What is Camp Sabra? Of course, it’s a Jewish Residential Summer Camp at the Lake of the Ozarks. Let’s break it down a bit further. Camp is what we get to do 4 weeks out of every summer while we are growing up. Camp is the skiing, climbing, softball, and overnights. Camp is trying new things, learning new skills, and meeting your best friends. Sabra, is that quintessential summer camp experience you share with your future roommate, future co-worker, and future spouse. Sabra is the lifelong impact every minute of those 4 weeks at Camp each summer. Sabra is the bag of tools you go nowhere without and the lesson you teach. Sabra is the community you built during your 5,10, 20 summers at Camp.
In August we hosted the Reunion celebrating 55 years of Camp Sabra. This weekend really was Sabra, the place, the people, the stories and catching up on life. It was also an unforgettable weekend at Camp with shabbat, singing, sailing, and swimming. But more than those things, it was an opportunity. An opportunity to see how far camp has come and most importantly be a part of the future.
5 years ago, at our previous reunion weekend we launched the Camp Sabra Canteen Fund. This fund was created for the alumni network to give back in the form of scholarships, programming, and equipment. The fund has sponsored the all-staff river trip during Staff Week, equipped the Tripping staff with enough canoes to get multiple cabins on the water at once, gifted new gloves, bats, and bases for Hab World Series, and provided a considerable amount of scholarship funds to ensure that families can send their child to camp.
We encourage you to consider supporting Camp Sabra and the Alumni Canteen Fund and help ensure each future generation of Sabra camper can experience camp the way we did!
Mission of Sabra
Camp Sabra will be the premier Jewish resident camp in North America, building upon our rich traditions which began in 1938. Sabra is a magical community that fosters life-long friendships and Jewish identity, and encourages social and physical growth. Camp Sabra provides a fun and safe environment with highly qualified staff and excellent facilities.
The mission will be accomplished by:
• recruitment and retention of quality personnel
• providing and maintaining the best physical facilities, which will enhance the overall camping experience
• development of innovative programs which will meet the needs of the camp population
Summer Community Care Team at Camp Sabra
By Lisa Deutsch
At Camp Sabra, the well-being of every camper and staff member is one of our top priorities. That’s why we are proud to have our Summer Community Care Team—a dedicated group of 3 to 4 professionals who work throughout the summer to support the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health (MESSH) of our camp community. These professionals on the team can be mental Health professionals, teachers, or Rabbi’s. The team is supervised by me and I am a Licensed clinical Social Worker.
This team plays a vital role in ensuring that campers and staff feel safe, supported, and successful during their time at camp. Whether someone is navigating homesickness, managing anxiety, experiencing challenges with friends or cabin dynamics, or simply needs someone to talk to, our Community Care Team is here to help. We also address more specific concerns such as eating difficulties, mood regulation, and a variety of other emotional and social challenges.
A special highlight this summer was the addition of a dedicated professional to support our neurodiverse campers. This individual focused on helping campers with organization, sensory difficulties, mood regulation, and socialization. Their presence made a meaningful difference, and we were incredibly fortunate to have them thanks to a donor, which was made possible through the support of the Federation—an opportunity for which we are deeply grateful.
Our work begins long before the campers arrive. Throughout the year and during the summer, we are communicating with parents to help prepare and support their campers’ experiences. Once camp is in session, we conduct daily meetings with Unit Heads and Area Directors to identify campers who may need additional support. This proactive approach allows us to check in with those who might benefit from extra care.
In addition to direct support, the Community Care Team also provides training to staff on MESSH-related topics, equipping them with tools to recognize and respond to the emotional and social needs of campers in their cabins and activities.
At Camp Sabra, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, seen, and valued. Thanks to our Community Care Team, we are able to offer an extra layer of care that helps make camp a place where all campers and staff can thrive.
KIM HOLTZMAN SLOAN, CampDirector LISA DEUTSCH, Associate Director
BEN PANET, MajorGiftsOfficer
TODD WITZMAN, Caretaker & FacilitiesManager
JOSHUA RUDMAN Assistant Director Programming
JEWEL MCKERCHER OperationsManager
Sabra Scholarships – Supporting the next generation of campers
Thanks to the remarkable generosity of Michael Staenberg, Camp Sabra is excited to introduce $800k worth of new scholarship and grant opportunities that make it possible for more children to experience the magic of Jewish summer camp. These funds will help support campers for the next 10 years!
