Ensuring a Vibrant Jewish Future: Jewish Summer Camps
THE JEWISH FEDERATION’S COMMITMENT TO SECURING A VIBRANT JEWISH FUTURE
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia annually invests over $61 million in the local community, in Israel and elsewhere around the world, supporting three pillars: Caring for Those in Need Locally, Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future.
As part of the commitment to Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future, the Jewish Federation upholds the value of l'dor v'dor, from generation to generation. The Jewish Federation believes in the importance of Jewish continuity by passing along the traditions and the resiliency of those before us. The organization aims to create a vibrant Jewish future by investing in a strong, diverse and proud Greater Philadelphia Jewish community today with empowered leaders for tomorrow. In enacting this vision, the Jewish Federation hosts opportunities and funds programs, institutions and camps that provide spaces for the local community to connect with each other and to their Jewish heritage.
SUPPORTING THE CAMP EXPERIENCE
The Jewish Federation remains a strong advocate for and funder of Jewish day and overnight camps. These summer experiences play a crucial role in children’s development by providing a welcoming environment where campers can connect with Jewish role models, build lasting friendships and strengthen their Jewish identities.
To make these experiences accessible and safe, the Jewish Federation provides funding to in-state Jewish day and overnight camps and trains staff on security protocols.
Long-Term Benefits
Studies show that children who attend Jewish summer camp are more likely to become adults who value their heritage, are more engaged in their communities, and support more Jewish causes throughout their lives.
Jewish Camp Builds Jewish Identity
As adults, campers are:
Jewish Camp Builds Jewish Identity
As adults, campers are:
Jewish Camp Builds Jewish Leadership
1 out of 3
Jewish professionals (rabbis, cantors, teachers) started out as counselors at Jewish camp.
Rising Cost
1 out of 5
Jewish educators cited Jewish Camp as a key experienCe that Caused them to enter the Field.
7 out of 10
Young Jewish leaders in their 20s and 30s attended Jewish summer Camp.
With the cost of attending Jewish camps increasing each year, financial support is essential to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative impact of a summer at camp. Prior to summer 2024, overnight camps saw about 30% increase in the amount of financial aid requests from families.* Camp tuition at both day and overnight camps continues to increase by 5% at day camp and by 3% at overnight camp.*
Average Cost of Camp 2023*
Cost of Camp 2023*
*According to Foundation for Jewish Camp trend report NE region
HOW THE JEWISH FEDERATION HELPS
The Jewish Federation helps children attend Jewish camp in two ways.
Income-Based
The Jewish Federation offers financial aid to reduce families' barriers to sending their children to camp. Camps receive this funding as a block grant to distribute to their campers in need. Funding is available for in-state Jewish day and overnight camps where the dollars are distributed to low- and moderate-income families.
First Time Campers
One Happy Camper provides grants of up to $1,000 to families with children attending Jewish overnight camps for the first time. Not based on financial need, the Jewish Federation directly distributes these grants to individual families in effort to help campers build their Jewish identities.
$560,000
In need-based aid and scholarships to 45 camps for kids to attend Jewish summer camp in 2024
$104,000+
Distributed by the Jewish Federation in One Happy Camper scholarships for summer 2024
$83,500
Allocated to camps through the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) Fund for security upgrades in FY24
380+
Camp staff received security training at 7 Jewish camps before the start of the summer 2024 season
HOW YOU CAN HELP
With your support, the Annual Campaign allows the Jewish Federation to continue funding camp scholarships that provide pivotal experiences for children to explore their Jewish identities in safe, nurturing and fun environments. Your investment in the next generation inspires campers to cherish their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes and become future leaders in our community.
“Thanks to their time at Pinemere, my children made new friends, gained independence and felt more connected to Judaism.”
- Parent of Josh, 13, and Michael 11, first-time campers and recipients of Jewish Federation-funded camp scholarships
The support and bonding my children, nieces and nephews received at Camp Harlam has been an antidote to some tough stuff and we can’t thank the camp enough. It was one of the happiest places on earth to heal emotional wounds.”
– Lisa Schreiber
After a family tragedy left Lisa's nieces and nephews under her care, she was able to secure scholarships from Camp Harlam — a Jewish Federation supported camp — to send the children there for three incredible summers where they were able to begin emotionally healing and form lifelong friendships.
“Thanks to the Jewish Federation’s emergency training, we have a fresh perspective on our camp’s safety protocols. Our camp becomes a 24/7 home for our campers and staff, and trainings like these allow us to continue this mission so that they can enjoy full Jewish freedom and exploration.”
- Benjy Goldberg, director of operations and retreats for Camp Ramah
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.