Summer Camps Guide

Home , Camp Ramah in California, Penny Marshall

Where theStarsgottheirStart title of“CampRabbi.” the earned she 15, of age the at 1948, in that reported been has It York. New upstate in Che-Na-Wah Camp attended Ginsburg Bader Ruth Justice Court Supreme Ruth BaderGinsburg Juilliard student by thename ofMarvinHamlisch. director,camp’smusical the ress,met whereshe young a 14 and 15 she returned to Camp Geneva to work as a wait- was Marshall When else.”everyone like nights Friday on Motherwas “I recitedsaid, She Nuts. Sabbath the prayers memoir her in experiences camp Jewish positive her chronicled Marshall family. friend’s best by mom’s owned Penny’s was Geneva Camp counselor. dance a as worked at once mother their camp same the siblings, her alongside Poconos the in Geneva Camp attending mers verne & Shirley, is not Jewish, but she did spend her sum- No, actress-director Penny Marshall, aka Laverne from La Penny Marshall MOMENT MAGAZINE My My - version of“LuckBeaLadyTonight.” Hebrew the sing to Hebrew.”on in wentthere Ben tions produc - our of all do we and California, in Ramah Camp and one of those times was at my Jewish summer camp, in times four Masterson playedreplied,“I SkyHebrew Ben showtunes in anyand sing could he if Ben asked Meyers Seth Angeles. Los in growing up while parties and weddingsmitzvahs, bar at and holidays high the during sing would family his and on interview an In six. of age the atbackyard his in shows performing gan and Mormon of Book Ben Platt like me, whosefamily didn’thave money for camp.” gavepeople likeyouwho to people of because “It’s ued, year,weeksa continlearn.”Jews - She and other meet to five for camp Jewish attend to able was I California], [in event,campaign al Mayimfederationstated, of “Because address at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s annu- the Per camp. summer Jewish Federation for making it possible for her to attend show on co-star current 1990s and the of star Bialik, Mayim Actress Ma yim Bialik Ben said he he said Ben Meyers Seth Night: Late actor Ben Platt be- Platt Ben actor Perfect Pitch credits the the Theory,credits Bang Big The , in a 2015 2015 a in News, Jewish Canadian in my childhood childhood my in Dolls and Guys GUIDE 2017 A SPECIALADVERTISING SECTION Blossom Blossom kings.moment.ad.17.qxp_Layout 1 11/7/16 1:28 PM P

A Conversation with JCC Hang out Association of North America this summer at JCC Camp Kingswood

JODI SPERLING—senior consultant, JCC Overnight Camps and AARON GREENBERG—senior consultant, Day Camp Initiatives

Why is camp so critical? What makes JCC camps different? Aaron: Our camps unplug kids from the Jodi: All of our camps are pluralistic. Here we entire system so they’re not slaves to their are in this incubator of ideas and traditions phones and their ipads and their i-this and and let’s learn about why things are done in i-that. They get to live in this sort of cocoon different ways and not be judgmental but ac- where they’re learning. They don’t always cept people for their differences, celebrate the know they’re learning which is part of the differences and respect each other. Every- magic and we’re teaching some very sub- where else in a child’s life, how they are Jew- stantial skills along the way. ish, has been dictated by someone else. Now In school the teachers do the teaching, they are stepping into a camp environment the students do the listening. When you’re where there’s so much opportunity for them at camp and you’re in a community, you’re to have ownership of their Judaism. learning from each other, how to communi- Jewish overnight camp cate, how to be independent, conflict resolu- Aaron: We’re training the future of Juda- In Bridgton, Maine tion. These are life-long skills. ism. Are they going to follow one set of for grades 3-11 guidelines or will they have the ability to Jodi: In the education world, 21st century think for themselves and to explore alterna- • 2, 3.5, 5.5 and 7-week skills include the 4cs: creativity, communica- tive points of view? sessions tion, collaboration and critical thinking. You practice all of those things at camp on a daily Jodi: When you look at our camps you see • No age restriction on basis. Camp teaches kids how to ask for help, the highest number of interfaith and unaf- 2-week program express how they feel and how to articulate filiated families. People see JCCA camping • Weekly elective choices what they need. as a low barrier for entry. It’s a safe place to Camp is a magical experience, but as those try on a new experience which is why it’s so First-time camper grants of us who work in the profession know it’s important that it be a positive one. We use not magic. It’s very, very well orchestrated to say that JCCs in the olden days existed to Open to all and every inch of every moment is of- help new immigrants learn how to be Amer- ten choreographed so that it will be really ican but now we say that JCCs exist to help Mention MOMENT meaningful. Americans learn how to be Jewish. I want to grow a next generation of and receive $100 oﬀ So why Jewish camp? campers who will grow up wanting to this summer Jodi: That is where kids are developing their make the world a better place. Abraham sense of Jewish soul. I once had a parent say Joshua Heschel said “Teach them a Juda- to me “day school is where my kids develop ism to remake the world.” To live in a place 617-558-6531 their Jewish head but camp is where they de- that reflects values and instills in kids the [email protected] velop their Jewish heart.” It’s a place where need for them to be active in the world. I kingswood.org it’s very hands on and experiential. You’re think that is an incredibly powerful gift to Creative c ommons doing Jewish. You’re not learning Jewish. be giving children.—Ellen Meltzer

