Jewish Camp is Key to the Jewish Future

Across North America, more than 300 Jewish camps opened this summer getting ready to welcome nearly 200,000 campers and staff for another season of learning, friendship, and joy.

Then came the Israel-Iran war. Flights were grounded. Many Israeli shlichim were unable to leave the country for their planned start dates. Some teen Israel trips were canceled.

And yet — something remarkable happened.

Within three days, Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) rallied more than 1,400 people willing to fill staffing needs. Volunteers ranged from a 13-year-old and an 80-year-old. Orthodox Jews — and people who aren’t Jewish at all, stepped up, united by one message: I can help. Together with many funders, FJC also raised over $2 million in funding for camps whose Israel travel plans were upended.

We were thrilled to see shlichim making it to camps this summer in the end. But the generosity of the people who raised their hands to help, from the supporters who jumped in to address a critical and unexpected financial challenge to individuals across the country, comes from a deep recognition of the power of Jewish camp. In many cases, the people who stepped up are themselves the product of the world camp creates. A world of kind, resilient leaders. Ready to show up for one another when it matters most.

As the newly appointed CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), a former camper, former camp counselor, former camp director, and current camp mom, I’m more confident than ever that camp is key to the Jewish future.

Jewish camps are thriving, with record enrollment and growing demand. Still, there is a lot of work ahead. As our world grows more turbulent and polarized, camp is becoming more essential. And young people’s and camp’s needs are growing too.

Identity & Community
Every child deserves a place where they feel valued and connected to Jewish life. Where they can forge their own Jewish identity. Where they can learn about and connect to Israel.

Camp delivers on all these fronts. It’s a place where young Jews can be around other young Jews. If you grew up as the only Jewish kid in your class, like I did, that’s a big deal. To be around peers who understand you. To live in an environment of Jewish joy. To be able to exhale —and not worry so much. A recent study from Stanford University and BeWell found that camp is the #1 place where Jewish teens feel comfortable being their true selves.

This magic doesn’t end when summer does. Camp is a crucial pipeline to lifelong Jewish engagement. A majority of parents say that camp strengthens their child’s connection to the Jewish community throughout the year. My own 11-year-old returned from camp excited to light Shabbat candles for the first time.

Camp also fosters lifelong connection to Israel. Shlichim and educational programming help campers engage with Israel as a living place, with all of its beauty and complexities. Young North American Jews form strong relationships with Israelis. And in the safe environment of camp, they can explore their questions around Israel with clarity and honesty.

Especially amid conflict and rising polarization around Israel, these experiences matter.

Individual Leadership & Growth
Today’s young people are growing up in a time of increasing disconnection. Teenagers are spending less time with friends. Mental health challenges are on the rise.

Enter Jewish camp. Camp is likely the longest screen-free experience young people have these days. It’s an opportunity to form real connections. To run around and sleep under the stars. To dance, sing, and unleash their creativity.

Just because camp is a sacred space, however, doesn’t mean kids leave everything behind. As mental health needs continue to grow, camps are working hard to create emotionally safe and supportive environments. FJC is proud to support this effort through our grants, staff training, and fellowships that place qualified mental health professionals at camp.

Camp is also a place for growth. At camp, leadership happens every day. Teenagers help plan Shabbat services. Staff take on responsibility and learn what it means to guide others with empathy. Camp entrusts young people to lead —and watches as they gain the confidence to step forward. 93% of families report that camp helped their child experience growth and try new things.

What Camp Makes Possible
Camp is far more than fun in the sun. It’s about showing young people what it feels like to be part of something bigger — and giving them the tools to lead with care, courage, and connection.

This summer, when the world shifted, people stepped up. Because camp prepared them to do so. This summer also showed why it’s so important to have coordinated leadership from umbrella organizations, like Foundation for Jewish Camp, in times of crisis.

At FJC, we believe every Jewish child should be able to experience the power of camp. And that every camp should have the resources to meet the moment. We’re proud to support more than 300 day and overnight camps across North America. Together, they’re shaping the next generation of Jewish life grounded in joy, resilience, and leadership.

Jamie Simon is the CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp, whose mission is to grow, support, and strengthen the Jewish camp movement, leveraging more than $15 million of philanthropic giving annually to scale programs and resources that benefit more than 300 Jewish day and overnight camps across North America. jewishcamp.org