through JCC Camping®, an innovative program to infuse Jewish values into the camp day, and is introducing an Israel program for teens. To connect JCC campers to Israel, many JCC camps bring shlichim (emissaries) from Israel. After attending a JCC camp your child will have new skills, new friends, a stronger Jewish identity, a deeper understanding of Judaism, and a lifetime of memories.
Costa Rican Adventures
Looking for an amazing summer adventure with other Jewish teens? Get ready for the time of your life! Costa Rican Adventures is passionate about creating a healthier and more sustainable planet through eco-centered travel. From zip-lining to whitewater rafting, hiking to scuba diving, our Outdoor Adventures for Jewish Teens combine jungle adventures, breathtaking sights, indigenous cultures and ecotourism with Jewish values and community. Since 1995, we’ve traveled with thousands of students, teachers, families, singles, synagogues, schools, and camps to Costa Rica and Belize. Our action-packed journeys are open to high-school students interested in being part of a traveling Jewish community, making friends that will last a lifetime, and having more fun than you ever thought possible! If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey, visit www.costaricanadventures.com/earthconnect/jewishteens for more information. To speak to us, Call 1-800-551-7887, or email us at: jewishteens@costaricanadventures.com
Camp JRF: The Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus
Sponsorship: The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation; Location: Pocono Mountains; South Sterling, PA; Contact: Winter Address: 101 Greenwood Avenue, Jenkintown, PA 19046; 877-CAMP-JRF 877-226-7573; Email: info@campjrf.org; Web site: www.campjrf.org; Types of Participants: Co-ed, entering 3rd –12th grade; Operating Season: June 27—August 12 (Full summer, 4-week, 3-week and 2-week sessions available depending on camper age. Teen Israel Trip also available); Program Description: Located in the majestic Pocono Mountains, Camp JRF promotes a strong connection to Judaism, Reconstructionism, and positive human values. Our campers make lasting friendships in a safe and fun environment; explore tradition; forge their own identities; and create a Jewish culture in which our values are lived each day. Campers discover what it means to be Jewish in modern society through engaging and experiential programs. During our camp season, campers engage in a wide array of sports, explore the arts, nature programs, camping, climbing tower, ropes course and much more. Our spiritual and fun Shabbat experience is the highlight for many campers. An Israel trip for older teens and a shortened session for younger campers are available. Camp JRF staff members bring maturity, experience, Jewish knowledge, and great caring to their campers. Kosher.; Fees: Vary by session (early bird, sibling, and multi-session discounts available). Scholarships available to qualified applicants. Please call or visit our website for more information.
Camp Monroe
Sponsorship: Private; Location: Monroe, NY (1 hour north of New York City); Contact: Stanley Felsinger, PO Box 475, Monroe, NY 10949; 845-782-8695; Fax: 845-782-2247; Website: www.campmonroe.com; Types of Participants: Co-ed, ages 6-16; Operating Season: June-August; Program Description: 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, 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. Kosher.
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; Contact: 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027; 212-678-8881 Email: ramah@ jtsa.edu Website: www.campramah.org Types of Participants: Coed, grades 3–10 for overnight camps; preschool–7th grade for day camps; Operating Season: Year-round Program Description: 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 Kinder Ring
Location: 70 miles north of Manhattan, near Poughkeepsie; Contact: Camp Kinder Ring, 335 Sylvan Lake Road, Hopewell Junction, NY; 12533, (845) 221-2771 Email: ilene@campkr.com Website: www.campkr.com Types of Participants: Co-ed ages 7 through 16 from across the US Operating Season: June 29 thru August 21; Types of Programs: Athletics, Aquatics, Performing Arts, Arts-n-Crafts, Jewish Culture, Travel and more. ACA Accredited.
Camp Pembroke
Sponsorship: Eli and Bessie Cohen Foundation; Location: Lake Oldham, Pembroke, MA; Contact: 30 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721; 800-375-8444 Email: pembroke@cohencamps.org Website: www.camppembroke.org Types of Participants: Girls, ages 8–16; Operating Season: June 25–August 13; Program Description: 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 over 70 years of quality camping less than an hour from Boston, our program consists of a full range of land and water sports, including athletics, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, a heated pool for swimming. Music, drama, lyrical and modern dance, gymnastics, arts & crafts, and tennis are all part of our camper’s schedule. 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. Call to schedule a tour during the summer season. ACA-accredited. Fees: 3 weeks $3,350; 7 weeks $5,975.
Camp Tel Noar
Sponsorship: Eli and Bessie Cohen Foundation; Location: Sunset Lake, Hampstead, NH; Contact: 30 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721; 800-375-8444 Email: telnoar@cohencamps.org Website: www.camptelnoar.org Types of Participants: Coed, ages 8–16; Operating Season: June 25–August 13; Program Description: 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, intercamp 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. Call to schedule a tour during the summer season. ACA accredited. Fees: 3 weeks $3,350; 7 weeks $5,975.
Camp Tevya
Sponsorship: Eli and Bessie Cohen Foundation; Location: Lake Potanipo, Brookline, NH; Contact: 30 Main Street, Ashland, MA 01721; 800-375-8444 Email: tevya@cohencamps.org Website: www.camptevya.org Types of Participants: Coed: Ages 8–16; Operating Season: June 25–August 13; Program Description: With over 65 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. Call to schedule a tour during the summer season. ACA accredited. Fees: 3 weeks $3,350; 7 weeks $5,975.
To advertise in this section, please fill out the form here, or call 202-363-6422