Jewish Summer Camps

CONTACT

SUMMER 2002/AV 5762 VOLUME 4, NUMBER 4 THE JOURNAL OF JEWISH LIFE NETWORK /

Jewish Summer Camps: Our Precious Resource contact SUMMER CAMPS: SUMMER 2002 / AV 5762 VOL 4 NO 4 Jewish Summer Camps: Our Precious Resource JEWISH LIFE NETWORK / Jewish Joy, ewish summer camp is a uniquely American phenomenon. Although today Eli Valley we often associate camp with leisure activities — softball, Israeli dance, lines Editor Jewish Identity at the canteen — camps have always served an indispensable purpose in the Erica Coleman J community. Originally, Jewish camps were created to ameliorate the grim by RAMIE ARIAN Copy Editor conditions of city life. At the turn of the 20th century, at the height of an unprece- dented influx of European immigrants, settlement houses and social welfare agen- Edith Fenyvesi cies established retreats to give Jewish children a respite from the teeming urban Photo Coordinator slums. Some of these camps were designed to acculturate new immigrants into Why a camp? Because even the best school operates only part of the day. in the Jewish community, to accommodate David Winter American society. In the 1930s and 1940s, their mission was more critical: they We wanted to create a real and total society that would respond to the the many children who want to attend but are closed out. But more than additional Administration served to protect urban children from polio epidemics. whole person, twenty-four hours a day, even though we could maintain space, we need to upgrade our camps to that society for no more than eight weeks at a time. The founders could Janet Mann In the 1950s and 1960s, as the Jewish community expanded and migrated to the match or exceed the state of the art in the have invested their energy in a cluster of day schools. Ultimately they Administration suburbs, the function of camps shifted to reflect the community's prosperity. Camps secular camp world. Many of our camps that were initially created as social service organizations began to focus their serv- chose camping, because the issues that they believed needed to be suffer from years of “deferred mainte- Yakov Wisniewski ices on Jewish educational programming. Over the years, camps became phenome- addressed could not be addressed by a school, not even a day school. nance,” and need significant upgrades to Design Director nally successful. They evolved into an annual rite of passage, unique in the their buildings and grounds. We would not tolerate substandard facilities in our Diaspora, that combined Jewish identity building with athletics, arts & crafts, O WROTE master educator Seymour spontaneous religious dialogue, leading to children’s schools. We should not be will- JEWISH LIFE NETWORK nature experiences and general fun. Fox, in a 1997 essay about the growth for learner and teacher alike. ing to tolerate it in some of their camps. founding of the Conservative move- There are currently 120 non-profit Jew- Camping is so enjoyable, in fact, that we often overlook its record in inculcating We need to ensure that our camps offer Michael H. Steinhardt ment’s Ramah camps. Those who ish overnight camps throughout North programming that is excellent not only in Jewish identity. Particularly for non-Orthodox Jews, the total immersion experience Chairman Sfounded Jewish overnight camps, not only America. They serve a total of 50,000 chil- terms of Jewish identity building, but excel- of summer camp is often the greatest single variable leading to lifelong Jewish com- Ramah but the many other “brands” of Jew- dren each summer, less than 7 percent of lent in every way. Sports programming, arts Rabbi Irving Greenberg mitment. The effects of camping on Jewish identity are profound and well-docu- ish camps as well, were right. Repeatedly and the estimated 750,000 Jewish children of programming and environmental education President mented. Jewish Camping 2000, by Gary Tobin and Meryle Weinstein, cites an Atlanta consistently, researchers have demonstrated camp age (8-16) in the United States and need to sparkle with creative energy. This is that experience in the quality, non-profit Jonathan J. Greenberg Federation study that showed that adults who attended Jewish camp as children are Canada. They are sponsored by Jewish reli- already the case in many of our camps. We overnight camps of the Jewish community is gious denominations, by JCC’s, by at least Executive Director more than 50 percent more likely to belong to a synagogue than those who did not need to ensure it is true in all of them. attend camp. The Camping Experience 1995 – 1999, a study of Ramah camps pub- among the strongest means to build Jewish four Zionist movements, by B’nai B’rith and Our camps need to attract our best and CONTACT is produced and identity and commitment in young people. by various independent agencies. lished in 2001 by Ariela Keysar and Barry A. Kosmin, points out that teenagers who brightest college students to serve as staff. distributed by Jewish Life Network, Why is it that camp — generally asso- Nearly all of these camps are full to In order to accomplish this, we need to a Judy and Michael Steinhardt attend Jewish camp are 50 percent more likely to be interested in studying in Israel ciated more with fun than with serious capacity, many with long waiting lists. increase salaries to a level that is competi- Foundation, 6 East 39th Street, during their Junior Year in college than are those who do not attend camp. The arti- learning — is so powerful as an educa- There is broad agreement in the Jewish tive with the urban marketplace. We need 10th floor, New York, NY 10016. cles in this issue of CONTACT reveal the enormous power of camp to heighten Jewish tional format? Operating on a 24/7 basis, community about the power and impor- to mount a major campaign to market the identity not only among campers, but among counselors and staff as well. camp offers not only substantial formal tance of summer camp as a transforma- message to Jewish college students that Phone: (212) 279-2288 contact with learners (campers), but also a tional educational experience for our working at camp is a great way to build Fax: (212) 279-1155 The success of Jewish camping has created the unfortunate situation that camp is myriad of informal “teachable moments” young people. With space for so few of career skills. Simultaneously, we need to Email: [email protected] often taken for granted in the Jewish community. The pervasive rationale seems to when learners are uniquely accessible, and our children, the key question is: how can inform employers that job candidates with Copyright © 2002 by Jewish Life Network. be, why invest in something that seems to be doing fine by itself? But as the articles contexts make learning uniquely memo- we greatly increase the reach of existing experience as camp counselors are espe- in this issue of CONTACT will show, there is much that can be done to strengthen rable. Possibilities for informal education Jewish camps, and how can we build the cially valuable employees. the infrastructure of American Jewish camping, from building new camps to mod- are seemingly endless: additional camps we will need to accom- We need our federations in each com- ernizing others, from increasing staff salaries to subsidizing camper tuition. It is A dispute along the first-base line in a modate many additional children? munity to ensure that sufficient scholar- softball game may offer the opportunity Doubling the number of children ships exist so that children are not turned vital that the community shows its commitment to the continued success of camps. for an unforgettable, impromptu lesson on attending Jewish camp each summer would away due to financial need, and that those Indeed, it is in the community's interest to ensure that camps operate at the highest lashon ha-ra, the transgression of evil talk. require about 30,000 new beds in Jewish scholarships are applicable to the full spec- possible levels, and that the benefits of camp are available to the widest spectrum of A swim lesson may provoke an overnight camps (both in expanded existing Jewish Life Network is dedicated to trum of camps serving area children. Feder- Jews. After all, without successful camps, there would be far fewer Jews committed impromptu discussion of Lenny Krazel- camps and in new camps). Applying exist- ations and community leaders should create strengthening and transforming American to making Jewish life flourish in America. burg, the U.S. Olympic backstroke cham- ing rules of thumb to camp construction, incentive programs to encourage families to Jewry to ensure a flourishing, sustainable pion, whose training schedule was this would require a minimum of $325 – choose Jewish camps for their children. community in a fully integrated free society. At transitional periods of American Jewish history, camps evolved to meet the com- influenced by his Jewish sensitivities — $400 million in capital funding. Of this Statistical and anecdotal evidence over- We seek to revitalize Jewish identity munity's most pressing needs. Today, as the community struggles to raise a new leading to an enhanced sense of pride in amount, projects totaling more than $175 whelmingly shows that Jewish camps through educational, religious and cultural generation of committed Jews, camps are one of our most precious resources for the camper’s Jewish identity. million are already on the drawing board. change Jewish lives. In an era such as ours, initiatives that are designed to reach out to Jewish education, experience and identity. It is time to elevate camps to the profile A bedtime review of the day may Until the creation of the Foundation for when the wealthiest, most powerful Jewish all Jews, with an emphasis on those who are they deserve. prompt a camper’s question about theol- Jewish Camping in 1998, there was no community in history anguishes over its on the margins of Jewish life. ogy, or belief in God, and may give a coun- agency in the Jewish community that kept a own vitality, Jewish camps provide an selor an extraordinary opportunity for list of all the community’s camps. Today, the important force for renaissance in Jewish Most of the photographs in this issue appear courtesy of Foundation has become the chief advocate life. Jewish camps are a precious but under- Rabbi Ramie Arian serves as Executive Director of the the Foundation for Jewish Camping and Art Today. Eli Valley and source of resources for Jewish camps. appreciated resource, a resource which the Foundation for Jewish Camping. We need to create many more camps community should cherish and grow. 2 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 