Re-Inspiring the Jewish Camp Experience

Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336

RE-INSPIRING THE JEWISH CAMP EXPERIENCE Capital Campaign 2015-2017

R E-IN S P IR ING T HE JE W I S H C A MP E X P E R IE NCE Capital Campaign 2015-2017

The Eden Village Capital Campaign is a three-year initiative to raise $1 million to grow our inspired model of the Jewish camp experience.

In expanding our faclities and constructing innovative new program spaces, more children will experience Eden Village each summer and more members of our community will be engaged by our farm-based programming.

A NEW KIND OF CAMP

Eden Village Camp is the first and only Jewish farm-to-table overnight camp, grounded in the values and interests of 21st Century Jews.

Through interactive farm- and land-based programs as well as re-imagined traditional camp activities, we nurture an enduring passion for environmental stewardship, social action and vibrant spiritual life.

Eden Village is the most Jewishly-diverse camp, which succeeds because our Judaism flows from our relationship with the earth. Our culture of kindness fosters “mensches” - campers feel safe, free and loved.

Our commitment to organic, local food is just one example of our ethos of healthy, sustainable living.

During the year, Eden Village offers a variety of programs to the public at large as well as private groups that build community, sustainable-living skills, and Jewish connection to land.

“Sending Abe to Eden Village has been one of the best parenting decisions we’ve ever made. The knowledge he’s gained about the environment, Judaism, and social issues is invaluable. He feels relaxed, understood, and loved there, and comes home confident and peaceful.” —Rachel Tore, Eden Village parent

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Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336

OUR HISTORY

Our story began in 2008 when founders Yoni and Vivian Stadlin learned, the day after their wedding, that they had received a million-dollar grant to create the camp of their dreams! After two years of preparation, with intensive mentoring from the Jewish Specialty Camps Incubator, Eden Village opened in Summer 2010 on a previously-existing 248-acre campsite owned by the UJA-Federation of NY and located in Putnam Valley, NY, 50 miles north of New York City. That summer, the vision of inspiring and equipping young people as Jewishlyrooted leaders became a reality as we welcomed 134 campers from all over the country.

Five years later, Eden Village is a thriving, vibrant community that hosts more than 500 campers and staff each summer, as well as 3,000 people at our community programs throughout the year. Judaism here feels appealing and relevant, as it brings Jewish values to topics that matter to today’s young people.

OUR CHALLENGE The Seeds We Plant Today Will Bear Fruit for Generations To Come We have built an innovative farm-to-table curriculum that has proven transformative.

However, we are now constrained by our site’s existing buildings, as they were designed, built and renovated for a very different type of camp, and we have outgrown their current capacity.

Because of the success of our program, we now need to expand our infrastructure. The number of applications from all over the US and abroad increases every year, yet we have reached maximum capacity in our cabins and other facilities. We do not want to turn Jewish children away from experiencing the magic that is Eden Village. We also have an increasing demand for private retreats throughout the year, which, if met, would provide a sustaining income stream. Expanding is essential to meeting the needs of our growing community and staying on the cutting edge of Jewish inspiration.

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Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336 You are invited to become a permanent part of the future of inspired Jewish life with your gift toward Eden Village’s new facilities.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OPPORTUNITIES The Farmer’s Kitchen and Lakeside Lodge

$300,000

The renovation of our 100-year-old lakeside stone lodge in the heart of camp will provide a marquee indoor program space, complete with teaching kitchens for our campers and year-round indoor space for our community programs.

Beit Shefa Expansion

$300,000

The proposed facility expansion of our Beit Shefa, housing our dining hall, kitchen, and health center will allow us to increase our summer enrollment by 25 percent! It will increase our seating capacity and allow our kitchen to continue serving extraordinary, wholesome meals made from scratch. Our renovated and expanded Health and Wellness Center will provide a warm, restorative space to accommodate our rapidlygrowing community of campers. These facility upgrades will relieve unsustainable pressures on our current facilities and allow camp to continue to grow.