January/February 2017 / Moment 63 CHOOSE YOUR JCC SUMMER ADVENTURE Create your own experience, guided by Jewish values.

“JCC camp is where [my kids] discovered their Jewish heart.” Karen B., camp parent

ATHLETICS ARTS TRAVEL TRADITIONAL AND SPECIALTY CAMPS

Whether you’re a teen athlete, artist, or intrepid explorer, JCC Camps build confident kids, friendships, and Jewish connections that last a lifetime. JCC Maccabi® has a vibrant and unique summer planned for you. With more than 120 day camps and 25 overnight camps, our family of JCC Camps is the largest network of Jewish camps in North America.

JCCs of North America overnight camps

Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp Camp Interlaken Camp Tawonga JCC Ranch Camp Copake, NY JCC of Milwaukee Groveland, CA Robert E. Loup JCC of Denver bhecamps.com Eagle River, WI tawonga.org Elbert, CO campinterlaken.org ranchcamp.org B’nai Brith Camp Camp Wise ® ® ® Otis, OR Camp JCA Shalom Mandel JCC of Cleveland NJY Camps JCC Maccabi Games JCC Maccabi ArtsFest JCC Maccabi Israel bbcamp.org Malibu, CA Chardon, OH Milford & Lakewood, PA campjcashalom.com campwise.org njycamps.org A trip for every perspective B’nai Brith Jewish Community Camp Birmingham, AL July 30–Aug. 4 Miami, FL August 6 –11 Kenora, Ontario Camp Livingston Capital Camps & Retreat Center Pinemere Camp with JCC Maccabi Games® bbcamp.ca Bennington, IN Waynesboro, PA Stroudsburg, PA Capital Region - camplivingston.com capitalcamps.org pinemere.com Experience the culture, history, and Camp Barney Medintz Albany/Schenectady, NY Marcus JCC of Atlanta, Cleveland, GA Camp Mountain Chai Emma Kaufmann Camp Surprise Lake Camp Our amazing summer program for Jewish people of Israel with other Jewish campbarney.org Angelus Oaks, CA JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Cold Spring, NY August 6 –11 creative teens 13-17 years old from teens from across North America. campmountainchai.com Morgantown, WV surpriselake.org Camp B’yachad emmakaufmanncamp.com Miami, FL August 6 –11 around the world. Work with professional Open your eyes, minds, and hearts JCH of Bensonhurst, Medford, PA Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village Tamarack Camps jchb.org/camp-b-yachad Samuel Field YM&YWHA JCC Camp Kingswood Ortonville, MI with JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® artists in visual, performing & culinary with our unique itineraries. Poyntelle, PA JCCs of Greater Boston tamarackcamps.com arts, and collaborate on a Final ArtsFest Camp BB Riback poyntelle.com Bridgton, ME Pine Lake, Alberta kingswood.org Y Country Camp Our Olympic-style athletic event Showcase in front of all of JCC Maccabi. campbb.com Camp Sabra YM-YWHA Montreal JCCs St. Louis JCC JCC Maccabi Sports Camp Huberdeau, QC for Jewish teens 13-16 years Camp Chi Rocky Mount, MO Atherton, CA ycountrycamp.com JCCs of Chicago, Lake Delton, WI campsabra.com maccabisportscamp.org old from around the world. campchi.com Our 35th year and going strong! For our list of JCC day camps please visit jcccamps.org

Discover jccmaccabi.org Find your camp at jcccamps.org CHOOSE YOUR JCC SUMMER ADVENTURE Create your own experience, guided by Jewish values.