3 contact SUMMER CAMPS: SUMMER 2002 / AV 5762 VOL 4 NO 4 Jewish Summer Camps: Our Precious Resource JEWISH LIFE NETWORK / Jewish Joy, ewish summer camp is a uniquely American phenomenon. Although today Eli Valley we often associate camp with leisure activities — softball, Israeli dance, lines Editor Jewish Identity at the canteen — camps have always served an indispensable purpose in the Erica Coleman J community. Originally, Jewish camps were created to ameliorate the grim by RAMIE ARIAN Copy Editor conditions of city life. At the turn of the 20th century, at the height of an unprece- dented influx of European immigrants, settlement houses and social welfare agen- Edith Fenyvesi cies established retreats to give Jewish children a respite from the teeming urban Photo Coordinator slums. Some of these camps were designed to acculturate new immigrants into Why a camp? Because even the best school operates only part of the day. in the Jewish community, to accommodate David Winter American society. In the 1930s and 1940s, their mission was more critical: they We wanted to create a real and total society that would respond to the the many children who want to attend but are closed out. But more than additional Administration served to protect urban children from polio epidemics. whole person, twenty-four hours a day, even though we could maintain space, we need to upgrade our camps to that society for no more than eight weeks at a time. The founders could Janet Mann In the 1950s and 1960s, as the Jewish community expanded and migrated to the match or exceed the state of the art in the have invested their energy in a cluster of day schools. Ultimately they Administration suburbs, the function of camps shifted to reflect the community's prosperity. Camps secular camp world. Many of our camps that were initially created as social service organizations began to focus their serv- chose camping, because the issues that they believed needed to be suffer from years of “deferred mainte- Yakov Wisniewski ices on Jewish educational programming. Over the years, camps became phenome- addressed could not be addressed by a school, not even a day school. nance,” and need significant upgrades to Design Director nally successful. They evolved into an annual rite of passage, unique in the their buildings and grounds. We would not tolerate substandard facilities in our Diaspora, that combined Jewish identity building with athletics, arts & crafts, O WROTE master educator Seymour spontaneous religious dialogue, leading to children’s schools. We should not be will- JEWISH LIFE NETWORK nature experiences and general fun. Fox, in a 1997 essay about the growth for learner and teacher alike. ing to tolerate it in some of their camps. founding of the Conservative move- There are currently 120 non-profit Jew- Camping is so enjoyable, in fact, that we often overlook its record in inculcating We need to ensure that our camps offer Michael H. Steinhardt ment’s Ramah camps. Those who ish overnight camps throughout North programming that is excellent not only in Jewish identity. Particularly for non-Orthodox Jews, the total immersion experience Chairman Sfounded Jewish overnight camps, not only America. They serve a total of 50,000 chil- terms of Jewish identity building, but excel- of summer camp is often the greatest single variable leading to lifelong Jewish com- Ramah but the many other “brands” of Jew- dren each summer, less than 7 percent of lent in every way. Sports programming, arts Rabbi Irving Greenberg mitment. The effects of camping on Jewish identity are profound and well-docu- ish camps as well, were right. Repeatedly and the estimated 750,000 Jewish children of programming and environmental education President mented. Jewish Camping 2000, by Gary Tobin and Meryle Weinstein, cites an Atlanta consistently, researchers have demonstrated camp age (8-16) in the United States and need to sparkle with creative energy. This is that experience in the quality, non-profit Jonathan J. Greenberg Federation study that showed that adults who attended Jewish camp as children are Canada. They are sponsored by Jewish reli- already the case in many of our camps. We overnight camps of the Jewish community is gious denominations, by JCC’s, by at least Executive Director more than 50 percent more likely to belong to a synagogue than those who did not need to ensure it is true in all of them. attend camp. The Camping Experience 1995 – 1999, a study of Ramah camps pub- among the strongest means to build Jewish four Zionist movements, by B’nai B’rith and Our camps need to attract our best and CONTACT is produced and identity and commitment in young people. by various independent agencies. lished in 2001 by Ariela Keysar and Barry A. Kosmin, points out that teenagers who brightest college students to serve as staff. distributed by Jewish Life Network, Why is it that camp — generally asso- Nearly all of these camps are full to In order to accomplish this, we need to a Judy and Michael Steinhardt attend Jewish camp are 50 percent more likely to be interested in studying in Israel ciated more with fun than with serious capacity, many with long waiting lists. increase salaries to a level that is competi- Foundation, 6 East 39th Street, during their Junior Year in college than are those who do not attend camp. The arti- learning — is so powerful as an educa- There is broad agreement in the Jewish tive with the urban marketplace. We need 10th floor, New York, NY 10016. cles in this issue of CONTACT reveal the enormous power of camp to heighten Jewish tional format? Operating on a 24/7 basis, community about the power and impor- to mount a major campaign to market the identity not only among campers, but among counselors and staff as well. camp offers not only substantial formal tance of summer camp as a transforma- message to Jewish college students that Phone: (212) 279-2288 contact with learners (campers), but also a tional educational experience for our working at camp is a great way to build Fax: (212) 279-1155 The success of Jewish camping has created the unfortunate situation that camp is myriad of informal “teachable moments” young people. With space for so few of career skills. Simultaneously, we need to Email: [email protected] often taken for granted in the Jewish community. The pervasive rationale seems to when learners are uniquely accessible, and our children, the key question is: how can inform employers that job candidates with Copyright © 2002 by Jewish Life Network. be, why invest in something that seems to be doing fine by itself? But as the articles contexts make learning uniquely memo- we greatly increase the reach of existing experience as camp counselors are espe- in this issue of CONTACT will show, there is much that can be done to strengthen rable. Possibilities for informal education Jewish camps, and how can we build the cially valuable employees. the infrastructure of American Jewish camping, from building new camps to mod- are seemingly endless: additional camps we will need to accom- We need our federations in each com- ernizing others, from increasing staff salaries to subsidizing camper tuition. It is A dispute along the first-base line in a modate many additional children? munity to ensure that sufficient scholar- softball game may offer the opportunity Doubling the number of children ships exist so that children are not turned vital that the community shows its commitment to the continued success of camps. for an unforgettable, impromptu lesson on attending Jewish camp each summer would away due to financial need, and that those Indeed, it is in the community's interest to ensure that camps operate at the highest lashon ha-ra, the transgression of evil talk. require about 30,000 new beds in Jewish scholarships are applicable to the full spec- possible levels, and that the benefits of camp are available to the widest spectrum of A swim lesson may provoke an overnight camps (both in expanded existing Jewish Life Network is dedicated to trum of camps serving area children. Feder- Jews. After all, without successful camps, there would be far fewer Jews committed impromptu discussion of Lenny Krazel- camps and in new camps). Applying exist- ations and community leaders should create strengthening and transforming American to making Jewish life flourish in America. burg, the U.S. Olympic backstroke cham- ing rules of thumb to camp construction, incentive programs to encourage families to Jewry to ensure a flourishing, sustainable pion, whose training schedule was this would require a minimum of $325 – choose Jewish camps for their children. community in a fully integrated free society. At transitional periods of American Jewish history, camps evolved to meet the com- influenced by his Jewish sensitivities — $400 million in capital funding. Of this Statistical and anecdotal evidence over- We seek to revitalize Jewish identity munity's most pressing needs. Today, as the community struggles to raise a new leading to an enhanced sense of pride in amount, projects totaling more than $175 whelmingly shows that Jewish camps through educational, religious and cultural generation of committed Jews, camps are one of our most precious resources for the camper’s Jewish identity. million are already on the drawing board. change Jewish lives. In an era such as ours, initiatives that are designed to reach out to Jewish education, experience and identity. It is time to elevate camps to the profile A bedtime review of the day may Until the creation of the Foundation for when the wealthiest, most powerful Jewish all Jews, with an emphasis on those who are they deserve. prompt a camper’s question about theol- Jewish Camping in 1998, there was no community in history anguishes over its on the margins of Jewish life. ogy, or belief in God, and may give a coun- agency in the Jewish community that kept a own vitality, Jewish camps provide an selor an extraordinary opportunity for list of all the community’s camps. Today, the important force for renaissance in Jewish Most of the photographs in this issue appear courtesy of Foundation has become the chief advocate life. Jewish camps are a precious but under- Rabbi Ramie Arian serves as Executive Director of the the Foundation for Jewish Camping and Art Today. Eli Valley and source of resources for Jewish camps. appreciated resource, a resource which the Foundation for Jewish Camping. We need to create many more camps community should cherish and grow. 2 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 3 Allen Bildner and Rafi Spungen Bildner Why I Support JewishCamping by ELISA SPUNGEN BILDNER