For 2026, returning campers who received a 2025 One Happy Camper first-year grant are now eligible for Camp Sabra’s own second-year camper grant. This grant is intended to make a second year at Camp Sabra possible to continue building confidence, friendships, and Jewish identity through another unforgettable summer. Campers under this grant can receive $550 for a mini-camp session or $850 for the full session.
We are equally excited to be offering up to 10 tuition-free, need-based scholarships for Summer 2026. These awards are designed to ensure that campers can experience the magic of Camp Sabra — regardless of financial circumstances.
For questions, contact Lisa Deutsch at lisa@campsabra.com or 314-442-3125.
Support Camp Sabra & Dedication Naming Opportunities
Interested in dedicating a special part of camp in honor of a family or loved one? Naming opportunities range from $1,000 - $500k. Capital gifts may be paid over five years.
For questions about supporting Camp Sabra or naming opportunities, please contact Ben Panet, 314.442.3268, bpanet@jccstl.org.
A Camp Sabra Love Story
By Emily Kaplan and Sam Schwartz
We first met back in 2006, when we were both in younger Almagor and younger Ayelet at Camp Sabra. However, our friendship didn’t really begin until Masada in 2010. Then, in 2011 as 17-year-old CITs, we shared a single kiss—only to call it quits a few days later at the tennis courts, much to Sam’s dismay.
Out of all our 10+ summers at camp our favorite summer together was in 2015, when we were both Senior Staff—Emily as the pool director and Sam as the sail director. Sam, ever the prankster, hopped the fence one morning and flipped every single pool chair upside down before breakfast. Emily made him hop right back over and turn them all right-side up before the first focus group. The pranking still hasn’t stopped. We didn’t officially start dating until 2017, after we both graduated college—Emily from Kansas and Sam from Arizona—and found ourselves living in California. Emily was in San Francisco, and Sam was in LA. Just as things were beginning to take shape, Emily moved to Zambia to serve in the Peace Corps for two years. Though we stayed close friends, it wasn’t until she returned to the U.S. in 2020, during the pandemic, that we reconnected and officially started dating.
We’ve been inseparable ever since—and celebrated their wedding on October 11, 2025.
We’re so thankful to our parents for sending us to Camp Sabra. Not only did we meet each other there, but we also made lifelong friends, learned independence at a young age, and discovered a shared love of the outdoors that continues to shape our lives together.
Their Sabra friends went in together to get Emily and Sam an Acre of Sabra, naming an acre of camp for the newlyweds and cementing their journey permanently at camp!
Gershenson Reunion
My time at the alumni reunion instantly brought back the magic of camp, and sharing the experience with my friends and family made it even more special. As a third-generation Sabra camper, camp has always been a constant in my life and something that connects my entire family. It was so much fun being back on the peninsula with my dad and brother sharing stories and simply getting to play at camp together. – Brette Gershenson
The Gershenson family has proudly dedicated 5 benches at Inspiration Point, honoring Caryn & Mark, Corey, Brette, and in loving memory of Harvey and Brad Gershenson. Fun fact: Harvey Gershenson was the very FIRST camper to sign up for Camp Hawthorn!
Camp Sabra Camp Sabra
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 KANSAS CITY, MO
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
HOUSTON, TX
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
DALLAS, TX
MONDAY, JANUARY 19 DENVER, CO
The Brand New Landon Miller Spirit of Sabra Award
This summer, we introduced a new award to honor Landon Miller – a Sabra camper and staff member who completely embodies the spirit and magic of camp.
About Landon
Camp Sabra is my happy place and home away from home! From my first summer as a camper nine years ago to now being a summer staff member, I always look forward to camp!
I love every activity at camp, especially swim dock, but most important to me is seeing all my friends from around the country and all the amazing leaders who run camp! My friends and I stay in touch all year by Facetime and text, and we get together in Dallas when possible for dinner, ice cream, and basketball! I am so grateful for the Camp Sabra people in my life who I know will be lifelong friends!
