I'm Not Jewish, Why Should I Choose a Jewish Summer Camp?

The History of Jewish Summer Camps

In the late 19th century, Jewish parents/communities devised ways to get their children out of cities and into the countryside where they would have access to nature and participate in outdoor activities, perceived at the time, as crucial building blocks for children to become adults.

As summer camps became more popular around Canada, some camps began catering to specific populations. The early 20th century saw a boom in Jewish summer camps, partly due to camping trends at the time but also as a reaction to the antisemitism Jews across North America faced. Jewish overnight camps fostered community and allowed the freedom to openly observe Jewish customs and religious rites. Within the Jewish camp community, overnight summer camp options reflected different ethnicities and ideologies.

Though the original impetus of these camps may no longer be the primary reason that Jewish families send their children to overnight camps, the tradition and community-building of Jewish sleep away camps continue.

Myths about Jewish Summer Camps

"Jewish Summer camp isn’t for me because we’re just not that religious or even Jewish.”

Jewish summer camp gives campers and staff from all sorts of backgrounds – and most are not religious and opportunity to develop their own individual identities. You don't always have to be practicing the faith at this type of camp. If you're willing to work at a faith-based camp they will often hire you based on your personality and skills. Jewish summer camps integrate some popular, and relevant values of Judaism but they are not just Jewish values, but human/life values. The goal of this values-based programming is to get campers and staff members thinking about their personal connections and prompt them to explore values that are present in their everyday lives, and at camp.

• Respect - Between each other, for campers, and the facilities, setting the standard that shines through and around camp.
• Family - Camp is a family and a community - a place to spend time with those you care about and experience the things you love together. Team building and individual identity are primary focus.
• Spirit - The positive vibes that flow through camp reflects the spirit that is present in tradition—highlighting sportsmanship and camp traditions.
• Repairing the World - The connection with nature, especially considering camps' beautiful locations, exploring their surroundings, and the positive relationship we can have with it. Recycling, upcycling, and camp beautification projects.
• Acts of Loving Kindness - There is such a fantastic feeling that comes with helping others, and camps hope to convey this feeling throughout camp (and all summer long!)
• Gratitude - An attitude of gratitude in everything they do at camp, from being grateful for support staff around camp to being appreciative of our ability to spend the summer together.

“Can’t we just enjoy summer, not have to learn about religion!”

The beauty of Jewish summer camps, of course, is that they make Jewish life fun. In fact, for many children Jewish Summer camp is the one time all year when being Jewish is a joy, not a burden. When you’re with a group of kids and counsellors, all singing along to beautiful songs together, it creates a magical experience that has nothing to do with studying or tutors or being Jewish. When kids do fun crafts together they are learning about their Jewish identity but in a fresh, new – and non-threatening – way.

Jewish summer camps aren’t all that different from non-denominational camps

• They are committed to offering programming that provides a wide range of classic and innovative summer camp experiences, using state-of-the-art equipment, blending opportunities for personal choices and individual achievement and growth with memorable group experiences.
• They offer programming on a year-round basis to engage campers, and alumni to enhance the friendships and spirit instilled in our campers and staff, immersing campers in a communal experience they may not be able to experience elsewhere in their lives.
• They recognize the pivotal role played in making a positive and memorable contribution to the lives of campers and maintain a high-caliber program that includes skills and leadership training.

While the camp may focus on some Jewish practices, their baseline philosophy is the child’s happiness and well-being, and providing a safe, nurturing environment where each child can participate, learn and achieve at his/her own pace is their raison d'etre (reason for being). Campers and staff are encouraged to take on tasks that will enable them to become more responsible and self-confident.