The sad and ridiculous irony is that non-profit Jewish overnight camps, one of our community's most effective resources for transmitting Jewish identity and combating assimilation, are among our least supported.

UMMER, 1939. A thirteen-year- images of sunrise and a boy in bed. “I boards of numerous Jewish organiza- triple the bed space, they could fill their individual donor’s name. We invite part- our conviction that it is essential both old boy from Summit, New made it in art at camp,” Rafi proudly tions together with my husband, Rob camps with people who otherwise ners to join this community-focused to Jewish identity building and to the Jersey heads off to a non- told me, “and I say Modeh Ani every Bildner. In all of our community activi- wouldn’t be able to attend. Inexplicably, organization on the ground floor and future of our community continues to profit, Jewish overnight camp morning because I need to thank God ties, we analyzed cutting-edge programs no national initiative existed to amelio- lend their imprimatur. Both money and motivate us. Together, we can build a sponsored by the JCC. That for restoring me every day.” that would promote, to use the old rate this situation. leadership are daunting challenges for bunk of leaders committed to making Ssummer, unable to read Hebrew, he buzzword, continuity. But we neither A little over three years ago, Rob us, and success is not guaranteed. Nev- North American Jewish camps the best learns the Torah blessings and his An American Jewish Institution heard about nor witnessed any pervasive and I decided that the community ertheless, our passion for camping and they can be. Haftorah in transliteration; his coun- For Allen, Rafi and the rest of our family, groundswell to bolster Jewish camping. I needed a central address to promote selor, a Texas rabbi, officiates at his bar camp is, as Rafi says, “having fun while remember several meetings in our living Jewish camping. With this in mind, we mitzvah in camp. That summer, he doing Judaism.” At approximately 120 room and in the offices of Jewish movers started the Foundation for Jewish Camp- THE FOUNDATION FOR also experiences his first Shabbat — non-profit Jewish overnight camps, and shakers, assessing the prospects of ing , a 501(c)(3) public foundation that and something else. “I found I liked campers still do what campers everywhere starting a North American foundation seeks to expand the capacity of the Jew- JEWISH CAMPING girls better than baseball, especially do: go rock climbing, make crafts, partici- that would raise money to improve upon ish camping system, enhance the facili- Jewish girls,” he told me. The boy pate in color war. But at a Jewish camp, and expand summer camping. What we ties and programs of existing camps, stayed at camp an additional four years, when Rafi and his bunkmates cheer on found was truly perplexing: clearly, Jew- recruit quality staff in sufficient numbers he Foundation for Jewish became a counselor and married a Jew- their color war team, “anu lavan, yesh lanu ish camping produced committed Jews and promote the importance of Jewish Camping is the central voice ish woman (no, not the girl from the ruach,” (“we are the white team, we have — the anecdotal and quantitative camping to children, parents and the for non-profit Jewish overnight summer of ’39). He later translated the spirit”), the spirit they are referring to is a research is indisputable. But we also Jewish institutions that serve them. camps in North America. The leadership skills he acquired as a camp very Jewish one that somehow gets car- found that Jewish camping across all TFoundation provides a clearinghouse for counselor into growing a business, and ried home in their duffel bags and contin- denominations and movements is disas- A Call To Action he became a leader in the Jewish com- ues to infuse their lives. trously underfunded and receives a dis- We have mostly succeeded. In the three information about Jewish camping, advo- munity. That man is my father-in-law, Jewish camping is so successful in proportionately meager share of years since its founding, the Foundation cates for camp in the Jewish community, Allen. transmitting a love of Judaism that even community resources. for Jewish Camping has become the and provides financial and programmatic Summer, 2001. Allen’s eight-year-old those outside the Jewish community are The need is clear. Many camps date address for advocacy and information resources for camps without regard to grandson, Rafi Spungen Bildner, heads in awe. Under the heading “Imitation is from the 1950s. The buildings, from about Jewish camping in North America, denomination or sponsorship. off to a non-profit Jewish overnight the Best Form of Flattery,” an article in bunks to dining halls, need major repair. and a welcome grant-maker to Jewish During the summer of 2002, the Founda- camp — Camp Ramah in New England, the New York Times reported that Ameri- Counselor and staff salaries need to be camps. tion placed Spielberg Fellows — talented profit agency, represents the Jewish sponsored by the Conservative move- can Sikhs are busy creating overnight raised so that camps can attract Jewish But there is much more work to do, specialists who combine theater expert- camp world in the leadership counsels of ment. Returning home, Rafi immediately camps on the Jewish model. A recent young adults who are otherwise lured by and we cannot do it alone. The Founda- ise with Jewish skills — and Nathan the Jewish community, and is a conduit tacks two new pictures to the wall above Wall Street Journal feature also touted high-paying summer jobs. Many camps tion’s budget is $1 million a year, while Cummings Fellows — experienced for information about Jewish camps for his bed, next to a photo of his adopted the success of religious camps, includ- require programmatic overhauls so that the capital budgets of the 120 non-profit Judaic environmental educators — the press. For further information or to Florida manatee. One is a photo of his ing, of course, the Jewish ones. they will be able to provide modern camps we serve total $177 million. in 33 Jewish camps. Another 27 camps receive the Foundation’s newsletter, bunkmates, the other a small yellow The sad and ridiculous irony is that amenities while maintaining high levels So this is a clarion (shofar) call. In received Foundation grants to enable please contact: posterboard with the words of the non-profit Jewish overnight camps, one of Jewish content. Camp tuition needs order to realize our mission and innovative programmatic initiatives. Hebrew prayer, Modeh Ani Lifanecha (“I of our community’s most effective to be subsidized. For many parents, the strengthen Jewish camps across North Foundation for Jewish Camping, Inc. Recipients include Reform, Orthodox, gratefully thank you”), embellished with resources for transmitting Jewish iden- cost of summer camp — an average of America, the Foundation needs addi- 6 East 39th Street, 10th Floor JCC, Conservative, Zionist and unaffili- red and silver glitter and Magic Marker tity and combating assimilation, are $2400 per child per month — is prohib- tional philanthropic leaders. Rob and I New York NY 10016 among our least supported. itive, particularly when combined with consider the Foundation a communal ated camps. tel. 212.792.6222 fax 212.792.6242 Elisa Spungen Bildner is co-president, with Rob the costs of Jewish day school. Camp initiative, not our private philanthropy. The Foundation for Jewish Camping, [email protected] Bildner, of the Foundation for Jewish Camping. She Recognizing the Need directors say that if they could triple the This is why the Foundation has a a publicly supported, independent, non- www.jewishcamping.org can be reached at [email protected]. For several years, I held positions on the amount of scholarship funding and generic-sounding name instead of an

4 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 5 Allen Bildner and Rafi Spungen Bildner Why I Support JewishCamping by ELISA SPUNGEN BILDNER

4 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 5 The Future of GROWING Jewish Camping ZIONISTS by DR. GARY A. TOBIN he 120 non-profit Jewish overnight camps in North America repre- sent each of the denominations as well as Jewish Community Cen- QUALITY Jewish overnight also planning new camps. camping experience is a pow- The second challenge is personnel. ters, B’nai B’rith and independent movements. Some camps were erful force for building Jewish Attracting qualified Jewish staff, espe- established specifically to promote and nurture a love for Israel. We community involvement. cially men, senior staff, and specialists is ASummer camps provide a fun learning a key challenge for most camps. Compe- Tasked Doron Krakow, National Director of environment for Jewish youth that is tition in attracting staff comes from sum- Young Judaea, to explain the focus and evo- often an ideal setting for instilling Jew- mer jobs or internships that are perceived lution of Zionist camps. ish values and positive feelings about as having “resume value.” Many potential being Jewish. Expanding and strength- staff members are reluctant to work at For the better part of a century, Zionist ening the Jewish camping experience for camps, which they perceive as having low camps in North America have been prepar- Jewish youth should be a priority for the status and market value. The rundown community. condition of many of the camps and the ing our young people for a life of commit- Jewish camping faces five major lack of adult housing may also deter ment to Israel and the Jewish people. Born challenges. many qualified people from working in The first is the magnitude of the need senior positions at camps. of a determination to prepare young people for capital funds for camp expansion. The third issue is the need for schol- to assist the burgeoning national Jewish The majority of Jewish-sponsored and arships to cover the high costs of send- There At the homeland in British mandated Palestine, privately owned Jewish overnight camps ing children to overnight camp. These is little other end, are already well established. There have costs are especially high when com- consensus some believe Zionist camps have provided much more been only a few camps established in the pounded by the costs of day school, as to what that the place of than just a summer of fun and learning in past twenty years. Increasing the number Hebrew school and other costs of Jewish constitutes “Jew- Jewish camping is not the great outdoors. In their early years, of beds has not been a priority, even affiliation. Camp directors indicate that ish” camping. It may to provide outreach to the though there are waiting lists, especially the need for scholarship aid has been include camps that have a marginally affiliated, but to pro- these programs, run by Betar, Bnei Akiva, Hashomer Hatzair, Habonim and others, at camps under denominational auspices. increasing, and most believe it will con- full gamut of religious practice and vide rich and powerful Jewish identity taught ideology, paramilitary skills, farming and, of course, Hebrew and basic tinue to do so. Some believe that an study, that have a Jewish educational building for those they consider most Jewish literacy. Number of Overnight Camps by Type and Year Founded increase in scholarship funds would mission, those under the auspices of involved in Jewish life. The purpose of camp for this group is not to accumulate factual 50 lower the cost barrier and make camp- Jewish denominational or communal Following the establishment of the State of Israel, the core focus of these ing more accessible to families who can- institutions, or simply those that have a Jewish information, but to provide Jewish programs began to shift. The last fifty years have witnessed an evolving com- 40 not afford the full cost. significant number of Jewish children. motivation. The special power of overnight The fourth issue is quality among There is considerable debate among camping resides in its ability to control the mitment on the part of these camps to fostering a love of Israeli culture, language 30 ••••••• ••••• Jewish overnight camps, which varies a Jewish camping professionals about who atmosphere twenty-four hours a day, seven and people, as well as an understanding of Israel’s struggle for both peace and 20 ••••• days a week, and to make every moment of •••••• great deal. Many good Jewish camps are should be the primary focus of Jewish ••••• ••••••• every day a Jewish moment. One director freedom. 10 ••••• no longer in existence because of the camping. Many camp directors express difficulty in competing with non-Jewish the desire to raise the quality of Jewish insists that to offer camping with less than ••••• At Young Judaea camps, campers view the world though the lens of Israel. 0 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 camps that have better and/or more programming, but have concerns about total Jewish intensity is to squander the whom to target, as Jewish life becomes power of camp. Movement graduates, who have played key leadership roles in the Zionist move- Non-Jewish camps that attract Jewish youth modern facilities and programming. ••••••• Private camps with a Jewish mission According to one former camp direc- more complex and different levels of These diverse opinions are not mutually ment both here and in Israel, are joined by highly specialized Israeli shlichim Jewish-sponsored camps tor whose camp is no longer in exis- Jewish programming appeal to different exclusive. The broader the spectrum of camp (educational emissaries) in facilitating the creation of an atmosphere that res- tence, “Much had to do with the fact families. options, the greater their ability to attract A few new camps are currently being that the physical facility of the camp On one end of the spectrum, some diverse constituencies. onates with the sights and sounds of Israel and Jewish life. planned by Jewish communal organiza- became rundown, and the competition believe that the Jewish camping experi- It is important to note that a vehicle Zionist education, like Zionist ideology, is based upon the conviction that tions. The Union of American Hebrew was more attractive. The directors were ence should be focused on marginally to champion the Jewish camping experience Congregations (UAHC) has a mandate not interested in putting resources into affiliated families that need Jewish identity was established in 1998. The New York- national liberation is the foundation stone of Jewish life. Our camps utilize this to double its number of beds. It has capital improvements, a serious error on building the most. This group believes based Foundation for Jewish Camping extraordinary environment for informal education to re-enact history, celebrate acquired two new facilities and negotia- their part.” that it is unrealistic and unproductive for serves as the advocate for Jewish camping tions are under way to acquire another Jewish camps also compete with camps to create an atmosphere that is so throughout the Jewish community, and as a the Jewish life cycle, inspire our campers with stories of Jewish heroes and site. Ramah has recently opened a new other summer activities in attracting intensively Jewish that it will frighten off clearinghouse for information about Jewish explore the geography of Israel. When a camp lake can be transformed into the camp in the South and has plans to open campers. These include specialty camps, potential campers who are less observant. camps. The Foundation serves as the advo- Red Sea or the sports field can become an open air Jerusalem market, our work another in Colorado. Habonim Dror is travel programs, Israel travel programs They feel that camps should attract cate for investment in Jewish camping. It is and family vacations. campers from marginally affiliated families unfortunate that investment in camping is at camp is limited only by the boundaries of our imaginations. Dr. Gary A. Tobin is President of the Institute for Fifth, sometimes ideology inhibits and motivate them to want to continue not on the radar screen of most Jewish phi- — DORON KRAKOW Jewish & Community Research in San Francisco. the growth of camps and who attends. participation in Jewish life. lanthropists. It should be.