“JCC camp is where [my kids] discovered their Jewish heart.” Karen B., camp parent

ATHLETICS ARTS TRAVEL TRADITIONAL AND SPECIALTY CAMPS

JCCs of North America overnight camps

Discover jccmaccabi.org Find your camp at jcccamps.org Making Summer Magic Seventy inclusive summer day and overnight camp programs for children with disabilities at 15 sites throughout the Chicago area and the Midwest

Call 847-205-0274 or visit keshet.org

B’nai B’rith Perlman Camp staff who are dedicated to making your have participated in the world’s largest Perlman Camp offers a fun and inclusive child’s JCC camp experience the best of Jewish summer program for the past 34 atmosphere, which provides opportuni- their life. JCC camps are values-based years. If your teenager has a passion for ties for growth and the development of communities, providing excellence and sports or the visual, performing or culi- a sense of self. Our hallmark is a plural- variety in activities and program, while nary arts, making new friends, and con- istic Jewish environment that enhances instilling in campers strong identity necting to the larger Jewish community, teamwork, cooperation and leadership and positive connections to their Jewish then this premier program is the one for in the camp community and beyond. community and the world around them. them. During the week-long program, We offer a traditional camping experi- At JCC day camps—whether campers all participants take part in JCC Cares, ence that encompasses athletics, arts, are learning archery, horseback riding, a hands-on volunteer effort to give back aquatics, outdoor adventure, and fosters boating, ceramics, baseball, swimming, to the larger community, bringing the Jewish values, morals and ethics. Your climbing or any number of other special- value of tikkun olam, or repairing the camper will leave the summer not just ties—they’re doing it in an environment world, to life. JCC Maccabi Games and with new skills and friends, but a new designed to provide significant growth ArtsFest® will take place this summer home. Perlman offers a tight-knit and in self-esteem, peer relationships, inde- in Birmingham, AL, Albany, NY and family-oriented community, where your pendence, and leadership. After attend- Miami, FL. Contact your local Jewish child will feel connected whether they ing a JCC day camp, your child will have Community Center to join this summer- are seven or seventeen. new skills, life-ong friendships, a stron- of-a-lifetime experience. www.perlmancamp.org ger Jewish identity, a deeper connection www.jccmaccabi.org [email protected] to Israel, and a lifetime of memories. [email protected] (301) 231-5300 www.jcccamps.org #WeAreJCCMaccabi. [email protected] See ad on page 64 (212) 786-5093 JCC DAY CAMPS See ad on pages 65 JCC day camps are the preeminent plu- JCC Maccabi Israel ralistic Jewish day camping experience JCC Maccabi Israel® introduces Jewish in North America, boasting a network JCC Maccabi teens to all that’s great about Israel—its of more than 120 camps in 35 states in When thousands of teens come together culture, its history, and its people. For the United States and five Canadian for JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest® teens in 10th through 12th grade, this provinces. Our camps feature caring, each summer, they are joining over non-denominational program seeks to well-trained, experienced directors and 150,000 teen athletes and artists who strengthen their connection to the Jew-

