CARE a VAN Teen Summer with a Purpose

June 11-21, 2023 room. “We’re excited to be able to bring more artists in residence as well as purchase new equipment — enabling us to bring back this very popular activity for all age groups,” said Slaton.

HAVE FUN WHILE VOLUNTEERING UP THE COAST OF SAN FRANCISCO!

Teens will earn nearly 40 hours of community service while making memories of a lifetime! Filled with fun adventures, new sights, friendships and more, CAREaVAN has been a teen-favorite summer trip for 20+ years!

There are also new housing options for campers. Last summer, in partnership with Keshet, an organization that works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families, Camp Newman offered several all-gender housing options for specific age groups.

Slaton said that for more than a decade, Camp Newman has been committed to creating a true space of belonging for each and every person, ensuring camp is a gender-inclusive and expansive space, and housed campers and staff based on their gender identity and where they felt most comfortable.

“This opportunity enabled both campers and staff who feel most comfortable in an all-gender space — whether they are nonbinary, transgender or an ally — to have a housing option at camp that deepened the feeling of belonging. We’re excited to continue offering this option, along with a male and female housing option, for sessions with campers in seventh to 12th grade.”

The tents or cabins are created based on interest and age group and are opt-in, which means families indicate their housing preference upon registration. Staff for all-gender housing receive additional train- ing to ensure campers are supported and can co-create a living space that feels truly comfortable, with communal norms and expectations, grounded in Jewish values.

SINCE 2017, THANKS TO THE INCREDIBLE AND GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AND STATE OF CALIFORNIA, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO REIMAGINE OUR SITE WITH BOTH FUNCTIONAL AND ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES IN MIND.

“The process of creating a brit kehillah (community covenant) is one that every cabin at camp creates,” said Slaton. “All campers have access to single-stall, allgender bathrooms throughout camp, along with private showers and changing space.”

In addition to summer camp, Camp Newman holds events throughout the year, including family weekends and family camp. They are hosting open houses for new campers on Jan. 15 and Feb. 19. JN For more information, visit campnewman.org.