6 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 7 The Future of GROWING Jewish Camping ZIONISTS by DR. GARY A. TOBIN he 120 non-profit Jewish overnight camps in North America repre- sent each of the denominations as well as Jewish Community Cen- QUALITY Jewish overnight also planning new camps. camping experience is a pow- The second challenge is personnel. ters, B’nai B’rith and independent movements. Some camps were erful force for building Jewish Attracting qualified Jewish staff, espe- established specifically to promote and nurture a love for Israel. We community involvement. cially men, senior staff, and specialists is ASummer camps provide a fun learning a key challenge for most camps. Compe- Tasked Doron Krakow, National Director of environment for Jewish youth that is tition in attracting staff comes from sum- Young Judaea, to explain the focus and evo- often an ideal setting for instilling Jew- mer jobs or internships that are perceived lution of Zionist camps. ish values and positive feelings about as having “resume value.” Many potential being Jewish. Expanding and strength- staff members are reluctant to work at For the better part of a century, Zionist ening the Jewish camping experience for camps, which they perceive as having low camps in North America have been prepar- Jewish youth should be a priority for the status and market value. The rundown community. condition of many of the camps and the ing our young people for a life of commit- Jewish camping faces five major lack of adult housing may also deter ment to Israel and the Jewish people. Born challenges. many qualified people from working in The first is the magnitude of the need senior positions at camps. of a determination to prepare young people for capital funds for camp expansion. The third issue is the need for schol- to assist the burgeoning national Jewish The majority of Jewish-sponsored and arships to cover the high costs of send- There At the homeland in British mandated Palestine, privately owned Jewish overnight camps ing children to overnight camp. These is little other end, are already well established. There have costs are especially high when com- consensus some believe Zionist camps have provided much more been only a few camps established in the pounded by the costs of day school, as to what that the place of than just a summer of fun and learning in past twenty years. Increasing the number Hebrew school and other costs of Jewish constitutes “Jew- Jewish camping is not the great outdoors. In their early years, of beds has not been a priority, even affiliation. Camp directors indicate that ish” camping. It may to provide outreach to the though there are waiting lists, especially the need for scholarship aid has been include camps that have a marginally affiliated, but to pro- these programs, run by Betar, Bnei Akiva, Hashomer Hatzair, Habonim and others, at camps under denominational auspices. increasing, and most believe it will con- full gamut of religious practice and vide rich and powerful Jewish identity taught ideology, paramilitary skills, farming and, of course, Hebrew and basic tinue to do so. Some believe that an study, that have a Jewish educational building for those they consider most Jewish literacy. Number of Overnight Camps by Type and Year Founded increase in scholarship funds would mission, those under the auspices of involved in Jewish life. The purpose of camp for this group is not to accumulate factual 50 lower the cost barrier and make camp- Jewish denominational or communal Following the establishment of the State of Israel, the core focus of these ing more accessible to families who can- institutions, or simply those that have a Jewish information, but to provide Jewish programs began to shift. The last fifty years have witnessed an evolving com- 40 not afford the full cost. significant number of Jewish children. motivation. The special power of overnight The fourth issue is quality among There is considerable debate among camping resides in its ability to control the mitment on the part of these camps to fostering a love of Israeli culture, language 30 ••••••• ••••• Jewish overnight camps, which varies a Jewish camping professionals about who atmosphere twenty-four hours a day, seven and people, as well as an understanding of Israel’s struggle for both peace and 20 ••••• days a week, and to make every moment of •••••• great deal. Many good Jewish camps are should be the primary focus of Jewish ••••• ••••••• every day a Jewish moment. One director freedom. 10 ••••• no longer in existence because of the camping. Many camp directors express difficulty in competing with non-Jewish the desire to raise the quality of Jewish insists that to offer camping with less than ••••• At Young Judaea camps, campers view the world though the lens of Israel. 0 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 camps that have better and/or more programming, but have concerns about total Jewish intensity is to squander the whom to target, as Jewish life becomes power of camp. Movement graduates, who have played key leadership roles in the Zionist move- Non-Jewish camps that attract Jewish youth modern facilities and programming. ••••••• Private camps with a Jewish mission According to one former camp direc- more complex and different levels of These diverse opinions are not mutually ment both here and in Israel, are joined by highly specialized Israeli shlichim Jewish-sponsored camps tor whose camp is no longer in exis- Jewish programming appeal to different exclusive. The broader the spectrum of camp (educational emissaries) in facilitating the creation of an atmosphere that res- tence, “Much had to do with the fact families. options, the greater their ability to attract A few new camps are currently being that the physical facility of the camp On one end of the spectrum, some diverse constituencies. onates with the sights and sounds of Israel and Jewish life. planned by Jewish communal organiza- became rundown, and the competition believe that the Jewish camping experi- It is important to note that a vehicle Zionist education, like Zionist ideology, is based upon the conviction that tions. The Union of American Hebrew was more attractive. The directors were ence should be focused on marginally to champion the Jewish camping experience Congregations (UAHC) has a mandate not interested in putting resources into affiliated families that need Jewish identity was established in 1998. The New York- national liberation is the foundation stone of Jewish life. Our camps utilize this to double its number of beds. It has capital improvements, a serious error on building the most. This group believes based Foundation for Jewish Camping extraordinary environment for informal education to re-enact history, celebrate acquired two new facilities and negotia- their part.” that it is unrealistic and unproductive for serves as the advocate for Jewish camping tions are under way to acquire another Jewish camps also compete with camps to create an atmosphere that is so throughout the Jewish community, and as a the Jewish life cycle, inspire our campers with stories of Jewish heroes and site. Ramah has recently opened a new other summer activities in attracting intensively Jewish that it will frighten off clearinghouse for information about Jewish explore the geography of Israel. When a camp lake can be transformed into the camp in the South and has plans to open campers. These include specialty camps, potential campers who are less observant. camps. The Foundation serves as the advo- Red Sea or the sports field can become an open air Jerusalem market, our work another in Colorado. Habonim Dror is travel programs, Israel travel programs They feel that camps should attract cate for investment in Jewish camping. It is and family vacations. campers from marginally affiliated families unfortunate that investment in camping is at camp is limited only by the boundaries of our imaginations. Dr. Gary A. Tobin is President of the Institute for Fifth, sometimes ideology inhibits and motivate them to want to continue not on the radar screen of most Jewish phi- — DORON KRAKOW Jewish & Community Research in San Francisco. the growth of camps and who attends. participation in Jewish life. lanthropists. It should be.