66 January/February 2017 ish homeland and their own Jewish iden- sports, fine arts or horseback riding, a ton of fun, too. tity within a framework of an organized, there is a JCC camp your child will love! An overnight camp of the JCCs of Greater educational teen travel program that After attending a JCC overnight camp, Boston doesn’t forget that learning can be done your camper will have gained new skills, www.kingswood.org when you’re having fun. Through dia- made lifelong friends, developed a stron- [email protected] logue with Israeli peers, hands-on com- ger Jewish identity and a deeper connec- (617) 558-6531 munity work, and an itinerary that takes tion to Israel, and will want to make a See ad on page 63 in both the historical scope and contem- difference in the world. porary accomplishments of Israel, your www.jcccamps.org teen will gain a newfound connection [email protected] Keshet to the country and a strengthened sense (212) 786-5093 Keshet summer programs are the perfect of Jewish identity while making new See ad on page 65 settings for campers to develop friend- friends and exploring the meaning of ships, gain independence, and enhance Jewish peoplehood. their self-confidence. Keshet integrates www.jccmaccabiisrael.org JCC CAMP KINGSWOOD children and teens who need extra sup- [email protected]. Your kids will say they had an awesome port alongside their peers into existing See ad on page 64 summer, met some great kids and did summer camps. Held at 15 sites, Keshet a ton of different activities. What they summer programs have a place for most really did was create lifelong memories, children and teens with social or physical JCC overnight Camps develop long-lasting friendships and challenges. A majority of campers have With more than 110 years of tradition, enhance their Jewish identities. That’s one-to-one assistance within the larger JCC overnight camps are the premier, what happens every summer at JCC group, but it is our goal to make it very pluralistic Jewish overnight camp ex- Camp Kingswood, set on a bucolic lake difficult to know which camper is regis- perience, providing a “home away from in southern Maine. Boys and girls enter- tered through Keshet and which camp- home” for thousands of campers and ing grades 3-11 enjoy an unforgettable ers are registered through the host site. staff each summer. Our family of 25 overnight summer camp experience We believe that success at an integrated camps offers camping excellence in fun filled with sports, water activities, out- camp-site begins with the education of and meaningful, values-based Jewish door adventure, visual and performing host site staff and typically-developing communities. JCC camps offer the very arts and special events. Long-standing peers. Therefore, Keshet staff presents best in camper care, providing support- traditions of color wars, themed ban- comprehensive abilities awareness train- ive and loving environments designed quets, log signing and off-site trips make ing to ensure an accepting milieu. Be- by professional leadership. Well-trained, summers at Kingswood truly memo- cause of our 30 years of experience and dynamic staff create the perfect balance rable. Campers and staff come from thoughtful approach, the Association of for individual growth and community- all over the world with different back- Independent Jewish Camps lists Kes- building, with opportunities for camp- grounds and levels of Jewish observance. het as its preferred training provider for ers to build their confidence, resilience, Defined by its welcoming, inclusive en- camper integration. leadership, friendships, and an apprecia- vironment, your child will develop con- www.keshet.org tion for the world around them. Wheth- fidence, build skills and thrive at JCC (847) 205-0274 er your camper enjoys backpacking or Camp Kingswood. Oh, and they’ll have See ad on page 66

Harold Grinspoon Foundation

“Since 2004, JCamp 180, an initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, offers camps strategic planning, leadership development, technology assistance and matching grant opportunities. JCamp 180 has provided participating camps with over $14.5 million in financial support in the form of challenge grants, and an equal amount of in-kind individual mentoring support. The impact of the JCamp 180 support is both in the renewal of camp facilities that has occurred across Jewish camps since this program began and the more structured approach with which camp leadership govern.” —Mark P. Gold, Director of JCamp 180