How Camp Has Impacted Landon
from his Mom, Julie
It is hard to put into words the profound impact that Camp Sabra has had on Landon’s life. Developing independence, increasing confidence, nurturing compassion, and being proudly Jewish are just a few of the significant impacts I have witnessed. However, perhaps the most important thing we love about Camp Sabra is how inclusive camp is. Every camper, staffer, leader gets to just be themself and be loved and accepted for exactly who they are.
Tzelem Elohim, we are all created “in the image of G-d”… we are each unique and precious, and regardless of our individual characteristics we are worthy of respect. This has deep, personal meaning to our family as we have watched the evolution of Landon’s unique, special, and sometimes challenging journey through life.
Because of the difference Camp Sabra has made in Landon’s life, it is our entire family’s love for Camp Sabra that determined that we wanted to make a significant gift to camp, and to create the ‘Landon Miller Spirit of Sabra’ award. We are honored that this award recognizes campers who love life, love people, and love Camp Sabra the way that Landon does!
Congratulations to this year’s deserving recipients!
Kevin S. from Hawaii
Emma F. From Kansas City, MO
Goldie F. from Dallas, TX
Eli R. from Dallas, TX
The Bull Returns!
Brian "Bull" Lurie won last year's raffle for a weekend at camp!
After a couple of years in Golan in the 80’s, several years in Soosim, Masada and then a SCT, I returned in 2003 and 2004 as Golan Unit Head under the leadership of Grizz.
After that I joined Grizz at a summer camp in Buffalo, NY. I did not return to Camp Sabra until this past summer of 2025 after winning a raffle to bring 10 people to camp for a weekend of fun. I brought my family and two other families that have never been to Sabra.
Holy Moly! Things have changed so much! While I am deeply depressed over the cliff jump not being there anymore, I quickly regained my spirits as I started seeing all the new and exciting things at Camp. The fire pit by the office, the new staff lounge, the infirmary, the pool, the pavilion at land sports, the waterslide, and so much more! These kids have it so much easier these days! Lol.
We had a campfire at Inspiration Point that brought back so many memories. My daughter had never been tubing and had the time of her life. We lit Shabbat candles in the dining hall Friday night, the kids played gaga downstairs…. It was all so familiar to me, and so new to them. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I told my daughter about Buddy’s Island, and the staff took her on a boat ride around it. She wanted to spend the night on the island like we did as a camper in Golan! We got to hang out with Todd and visit with him for a while. And we had the best camp food you could ask for!
Everyone was a little taken aback by the hill to the ski dock, but they quickly got over it when they saw all the awesome ski boats and inflatables in the water. The waterslide was a hit for sure too!
We spent several hours at the ropes course. The kids (and adults) were a little scared at first of the zip line, but as they tried it, I think they ended up doing it like 10 times each!
Camp Sabra will always be my home and I am hoping I will convert a few kids to the wonders of Sabra. We shall see next summer!
Thank you to Ben Panet, Josh Mandel, and Janet in the kitchen that took care of us. Everything was wonderful and we all had a fantastic time. Country roads, take me home!
I Belong at Camp Sabra
At sleepaway camp, I feel like I belong because you don’t have to pretend to be somebody you're not and everybody you meet instantly has your back and feels like a true friend.
At camp, I can be me not the Reya that I am at school but the true me.
At my Camp Cabra, you see the wacky sides of people and what they like. You connect with them and you might not have that much in common but one thing you have in common is that you are different, unique, and you.
At lunch, everybody is screaming the cheers at the top of their lungs and one of the most memorable things is the connections as soon as you got off the bus, even though most of the people in your cabins were new to you, you instantly connect and you stay that way for forever and all of them have your back.
The one thing I know about camp is that I belong there.
Sharone Camper Reya D. (Colorado)
Leave Your Trace
Leave Your Trace is a donation-driven program that annually asks for gently used camping gear such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents. The program goal is to eventually have enough equipment for ALL Masada campers!
If you are interested in donating your gently used camping equipment, please contact Josh Rudman at jrduman@campsabra.com