6 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 7 The success of camp as a Jewish experience for campers resides Campfor almost exclusively with staff. Staff, in turn, experience camp as their “Jewish home away from home” and appear to derive the same Counselors benefits from a summer at camp as do the children in their charge. by AMY L. SALES and LEONARD SAXE

ACH OF US has probably witnessed (or experienced) the leading an ethical life, making a Jewish camp provides a more observant Jewish exploring options and setting the pathway tears of a child when she is dropped off at camp, and home, caring about Israel and remember- lifestyle than they would have otherwise. for their future. then, several weeks later, the tears of the same child ing the Holocaust. These aspects of Jew- Camp may be the one time that coun- Counselors need to be viewed as a tar- when it is time to say goodbye. The emotional connec- ish life far outweigh holiday celebrations, selors, like many campers, fully experi- get audience in their own right—a group Etion a child makes to camp is nothing short of extraordinary. No spirituality, Shabbat observance and syna- ence Shabbat. We often heard that for whom camp offers a potent Jewish wonder camps have been promoted as an effective socializing gogue attendance. counselors refuse to take Saturday off— experience. Such re-framing might affect agent for the next generation of American Jews. The association even when it is their assigned day— how camps think about counselor educa- of the sweetness of the camp experience with Judaism can firmly Why? because they do not want to miss a single tion, support, community building and cement a child’s Jewish identity. Jewish young adults accept positions at Shabbat at camp. Jewish experiences. College students may Although camp is designed for children, most summer camps camp because—like the campers—they have The movement camps try to assure a come to camp to have fun, but once also influence the young adults who serve as camp staff. Coun- an emotional connection to camp. People strong educational experience for coun- there, the camp has the possibility to selors, who live with the children twenty-four hours a day, are with no prior camp experience rarely end up selors. They conduct learning sessions for guide them toward Jewish adulthood. often only a few years older than their campers. Typically, coun- in staff positions at summer camp. counselors during the camp day and on selors are vatikim (veterans) of the camp. What they take from In making their decision to work at a Shabbat, sometimes in parallel with the This article includes material from a their summer as staff may be as important as what they give. Jewish camp, counselors are drawn pri- campers’ study sessions and sometimes as comprehensive study of summer Using data from a multi-year study of Jewish summer camp- marily to the opportunity to have fun and a quiet time away from camper responsi- camping by Amy Sales and Len ing, we looked at the role of counselors at camp and the impact to work with youth. Opportunities for bilities. They hire senior staff to serve as Saxe. More complete results of the of the summer experience on their own development. The study Jewish experiences and Jewish learning Jewish educators, mentors and role mod- includes a census of nearly 200 Jewish-identified camps (includ- are but secondary contributing factors. els for counselors during the summer. study will be presented in two ing those run by the religious and Zionist movements, commu- Salary and other compensation (which are Other camps—where the largest num- upcoming publications: nity agencies, foundations and private owners); field observations low compared to other summer job bers of staff are employed—do little Coming in Fall 2002: Limud by the at 20 camps across the country; and a survey of more than 1,000 options) have the least bearing on the intentionally to influence the Jewish lives Lake: Fulfilling the Educational Jewish counselors. Our conclusions are simple: the success of decision. Counselors, it appears, come to of the young adults who work there. Potential of Jewish Summer camp as a Jewish experience for campers resides almost exclu- camp for basically the same reasons that Although many camps are aware of the Camps. A publication presenting sively with staff. Staff, in turn, experience camp as their “Jewish campers do. abundant opportunities for friendship and the key conclusions from Brandeis home away from home” and appear to derive the same benefits Their goals for the summer are more personal growth among counselors, fewer University’s research on summer from a summer at camp as do the children in their charge. personal and less tied to Jewish education camps seem to be aware of the opportu- camping, suggesting possible or Jewish experiences. At the top of the list nity to make camp a special Jewish expe- areas to change, and making rec- Who? are fun, friends, leadership skills and self- rience for staff. ommendations for increasing the More than 18,000 Jewish young adults and professionals work at exploration. Jewish experiences and Jew- impact of camps as agents of Jew- a Jewish camp during the summer. More than half of these, or ish/Zionist education are at the bottom of Why Focus on Counselors? ish socialization. (Brandeis Univer- approximately 10,000, are bunk counselors or activity specialists the list. This pattern persists across camps, From the age of eighteen to twenty-five is sity and the AVI CHAI Foundation) who live with campers in the bunks, lead activities, and generally whether they are sponsored by religious a time of exploration and profound movements, Zionist organizations, agen- change. Exploration of life’s possibilities Coming in Spring 2003: “How fulfill the role of big brother/sister, teacher, friend and role model. Goodly Are Thy Tents”: Summer The vast majority of these are American college-age students, 18 cies, foundations or private owners. is greater for most people during these years than it will be at any other period of Camps as Jewish Socializing to 22 years old. Experiences (working title). The Many counselors bring Jewish skills with them to camp. The What Impact? their lives. Most identity explorations and Repeatedly, counselors told us how the the formation of personal and religious first full-length work to explain majority have been active in youth groups and have traveled to how Jewish camps transmit values Israel. Many of the counselors have pursued Jewish education exigencies of camp impelled their own beliefs take place at this time, and not and strengthen Jewish identity. beyond the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony and beyond high school. personal and Judaic growth. When the during adolescence. (University Press of New England) About half have recently taken courses in Hebrew or Jewish stud- father of a camper in her bunk died, one Camp is an environment designed for ies (an increasing phenomenon on college campuses). counselor faced a distressed cabin of girls. trying out new behaviors and exploring Research for these studies was By and large, these counselors are not religiously observant. The decision was made for the entire questions of personal identity and values. sponsored by the AVI CHAI Foun- Asked what is important to their Jewishness, they most often cite group to attend the family’s shiva. The Although camps intended this environ- dation and conducted by the Cohen counselor quickly had to learn not only ment to serve campers’ developmental Center for Modern Jewish Studies about grief counseling but also about Jew- needs, they unintentionally created the at Brandeis University. For more Amy L. Sales is a social psychologist and Senior Research Associate at the Cohen ish mourning practices and appropriate ideal environment for the young adult information, please contact Center for Modern Jewish Studies, Brandeis University. Leonard Saxe is Professor communal responses. counselors who—perhaps even more so of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University and director of the Cohen [email protected]. For the vast majority of counselors, than the campers—are in the process of Center for Modern Jewish Studies.

8 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 9 The success of camp as a Jewish experience for campers resides Campfor almost exclusively with staff. Staff, in turn, experience camp as their “Jewish home away from home” and appear to derive the same Counselors benefits from a summer at camp as do the children in their charge. by AMY L. SALES and LEONARD SAXE

8 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 9 During orientations, staff training The serves to foster leadership and initiative Leadership development. It invariably helps to raise Principle the level of responsibility each staff mem- by RABBI ABRAHAM WAHRHAFTIG ber feels towards his or her campers. Counselors are encouraged to be kind and AMP IS THAT wonderful place Orthodox summer camp under the highly caring, and to focus patiently on camper between fantasy and reality. It is professional direction of Zvi Reich. One needs. They are cautioned against inappro- the lab of life wherein we exper- component to our mission is to inspire priate behavior, especially when they iment as to who we are and young Jewish children as well as young become overwhelmed or sleep-deprived. Cwhat we will become. In what is the quin- staff members to live proudly as commit- Professional sensitivities are extremely tessential informal educational experience, ted Jews, sensitive to the needs of others. important in light of parental and adminis- young people develop confidence, poise, Part of the job description of all our trative concerns for child abuse. We stress social skills and make many lifetime staff members is that they serve as role camper respect as a true goal in staff educa- friends. When this happens in a support- models for our campers. The midot (val- tion. I have always suggested to our staff ive Jewish educational and religious envi- ues) of our staff are a key component to that when talking to a child one should ronment, it produces future Jewish leaders their being hired. Counselor creativity and add twenty years to their age. For instance, with a solid commitment to Jewish sensi- diligence is another key factor we look for. when talking to a twelve-year old, show tivity, learning, practice and continuity. Their creativity marks the success of the the same respect you would have for a I have often been asked why a nine- camping environment. When young people thirty-two year-old. When they reach adult- teen- or twenty-year-old would work in feel empowered and have a say in program- hood, children often remember how they ming, their sense of were treated by key people in their lives. leadership is height- Many of our staff have gone on to ened. Over the years, major leadership positions in both the our staff has been Jewish and secular worlds. They are com- encouraged to develop mitted to their Jewish identity and com- educational themes, munity. Six former staff members are topics for color war principals in major Jewish Day Schools in and other programs. the New York metropolitan area. Two One of our most excit- alumni have become camp directors. Many The First ing and meaningful alumni — too numerous to count — have experiences is our gone on to become pulpit rabbis and Reconstructionist thirty-year joint pro- teachers in day schools around the coun- gram with the non- try. Hundreds have become psychologists, Camp denominational B’nai therapists and communal social workers. B’rith Youth Organiza- Two staff alumni currently direct the by RABBI JEFFREY EISENSTAT tion. The day’s event is Wiesenthal Centers in LA and Jerusalem. OR THE LAST seventy-five years, tionism. Imagine the principles of “Liv- stimulate spirituality; utilize a working jointly planned by a Many have become the proverbial Doctors representative group and Lawyers as well as corporate execu- Reconstructionists have been ing in Two Civilizations” as we offer the Hebrew vocabulary; recognize their rela- from our Machon tives who are active on their synagogue informally involved in the very best of summer camp activities: tionship to the land and the people of Counselor in Training and school boards. Many of our former camping world. Hundreds of swimming, boating, sailing, tennis, soft- Israel; explore the paths through which program, together staff have made Aliyah and have become Fcampers were disciples of Mordechai ball, soccer, mountain biking, skate the children of Sarah and Hagar can live with members of the professors and chairs of departments at Bar Kaplan and Ira and Judith Eisenstein at boarding, rope courses, coupled with the in peace; mend their portion of the camp when they can be working at a “real” Leadership Training Callah of BBYO. We Ilan, Hebrew University, Be’er Sheva Uni- some of North America’s oldest Jewish arts, ritual art, music, drama, dance, the- world; and strive to be mensches. job earning “real” money and adding a run themes dealing with Jewish life skills, versity and many other Israeli institutions. camps. But the time has finally come for ater, literature, along with the great out- Reconstructionism is a progressive notch to their professional resume. My ethical dilemmas, issues facing Israel and Needles to say, we are proud and gratified this growing and vibrant movement of door experiences of nature and being approach to Jewish life which integrates answer, which is usually not accepted by Jewish concerns throughout the world. by the involvement of our alumni in the North America to set up its own camp. partners with the environment. a deep respect for traditional Judaism parents or potential staff, is that the camp This program strongly reinforces the com- Jewish community. We were always able to The Jewish Reconstructionist Federa- “Camp JRF” (Jewish Reconstruction- with the insights of today. Our campers experience will help them to be better mon commitment and dedication both see the seeds of this leadership in their tion includes over 100 congregations and ist Federation) will approach Judaism will come from all parts of North Amer- partners in a relationship, help them to groups have to Judaism. It has helped performance at camp. The most significant Havurot teams, the Reconstructionist holistically. Campers will experience ica to Camp Henry Horner in Ingleside, understand the needs of children, and help BBYO youngsters discover that, despite and gratifying experience of all is that over Rabbinical College, and the Reconstruc- Judaism both in body and in spirit as we Illinois, where Camp JRF will be based. them to become productive members of their differences, Modern Orthodox kids the years, many members of our supervi- tionist Rabbinical Association. Now more embrace the values of spiritual people- Our summer camp will be a joyful, cre- society. Staff members develop skills in are very much in sync with their percep- sory and senior staff have come from for- than ever, we need to add a summer hood. For the last two decades, Dr. Jef- ative and inclusive Reconstructionist conflict resolution. They learn how to tion of Jewish life. I recently spent time mer staff who grew up in camp and went camp to our institutional roster in order frey Schein and other Reconstructionist community. We are also blessed with an engage in difficult conversations, to give with a Morasha Alumnus who recollected on to become our best staff members. constructive criticism and to encourage his experience on BBYO/Morasha Day. More amazing still is that eleven out of to forge a dynamic connection with the educators have been developing a energetic rabbinic staff, professional and reinforce positive behavior. These When the BBYO buses pulled up to camp, twenty-four current members of Morasha’s next generation of Reconstructionists. unique style of education that views educators, college students and an activities strengthen their confidence and he was wearing a Cat Stevens t-shirt. The board of directors once served on our How exciting it is to embark as Judaism through the lens of spiritual emerging high school youth program, enhance their communication skills. BBYO kids could not get over the fact that camp staff. Remember what I wrote earlier “Halutzim” and create the finest blend of peoplehood. “Noar Hadash.” Finally, we have a com- Morasha opened in 1964 as a Modern an Orthodox Jewish kid knew who Cat about being careful what you say and how camping experiences with Reconstruc- Our campers will learn what it means mitment from lay and rabbinic leader- Stevens was, let alone would wear such a you say it to campers and staff members to live as an organic community as they ship to create the culture of a vibrant, Rabbi Abraham Wahrhaftig is Director of Camp shirt. Needless to say, that broke down all alike? This is crucial, for one day they will Rabbi Jeffrey Eisenstat is Director of Youth and study texts stressing inclusiveness; work creative and caring community that Morasha in Pennsylvania. barriers of communication from the get-go. be members of your board. Camping at the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. creatively in the arts; search liturgy and defines Reconstructionism.