January/February 2017 / Moment 67 RAMAH CAMPING MOVEMENT identity, Pluralism, Jewish People- As the camping arm of Conservative hood, the role of the Diaspora and Judaism, Ramah has enabled campers more. In the international context of and staff to live committed and vibrant Camp Szarvas, these topics take on Jewish lives through immersion in a new dimensions and complexities. summer Jewish community. At Ramah Fellows also spend time each day in overnight and day camps, campers a “mifgash,” a meeting with another participate in a program of sports, out- country, where they discuss Jewish life door education, drama, dance, music, and identity in their respective com- media arts, arts and crafts, and over- munities as well as participate in many night trips combined with Hebrew and recreational activities together. One Judaic literacy, Shabbat observance, of the core goals of the program is to kashrut, and daily prayer. To maintain establish a framework that allows ev- our strong connection to Israel and ery participant, no matter their Jew- to encourage the use of Hebrew in ish background, to feel comfortable everyday activities, Ramah camps are expressing who they are. Fellows leave enriched by the participation of Israeli the program with a strong under- staff members. National Ramah Tikvah standing of diverse Jewish life around Network of special needs programs: the world! All Ramah camps provide a summer The Szarvas Fellowships are administered experience for children, teens, and by The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, in young adults with disabilities. Year- association with the American Jewish Joint round Ramah programs: family camps Distribution Committee. and retreats, adult camps and retreats, www.szarvas.org Shabbaton facilities. Ramah Israel: Ra- [email protected] (212) 362-3361 @onblackberryhill mah Israel Seminar−summer program for Ramah “graduates” including a pre-Seminar option in Poland; Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY)−fully-ac- Union For Reform Judaism On Blackberry Hill credited high school semester; Ramah Camps & Summer Programs By Rachel Mann Israel Institute−custom-designed trips Since 1952, we’ve provided hundreds for families, synagogues, and schools, of thousands of Reform Jewish youth Winner of the National Jewish Book Award for Poland Journey for Adults, Ramah with transformative Jewish experienc- Young Adult Literature Morocco Experience.Location: Over- es that develop essential skills to set up night camps (grades 3–10)in Northern our youth to be successful today and One daughter. One mother. California, Southern California, Cana- in the future. Our 60+ programs instill One summer camp. Twenty da, Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, a sense of joy, compassion, and pride years apart. A new novel Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; outdoor in being Jewish while nurturing young about the magic of Jewish adventure specialty camp in the Colo- people’s innate desire to make a differ- summer camp. ‘Mann’s rado Rockies; Ramah Sports Acade- ence in the world around them. Partic- superb descriptive details my—opening in the northeast in 2018; ipants grow, create, explore, and have about camp life and her abil- day camps (preschool–7th grade) in fun, building a lifelong community ity to convey the difficulties metropolitan areas: Chicago, Jerusa- along the way. We offer something for all young people face ...make lem, New York, Philadelphia, Greater every young person, including Israel the book an excellent read.’— Washington, D.C. travel, 16 summer camps across North The Jewish Advocate. ‘Mann www.campramah.org America, specialty sports, science, and creates in Reena and Naomi [email protected] art programming, accredited high two intelligent young women (212) 678-8881 school programs in Israel, and a teen whose struggles will resonate See ad on page 66 social justice travel program, Mitzvah with readers.’ -The Reporter. Corps, with sites around the world in- ‘If you have ever been to cluding Cuba, Italy, and New Orleans. sleepaway camp, you will love The Szarvas Fellowships www.URJYouth.org this book.’- Amazon Customer. The Szarvas Fellowships are a unique (212) 650-4088 Author Rachel Mann spent ten opportunity to join a pluralistic group summers at camp, and loves of high school students from across speaking to readers about her North America to attend the largest Yiddish Book Center novel, and their own camp international Jewish camp in Szarvas, Great Jewish Books experiences. Hungary with participants from over Summer Program www.rachelmannwriter.com 25 countries around the world. This The Great Jewish Books Summer amazon.com program will explore issues of Jewish Program is a lively program of social,

68 January/February 2017 The Yiddish Book Center’s Great Great Jewish Books Summer Program Jewish A five-day exploration of literature & culture Books for high school students Summer Session 1: July 23–28, 2017 Program Session 2: July 30–August 4, 2017 A program of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts

APPLY BY MARCH 27, 2017 yiddishbookcenter.org/great-jewish-books

cultural, and recreational opportunities for students who read for the love of reading and are eager to explore modern Jewish literature with peers “From the outside, some camps seem to use a from around the country. The five-day ‘secret sauce’to engage the camp community, program, open to rising high school juniors and seniors, takes place at the offering formative Jewish experiences and memories Yiddish Book Center, in Amherst, Mas- that continue afterwards. In reality, creating strong sachusetts. In seminars led by college professors, students consider how the Jewish connections requires careful planning and rich legacy of modern Jewish literature programming, starting well before the summer, informs us in the twenty-first century. supported by all levels of the camp’s staff.” They also develop skills in literary analysis and self-expression that will —Joel Einleger, Senior Program Officer at the AVI CHAI Foundation prepare them for college. Outside the classroom, students meet with promi- nent visiting writers, take part in recreational activities, and get a taste of col- “The immersive experience of Jewish overnight lege life, living in dorms at Hampshire summer camp is so powerful. Campers develop College, adjacent to the Yiddish Book Center. Every admitted participant re- deep and lifelong bonds with each other, and a love ceives a scholarship covering the full of Jewish life and learning. Now, with increasing cost of tuition, room, board, books, and special events. numbers of Jewish specialty camps, even more youth www.yiddishbookcenter.org experience the unabashed joy and dynamic learning [email protected] rs.” (413) 256-4900 environment that Jewish camp offe See ad above —Barry Finestone, President and CEO of the Jim Joseph Foundation

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 / Moment 69