Herbal Apothecary Renovation

$50,000

The herbal apothecary and kitchen will provide our popular and beloved Herbalism Program with dedicated space. It will give us safer and more efficient appliances, prep areas, and a year-round kitchen for farm-totable educational programs.

Staff Housing & Office Space

$250,000

Additional Capital Improvements

$100,000

Extensive renovations are necessary to maintain our directors’ residence, senior staff housing and office space for our year-round staff. More staff housing will free up more camper beds. These upgrades will also help us attract and retain top professionals and educators.

All around camp, we have opportunities to transform our facility to meet the potential of our innovative and rapidly-growing program. Our efforts include investments in our lake, renovations of our theater and outdoor pavilion, expansion of our farm facilities, energy effiency upgrades, and new sports courts.

Naming opportunities are available for all of the projects listed.

We would be happy to discuss your interests.

TO LE ARN MORE, AND TO ARR ANGE A SITE VISIT, CONTAC T LESLIE AT LESLIE@EDENVILL AGECAMP.ORG OR 87 7-397-3336.

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Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336 MAKING A GIFT Be a part of the future of inspired Jewish Camp!

You can support our campaign to re-inspire the Jewish Camp experience by making a 3-year pledge at any level. Consider a gift at one of the following levels:

Friend

$1,080 ($360 a year/$30 a month)

Recognition on Donor Wall • Acknowledgement on Website • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event

Partner

$1,800 or more ($600+ a year)

Naming of a Tree at Camp • Recognition on Donor Wall • Acknowledgement on Website • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event • Gift from Eden Village

Builder

$3,600 or more ($1200+ a year)

A Permanent Place at the Share Circle • Recognition on Donor Wall • Special Recognition at Eden Village Events • Acknowledgement on Website • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event

Innovator

$10,000 or more

A Row of Your Own in the Farm & Site Naming Opportunity • Recognition on Donor Wall • Special Recognition at Eden Village Events • Acknowledgement on Website • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event • Gift from Eden Village

Visionary

$50,000 or more

Building Naming Opportunity • Recognition on Donor Wall • Special Recognition at Eden Village Events • Acknowledgement on Website • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event • Gift from Eden Village

Gardener of Eden

$100,000 or more

Building Naming Opportunity • Recognition on Donor Wall • Special Recognition at Eden Village Events • Acknowledgement on Website • Invitation to Donor Appreciation Event • Gift from Eden Village

The Farmer’s KItchen

WE WOULD LOVE TO S TRUCTURE A MEANINGFUL NAMING OPPORTUNIT Y FOR YOUR FAMILY, CONTACT LESLIE AT LESLIE@EDENVILL AGECAMP. ORG OR 87 7-397-3336 TO LEARN MORE.

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Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336 SMALL CAMP, BIG IMPACT

Eden Village values remain with our campers long after the summer has ended. Our campers emerge Jewishly connected and inspired, with new outdoor-living skills as well as “soft” skills like teamwork, goal-setting and clear communication, all of which help them thrive in community. Parents express amazement at the changes they see in their children: from acting with more kindness to siblings, to helping out more around the house and in the kitchen, to starting businesses and activist clubs.

Our year-round programs extend our direct impact to thousands of adults each year.

In the Jewish organizational world, Eden Village Camp has set a new standard for what it means to “go green.” We regularly consult for Jewish camps and organizations interested in adopting some of our vision and practices. We are excited to help catalyze this shift in the Jewish community towards heightened environmental and social responsibility.

Over the past five years, Eden Village has achieved impressive outcomes: 92% OF OUR CAMPERS report they were “very happy” with their Eden Village experience. BTW report 1/3RD OF OUR CAMPERS have never been to Jewish summer camp.