10 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 11 During orientations, staff training The serves to foster leadership and initiative Leadership development. It invariably helps to raise Principle the level of responsibility each staff mem- by RABBI ABRAHAM WAHRHAFTIG ber feels towards his or her campers. Counselors are encouraged to be kind and AMP IS THAT wonderful place Orthodox summer camp under the highly caring, and to focus patiently on camper between fantasy and reality. It is professional direction of Zvi Reich. One needs. They are cautioned against inappro- the lab of life wherein we exper- component to our mission is to inspire priate behavior, especially when they iment as to who we are and young Jewish children as well as young become overwhelmed or sleep-deprived. Cwhat we will become. In what is the quin- staff members to live proudly as commit- Professional sensitivities are extremely tessential informal educational experience, ted Jews, sensitive to the needs of others. important in light of parental and adminis- young people develop confidence, poise, Part of the job description of all our trative concerns for child abuse. We stress social skills and make many lifetime staff members is that they serve as role camper respect as a true goal in staff educa- friends. When this happens in a support- models for our campers. The midot (val- tion. I have always suggested to our staff ive Jewish educational and religious envi- ues) of our staff are a key component to that when talking to a child one should ronment, it produces future Jewish leaders their being hired. Counselor creativity and add twenty years to their age. For instance, with a solid commitment to Jewish sensi- diligence is another key factor we look for. when talking to a twelve-year old, show tivity, learning, practice and continuity. Their creativity marks the success of the the same respect you would have for a I have often been asked why a nine- camping environment. When young people thirty-two year-old. When they reach adult- teen- or twenty-year-old would work in feel empowered and have a say in program- hood, children often remember how they ming, their sense of were treated by key people in their lives. leadership is height- Many of our staff have gone on to ened. Over the years, major leadership positions in both the our staff has been Jewish and secular worlds. They are com- encouraged to develop mitted to their Jewish identity and com- educational themes, munity. Six former staff members are topics for color war principals in major Jewish Day Schools in and other programs. the New York metropolitan area. Two One of our most excit- alumni have become camp directors. Many The First ing and meaningful alumni — too numerous to count — have experiences is our gone on to become pulpit rabbis and Reconstructionist thirty-year joint pro- teachers in day schools around the coun- gram with the non- try. Hundreds have become psychologists, Camp denominational B’nai therapists and communal social workers. B’rith Youth Organiza- Two staff alumni currently direct the by RABBI JEFFREY EISENSTAT tion. The day’s event is Wiesenthal Centers in LA and Jerusalem. OR THE LAST seventy-five years, tionism. Imagine the principles of “Liv- stimulate spirituality; utilize a working jointly planned by a Many have become the proverbial Doctors representative group and Lawyers as well as corporate execu- Reconstructionists have been ing in Two Civilizations” as we offer the Hebrew vocabulary; recognize their rela- from our Machon tives who are active on their synagogue informally involved in the very best of summer camp activities: tionship to the land and the people of Counselor in Training and school boards. Many of our former camping world. Hundreds of swimming, boating, sailing, tennis, soft- Israel; explore the paths through which program, together staff have made Aliyah and have become Fcampers were disciples of Mordechai ball, soccer, mountain biking, skate the children of Sarah and Hagar can live with members of the professors and chairs of departments at Bar Kaplan and Ira and Judith Eisenstein at boarding, rope courses, coupled with the in peace; mend their portion of the camp when they can be working at a “real” Leadership Training Callah of BBYO. We Ilan, Hebrew University, Be’er Sheva Uni- some of North America’s oldest Jewish arts, ritual art, music, drama, dance, the- world; and strive to be mensches. job earning “real” money and adding a run themes dealing with Jewish life skills, versity and many other Israeli institutions. camps. But the time has finally come for ater, literature, along with the great out- Reconstructionism is a progressive notch to their professional resume. My ethical dilemmas, issues facing Israel and Needles to say, we are proud and gratified this growing and vibrant movement of door experiences of nature and being approach to Jewish life which integrates answer, which is usually not accepted by Jewish concerns throughout the world. by the involvement of our alumni in the North America to set up its own camp. partners with the environment. a deep respect for traditional Judaism parents or potential staff, is that the camp This program strongly reinforces the com- Jewish community. We were always able to The Jewish Reconstructionist Federa- “Camp JRF” (Jewish Reconstruction- with the insights of today. Our campers experience will help them to be better mon commitment and dedication both see the seeds of this leadership in their tion includes over 100 congregations and ist Federation) will approach Judaism will come from all parts of North Amer- partners in a relationship, help them to groups have to Judaism. It has helped performance at camp. The most significant Havurot teams, the Reconstructionist holistically. Campers will experience ica to Camp Henry Horner in Ingleside, understand the needs of children, and help BBYO youngsters discover that, despite and gratifying experience of all is that over Rabbinical College, and the Reconstruc- Judaism both in body and in spirit as we Illinois, where Camp JRF will be based. them to become productive members of their differences, Modern Orthodox kids the years, many members of our supervi- tionist Rabbinical Association. Now more embrace the values of spiritual people- Our summer camp will be a joyful, cre- society. Staff members develop skills in are very much in sync with their percep- sory and senior staff have come from for- than ever, we need to add a summer hood. For the last two decades, Dr. Jef- ative and inclusive Reconstructionist conflict resolution. They learn how to tion of Jewish life. I recently spent time mer staff who grew up in camp and went camp to our institutional roster in order frey Schein and other Reconstructionist community. We are also blessed with an engage in difficult conversations, to give with a Morasha Alumnus who recollected on to become our best staff members. constructive criticism and to encourage his experience on BBYO/Morasha Day. More amazing still is that eleven out of to forge a dynamic connection with the educators have been developing a energetic rabbinic staff, professional and reinforce positive behavior. These When the BBYO buses pulled up to camp, twenty-four current members of Morasha’s next generation of Reconstructionists. unique style of education that views educators, college students and an activities strengthen their confidence and he was wearing a Cat Stevens t-shirt. The board of directors once served on our How exciting it is to embark as Judaism through the lens of spiritual emerging high school youth program, enhance their communication skills. BBYO kids could not get over the fact that camp staff. Remember what I wrote earlier “Halutzim” and create the finest blend of peoplehood. “Noar Hadash.” Finally, we have a com- Morasha opened in 1964 as a Modern an Orthodox Jewish kid knew who Cat about being careful what you say and how camping experiences with Reconstruc- Our campers will learn what it means mitment from lay and rabbinic leader- Stevens was, let alone would wear such a you say it to campers and staff members to live as an organic community as they ship to create the culture of a vibrant, Rabbi Abraham Wahrhaftig is Director of Camp shirt. Needless to say, that broke down all alike? This is crucial, for one day they will Rabbi Jeffrey Eisenstat is Director of Youth and study texts stressing inclusiveness; work creative and caring community that Morasha in Pennsylvania. barriers of communication from the get-go. be members of your board. Camping at the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. creatively in the arts; search liturgy and defines Reconstructionism.

