Dependent on program – children entering grades 1-2 through college age staff

 www.urjcamps.org

What started as a community effort fifty-six years ago to get Jewish children outdoors to teach them American ways has become a North American camping system that profoundly shapes Jewish identity, values and pride the way only a camp can­­--by engaging heart, mind and body in an atmosphere of fun, friendship and community.

Our camps possess rich histories and offer dynamic programs that complement religious school, synagogue and home experiences and play a significant role in shaping and guiding the future of the Reform Movement. Our camps are among our Movement’s most precious gems and a bellwether for Reform Judaism.

FACTS ABOUT URJ CAMPS:

• A Jewish camp experience is associated with:
  • Increased Jewish practice
  • Increased Jewish identity
  • Increased Jewish leadership
  • Increased Jewish affiliation
  • Increased Jewish generosity
  • Decreased intermarriage
• Jewish camp alumni are 50% more likely to join a synagogue
• 65% of professionals in the Jewish community are alumni of non-profit Jewish overnight camps.
• The NJPS estimates the impact on Jewish identity associated with camping is greater than the impact of 1-6 years in religious school

Like all camps...

• Social skills development
  • Leadership, communication, participation
  • Participants gain knowledge and learn new recreational and group skills
• Self-respect and character building
  • Responsibility, resourcefulness, resilience
• Cognitive growth
  • Learning to do things
  • Mastering physical skills
• Emotional growth
  • Independence
  • Interdependence

….But we teach it in a Jewish context

URJ Camps Do All That AND ….

• Give campers an appreciation of the value of Jewish community
• Nurture new feelings about themselves and about Reform Judaism
• Learn to respect others, learn responsibility, learn to stand for what is right
  • They learn from and identify with adult Jewish role models
  • Judaism is a part of their daily life. They experience spiritual growth and refine their moral and ethical compass
• They experience Jewish pride
• Develop a love of Jewish living and learning
• It is one place where you don’t have to explain and justify your Judaism. Everybody gets it.

E-mail Address: camps@urj.org
Phone Number: 212.650.4070