After a summer, 60% OF OUR CAMPERS report stronger Jewish attitudes, behaviors and connections. BTW 92% OF PARENTS have recommended Eden Village to a friend. BTW report 81% OF PARENTS report that “something big” changed in their campers’ lives because of Eden Village. BTW report 44% OF PARENTS report that were it not for Eden Village, they would not have chosen a Jewish summer experience for their children. BTW report 96% OF EDEN VILLAGE STAFF AND CAMPERS agree that their experience at Eden Village increased their sense of hope for the Jewish people. JOFEE study Eden Village has one of the MOST EVENLY DIVERSE CAMPER POPULATIONS of any Jewish camp — denominationally, socio-economically, and geographically. CSI report “This place is heaven on earth! I am so proud of the many things I’ve learned here – where my food comes from, herbal medicine, music, art, surviving in the wilderness. All in the process of meeting some of the most amazing people I will ever meet. And feeling free to be myself! I want camp to stay open forever. I want to send my future kids here, so they can learn and experience the amazing things I have.” —Deena Blum (age 14, Needham, MA)

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Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336 OUR STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION

Eden Village Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and has been listed for four years running in the Slingshot Guide to the 50 most innovative and effective Jewish organizations in North America. Eden Village has a full-time staff of eight, and in the summer months our staff grows to a live-in community of 130, including 3 nurses, a camp psychologist and an on-call doctor. We receive invaluable support from dozens of volunteers.

Yoni Stadlin, Founding Director, is a gifted educator and community builder. His acclaims include the Young Pioneers award from the Jewish Education Project, the Inspiring Leader award from JTeen, and recognition in the Jewish Week as one of the 36 most influential Jewish leaders under the age of 36. Yoni holds an M.A. in Informal Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and directed the 92nd Street Y’s science and nature camp for two years. He is a veteran educator for the American Jewish World Service and the Teva Learning Center and worked in various positions at eight summer camps over the years.

Intensive training from the Jim Joseph Foundation and Foundation for Jewish Camp’s 5-year Specialty Camp Incubator has allowed Eden Village to adhere to best practices in all realms of camp operation, including finance, medical supervision, marketing, personnel practices, program development and more. Eden Village is a member of the Grinspoon Institute’s JCamp180, which has helped us establish a strong board of directors and strong fundraising practices.

More information about Yoni and other Eden Village staff members is available at edenvillagecamp.org.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eden Village is guided by an active board of directors. Members of the board have significant management experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

All board members and leadership staff have made generous pledges to this capital campaign.

Our Board members include: Robert Levitan (Board Chair), Richard Shuster, Julia Stalder, Donald Gardner, Kate Zuckerman, Peter Takiff, Yoni Bokser, Nigel Austin, Saul Andron, and Yoni and Vivian Stadlin.

FINANCIALS

Eden Village Camp is supported through a combination of camp tuition (80%), revenue from Spring and Fall retreats and events (4%), and philanthropic contributions (15%). Our annual budget of $1.4M has grown 20% each year for the past five years, and we anticipate at least 15% annual growth for each of the next three years. We are supported by more than 500 individual donors in the community, as well as the following institutional partners: • UJA-Federation of New York • Foundation for Jewish Camp • Jim Joseph Foundation • Harold Grinspoon Foundation

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Eden Village Camp • edenvillagecamp.org/inspire • 1 (877) 397-3336

“We’re growing tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.”

Zachary Zollman (3 Summers at Camp)

Learned beekeeping at Eden Village. Back home, during recess, Zach raised money to save a beehive on the playground from extermination. He founded a beekeeping club, and drafted a district-wide policy for saving bees found on school grounds!

Akiva Jackson (4 Summers)

Launched a campaign to reduce the pressures associated with body image at campers’ schools, and started a firespinning poi business!

Eoin Halpin (6 Summers)

Inspired by his time at Eden, started an antibullying club at his middle school, and has become a certified yoga teacher.

Sam Epstein (3 Summers)

Based on his camp learning, started an herbal products business, “Sam’s Savvy Salves,” and designed and built a Magen-David-shaped garden at his synagogue for donating produce to a local food pantry!

Nistar Steinerman (5 Summers)

Met with State House Representative and won award for proposing new law mandating environmental education in all schools, citing Eden Village as her inspiration!

Peri Abrams (4 Summers)

Started a CSA (community supported agriculture) group at her school!

NOW, WE NE E D Y OUR H ELP TO KEEP EDEN VILL AGE VITAL

With your support, our facilities can meet the needs of our growing community and allow us to inspire generations to come.

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