10 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 11 Conveying the For author Anita Diamant and her daughter ofJewish Power Emilia, Jewish summer camp is a an Camps integral tile in the mosaic of Jewish life. In the following pieces, they explain why. by ANITA DIAMANT and EMILIA DIAMANT

ANITA DIAMANT: EMILIA DIAMANT: GREW UP within a rich ethnic positive Jewish experience that SUPPOSE THAT finding Jewish weekday, I sat beneath willows next soup of Yiddishkeit. Yiddish belongs entirely to the individual communities became important to my friend Aaron from Florida, and language, Jewish culture and young person. to me once I entered high our group of eight studied and argued liberal/prophetic politics Last summer, Emilia attended the school. In high school, you Talmud with a rabbi-in-training. Our Iformed me as a Jew. However, when North American Federation of Tem- Ifind yourself lost in a sea of faces— daily conversations included Israel, I became a parent, I knew that I ple Youth (NFTY) leadership program teachers and administrators, not to Judaism, NFTY, being a teenager and would have to be far more conscious at the Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY mention the other students. Because what we like to eat. No dinnertime and active about providing my (run by the Union of American of the stresses of grades and school- passed without a new joke passed daughter with a solid education and Hebrew Congregations). She went to work, it is difficult to find a group of around the dining hall. positive, joyful Jewish experiences. Kutz soon after returning from four peers with whom you can connect. I Day in and day out, Kutz was just When Emilia was a baby, my hus- months in Jerusalem, where she was found it hard to keep the stress of plain fun. There was plenty of free band Jim and I had a pivotal conver- a student in the Eisendrath Interna- school separate from my school time and plenty of people, which sation about Jewish child-rearing with tional Exchange (EIE), the Reform friendships. Because I had been made it easy to create great friend- our friends, Billy and Amy Mencow. movement’s high school program. brought up with a strong Jewish ships fast. In study sessions where we Billy said that in his opinion, camp After that life-transforming experi- background, I was offered the option chose what we wanted to learn, our was even more instrumental than Jew- ence, her expectations for camp were of joining a youth group for high friendships progressed from some- ish day school in providing children pretty modest. Her comments show schoolers at my synagogue, and I what superficial to substantial. We with a strong, independent Jewish how Kutz far exceeded her expecta- took it. The youth group opened up learned about our religion and, even identity. His summers at Camp Ramah tions, expanding the parameters of a whole new world—Jewish commu- more important, we learned about and Camp Yavneh were the most her Jewish vision and her Jewish soul. nities, Jewish friends, and an oppor- each other. Although he lives halfway important extra-familial elements in Jewish camping has been a form- tunity to create my own Jewish across the country, I met my best shaping his commitment to Jewish ative, joy-filled part of Emilia’s Jew- identity. friend at Kutz this past summer. We life. Billy Mencow is now director of ish education, which, to date, One of the outlets that the Reform connected as musicians, teenagers, Camp Ramah of New England. includes twelve years of supplemen- movement offers to help teens find Jews and people. He touched me with I do not mean to set up an either/ tary Hebrew school, Hebrew school their own Jewish communities is Jew- his music and his words in ways I ...when I became a parent, or choice here. It’s not about Jewish retreats, three summers of Jewish ish summer camp. Last summer, I cannot even begin to explain, and Kutz provided program- day school OR Jewish camp. How- summer camp, junior youth group, attended a leadership session at despite the distance between us he I knew that I would have to ever, day school is bound to remain our temple youth group, an Israel UAHC’s Kutz Camp in New York, will be in my heart forever. I strongly ming, prayer, study and a minority decision for the vast experience, and regional and which is dedicated to creating leaders believe that every person left Kutz be far more conscious and majority of Jewish families. For my national NFTY participation. in the movement. Though I had been that summer having been touched by social situations in which active about providing my family, it was out of the question Camp expanded my daughter’s to Jewish overnight camp before, what we learned from each other. we were allowed to both financially and philosophically. Jewish community to include Kutz was totally different. Everybody Jewish camp gives kids an oppor- daughter with a solid And yet, there is a crucial need for a friends, teachers and role models there, from campers to counselors to tunity to separate themselves from discover our own Judaism. from around the country and from faculty, was committed to their reli- the stress of high school and to put education and positive, Anita Diamant is the author of several books, around the world. Camp is where gion. Kutz provided programming, themselves in a place where they are We were removed from our including Living a Jewish Life, The New Jewish Wed- she first developed conversational prayer, study and social situations in encouraged to be open, to be creative joyful Jewish experiences. ding, The Red Tent and the recently published novel homes, families and Hebrew and met her first Israeli which we were allowed to discover and to have a good time. I am so for- Good Harbor. She is also a founder and president of Mayyim Hayyim: Living Waters Community Mikveh peers. Camp is where she argued our own Judaism. We were removed tunate to have parents who gently synagogues to form our and Education Center. Talmud with young teachers. I don’t from our homes, families and syna- pointed the way towards an informal Emilia Diamant will be entering her senior year of know all the names of all the people gogues to form our own Jewish com- Jewish education at a Jewish summer own Jewish community. high school this fall. She is an active member of who changed my daughter’s life at munity. When people talk about the camp. The Reform movement offers NFTY-Northeast, serving as Social Action Vice Presi- camp. But that’s beside the point. youth of today starting a revolution, camps that can expand one’s mind dent of the Regional Executive Board for 2002-2003. Those are Emilia’s memories. They the community I was part of at Kutz and one’s soul in ways that are She is also involved in the theater program at New- ton North High School. belong to her, forever. is part of such a revolution. Every impossible to imagine.

12 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 13 Conveying the For author Anita Diamant and her daughter ofJewish Power Emilia, Jewish summer camp is a an Camps integral tile in the mosaic of Jewish life. In the following pieces, they explain why. by ANITA DIAMANT and EMILIA DIAMANT

12 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 13 when kids become teens or young staff ticipate in a Jewish Program Committee 12. Hebrew school, synagogue and even and start their romantic exploration at that runs imaginative activities for my Bar Mitzvah had left me cold. Camp Growing camp. If intermarriage is the problem, campers. We have Mitzvah Day, yielding touched me, perhaps because it didn’t one solution is giving young people the the deep satisfaction that comes from try to teach me. chance to become romantically con- helping others. We have a renowned Teva I am still no expert on the minor holi- Jewishly nected to other Jews. At Surprise Lake, program, which teaches kids that it is a days, and I sometimes confuse little- several members of the administrative Jewish value to love and protect nature. known Biblical characters. And perhaps At team, including yours truly, met their And of course, there’s Shabbat, the most that girl never did learn the difference Surprise spouses at camp, and there is an album joyous day of the week! between a frog and a toad. But really, who Lake in the camp museum with photos of the I am one of the thousands of kids cares, because she did grow up to love many SLC marriages over the years. who grew up Jewishly at Surprise Lake nature, and I did grow up to love being Camp Camp, having started as a camper at age Jewish. Isn’t that what really counts? Cool Jewish Role Models by JORDAN DALE The single biggest key to a kid’s enjoy- ment of camp is his/her counselor. A Jewish rock concerts. Is there Jewish camp can have the best facilities and A Bunk of Machers content? Absolutely. But it is not what program, but if a kid has a lousy coun- drives these programs. What counts is selor it will be a bad experience. Con- whether the kids have fun, for if they versely, even if virtually everything else do, then their Jewish identities have about the camp is lacking, a kid with a been strengthened. fun, caring, creative counselor can have the time of his/her life. Reaching Kids Where They Are The same is true of Jewish educators. The problem with many Jewish pro- Jewish educators who are perceived as grams conceived by adults is that they cool often inspire kids even if the cur- are guided by adult sensibilities. They riculum is weak, and Jewish educators design brilliant programs, and if chil- who are stiff often fail even if the cur- HIS YEAR, Surprise Lake Camp, Conversely, there are many kids who dren had adult personalities, the pro- riculum is strong. It is therefore impor- one of the oldest Jewish camps in have learned a lot about Judaism, but grams would work beautifully. But kids tant in hiring to look for charisma first TNorth America, is celebrating its 100th lose interest because they are bored or function on a different level. In consid- and educational background second. It Anniversary. Among the many legends disenchanted. ering what will be fun for kids, we try to follows that philanthropists who want to from its storied history is the following: As a UJA-Federation/Jewish Co think like kids. Whether something help camps build Jewish identities might A little girl asked the Nature Special- munity Center Association camp, we makes sense isn’t as important to kids as focus more on attracting and training ist, “What’s the difference between a frog are decidedly in the Jewish identity whether something tickles their senses. gifted staff than on educational initia- and a toad?” The Specialist grinned and business. We are non-denominational, Things that adults find remarkable, kids tives. responded: “If you kiss a frog, it turns and we think the best way to reach find boring. They like things that are fun into a prince. If you kiss a toad, you get our campers, many of whom come with and silly, or that engage their imagina- Bar and Bat Mitzvahs At Camp warts.” The little girl giggled in delight. limited Jewish backgrounds, is to build tion, or that are cool. The typical modern Bar/Bat Mitzvah has A little while later, a counselor pulled emotional connections. We do this in become quite a production. At its core, the Specialist aside and asked, “How is several ways. Developing A Circle of however, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a very John Ruskay, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, keeps this she supposed to learn about nature if the Jewish Friends simple thing. We offer campers and staff 1960s photograph of his Camp Ramah bunkmates framed on Nature Specialist doesn’t give accurate Being Jewish Is Fun Because of the twenty-four-hour-a-day, who have not had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah the his desk. Of the fourteen campers in this picture, no fewer answers to her questions?” The response: The camp’s Jewish Mission Statement, seven-day-a-week camp environment, a opportunity to prepare for and have one than five are now serving in senior professional positions in “At her age, it’s not important that she developed by its staff and Board, has a friendship formed over a week at sleep- while at camp. The pure ceremony that the Jewish community. knows the answers. What’s important is core principle: Jewish programming away camp is often closer and more results is remarkably moving. When that she learns to love nature. Then must be fun. The key is to turn kids on enduring than one formed over many someone declares his/her lifetime com- • Jonathan Woocher, President of Jewish Education Service when she grows up, she’ll be interested, to being Jewish. This doesn’t happen for months at school. The importance of mitment to Judaism before the entire of North America. and she’ll learn a lot more than I can kids because of what they learn, it hap- this in Jewish identity formation should camp, you can hear a pin drop. Rabbis • John Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO, UJA. teach her now.” pens because of how they feel. If Jewish not be under-estimated. When kids form and staff, not to mention camp directors, This story has a lot to do with gr activities are fun, positive associations circles of camp friends, they often stay can frequently be seen with tears in their • Rabbi Carl Wolkin of Chicago’s Congregation Beth Shalom. ing up Jewishly at Surprise Lake Camp. will develop and kids will want more. close for life. This means attending one eyes. These events not only deepen the Like the Nature Specialist, we believe it’s Some examples? There’s Holy-Book another’s bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, Jewish identities of the candidates and • Bruce Greenfield, Executive Director of the New York Metropolitan Region not the information that inspires kids, Squares, in which counselors dress as and other simchas. It ties them into the their families, but they also fill the entire of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. it’s the emotional connection. Kids who biblical figures and teams compete in a Jewish life cycle, and the positive emo- camp population with joy and pride. • Cantor Henry Rosenblum, Dean of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School become emotionally invested in their hilarious question and answer format. tions they have for their friends become and College of Jewish Music at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Jewish identities will stay Jewish There’s Oneg Bowl, another quiz show associated with Judaism. This may be Total Jewish Immersion whether they learn lots of facts or not. which emphasizes spirit and creativity, the main reason why there is a positive We do a lot more to build emotional con- This bunk is not unique. Hundreds of Jewish professionals cite their so it’s possible to win without knowing correlation between Jewish camp and nections to Judaism. We have Israeli staff, camp experience as central to their decision to serve as leaders in the Jordan Dale is Executive Director of Surprise Lake lots of answers. There are scavenger Jewish affiliation. and kids form powerful bonds with them. Jewish community. Camp in Cold Spring, New York (www.surpriselake.org). hunts, treasure hunts, art projects and The bond is especially powerful We pay bonuses to counselors who par-

14 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 15 when kids become teens or young staff ticipate in a Jewish Program Committee 12. Hebrew school, synagogue and even and start their romantic exploration at that runs imaginative activities for my Bar Mitzvah had left me cold. Camp Growing camp. If intermarriage is the problem, campers. We have Mitzvah Day, yielding touched me, perhaps because it didn’t one solution is giving young people the the deep satisfaction that comes from try to teach me. chance to become romantically con- helping others. We have a renowned Teva I am still no expert on the minor holi- Jewishly nected to other Jews. At Surprise Lake, program, which teaches kids that it is a days, and I sometimes confuse little- several members of the administrative Jewish value to love and protect nature. known Biblical characters. And perhaps At team, including yours truly, met their And of course, there’s Shabbat, the most that girl never did learn the difference Surprise spouses at camp, and there is an album joyous day of the week! between a frog and a toad. But really, who Lake in the camp museum with photos of the I am one of the thousands of kids cares, because she did grow up to love many SLC marriages over the years. who grew up Jewishly at Surprise Lake nature, and I did grow up to love being Camp Camp, having started as a camper at age Jewish. Isn’t that what really counts? Cool Jewish Role Models by JORDAN DALE The single biggest key to a kid’s enjoy- ment of camp is his/her counselor. A Jewish rock concerts. Is there Jewish camp can have the best facilities and A Bunk of Machers content? Absolutely. But it is not what program, but if a kid has a lousy coun- drives these programs. What counts is selor it will be a bad experience. Con- whether the kids have fun, for if they versely, even if virtually everything else do, then their Jewish identities have about the camp is lacking, a kid with a been strengthened. fun, caring, creative counselor can have the time of his/her life. Reaching Kids Where They Are The same is true of Jewish educators. The problem with many Jewish pro- Jewish educators who are perceived as grams conceived by adults is that they cool often inspire kids even if the cur- are guided by adult sensibilities. They riculum is weak, and Jewish educators design brilliant programs, and if chil- who are stiff often fail even if the cur- HIS YEAR, Surprise Lake Camp, Conversely, there are many kids who dren had adult personalities, the pro- riculum is strong. It is therefore impor- one of the oldest Jewish camps in have learned a lot about Judaism, but grams would work beautifully. But kids tant in hiring to look for charisma first TNorth America, is celebrating its 100th lose interest because they are bored or function on a different level. In consid- and educational background second. It Anniversary. Among the many legends disenchanted. ering what will be fun for kids, we try to follows that philanthropists who want to from its storied history is the following: As a UJA-Federation/Jewish Co think like kids. Whether something help camps build Jewish identities might A little girl asked the Nature Special- munity Center Association camp, we makes sense isn’t as important to kids as focus more on attracting and training ist, “What’s the difference between a frog are decidedly in the Jewish identity whether something tickles their senses. gifted staff than on educational initia- and a toad?” The Specialist grinned and business. We are non-denominational, Things that adults find remarkable, kids tives. responded: “If you kiss a frog, it turns and we think the best way to reach find boring. They like things that are fun into a prince. If you kiss a toad, you get our campers, many of whom come with and silly, or that engage their imagina- Bar and Bat Mitzvahs At Camp warts.” The little girl giggled in delight. limited Jewish backgrounds, is to build tion, or that are cool. The typical modern Bar/Bat Mitzvah has A little while later, a counselor pulled emotional connections. We do this in become quite a production. At its core, the Specialist aside and asked, “How is several ways. Developing A Circle of however, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a very John Ruskay, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, keeps this she supposed to learn about nature if the Jewish Friends simple thing. We offer campers and staff 1960s photograph of his Camp Ramah bunkmates framed on Nature Specialist doesn’t give accurate Being Jewish Is Fun Because of the twenty-four-hour-a-day, who have not had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah the his desk. Of the fourteen campers in this picture, no fewer answers to her questions?” The response: The camp’s Jewish Mission Statement, seven-day-a-week camp environment, a opportunity to prepare for and have one than five are now serving in senior professional positions in “At her age, it’s not important that she developed by its staff and Board, has a friendship formed over a week at sleep- while at camp. The pure ceremony that the Jewish community. knows the answers. What’s important is core principle: Jewish programming away camp is often closer and more results is remarkably moving. When that she learns to love nature. Then must be fun. The key is to turn kids on enduring than one formed over many someone declares his/her lifetime com- • Jonathan Woocher, President of Jewish Education Service when she grows up, she’ll be interested, to being Jewish. This doesn’t happen for months at school. The importance of mitment to Judaism before the entire of North America. and she’ll learn a lot more than I can kids because of what they learn, it hap- this in Jewish identity formation should camp, you can hear a pin drop. Rabbis • John Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO, UJA. teach her now.” pens because of how they feel. If Jewish not be under-estimated. When kids form and staff, not to mention camp directors, This story has a lot to do with gr activities are fun, positive associations circles of camp friends, they often stay can frequently be seen with tears in their • Rabbi Carl Wolkin of Chicago’s Congregation Beth Shalom. ing up Jewishly at Surprise Lake Camp. will develop and kids will want more. close for life. This means attending one eyes. These events not only deepen the Like the Nature Specialist, we believe it’s Some examples? There’s Holy-Book another’s bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, Jewish identities of the candidates and • Bruce Greenfield, Executive Director of the New York Metropolitan Region not the information that inspires kids, Squares, in which counselors dress as and other simchas. It ties them into the their families, but they also fill the entire of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. it’s the emotional connection. Kids who biblical figures and teams compete in a Jewish life cycle, and the positive emo- camp population with joy and pride. • Cantor Henry Rosenblum, Dean of the H. L. Miller Cantorial School become emotionally invested in their hilarious question and answer format. tions they have for their friends become and College of Jewish Music at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Jewish identities will stay Jewish There’s Oneg Bowl, another quiz show associated with Judaism. This may be Total Jewish Immersion whether they learn lots of facts or not. which emphasizes spirit and creativity, the main reason why there is a positive We do a lot more to build emotional con- This bunk is not unique. Hundreds of Jewish professionals cite their so it’s possible to win without knowing correlation between Jewish camp and nections to Judaism. We have Israeli staff, camp experience as central to their decision to serve as leaders in the Jordan Dale is Executive Director of Surprise Lake lots of answers. There are scavenger Jewish affiliation. and kids form powerful bonds with them. Jewish community. Camp in Cold Spring, New York (www.surpriselake.org). hunts, treasure hunts, art projects and The bond is especially powerful We pay bonuses to counselors who par-

14 CONTACT SUMMER 2002 15 Non-Profit Org. Jewish Life Network U.S. Postage Paid 6 East 39th Street 10th floor Rockville, MD New York, NY 10016 Permit No. 800

hy is it that camp, generally associated

more with fun than with serious learning,

is so powerful as an educational format?

Operating on a 24/7 basis, camp offers

not only substantial formal contact with

learners (campers), but also a myriad

of informal “teachable moments” when

learners are uniquely accessible, and

contexts make learning uniquely

memorable. Possibilities for informal

education are seemingly endless...

—RAMIE ARIAN