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Sleep Away Camp - Summer

Jewish camp weaves Jewish values, culture, and traditions into the fabric of camp, helping campers to connect to their own identity and the larger Jewish community. Spirited and dynamic staff members use experiential learning to reveal what makes Jewish religion and culture so unique in today's world. At camp, Jewish and Israeli culture is celebrated through song, food, art, and dance.

Each camp designs its own program to be accessible and enjoyable for all campers. Whether they’re telling stories in their bunks, learning about the environment, or playing tennis, campers explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment.
The impact of Jewish camp is immediate—campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities.
(Foundation for Jewish Camp)

    • 6 Points Sports Academy North Carolina

    • Address: 360 Asheville School Road Ashville, , 28806
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (561) 208-1650
    • Description: At 6 Points Sports Academy, young Jewish athletes from across +33 states and 7 countries participate in a unique cam ...read moreAt 6 Points Sports Academy, young Jewish athletes from across +33 states and 7 countries participate in a unique camping experience that combines professional sports coaching and the beloved traditions of Reform Jewish camping. Our programs are open to athletes entering grades 4 through 12. Campers feed their passion for sports at 6 Points and strengthen their identity as Jewish athletes! Our unique approach to Jewish education promotes Jewish identity-building throughout the course of each day. Our campers not only improve their athletic abilities, they build self-confidence, strong connections to their peers, and grow into proud Jewish athletes. At 6 Points we: Develop athletic skills through intensive training with top-level coaches in state-of-the-art facilities. Embrace Judaism through our seamlessly integrated Jewish Values education program. Foster connections by providing a safe, comfortable environment in which to have fun. Build self-confidence by setting goals, challenging, encouraging each other, and celebrating our successes. Create the next generation of proud Jewish Athletes! read less

    • Camp Akiba

    • Address: 2400 Highway 154 Santa Barbara, CA
    • Age Group: 2nd to 11th grades
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (310) 398-5783 x238
    • Description: Sunday, July 24th - Sunday, August 7th Ever since its first year in 1965, Camp Akiba Resident Camp has provided Ref ...read moreSunday, July 24th - Sunday, August 7th Ever since its first year in 1965, Camp Akiba Resident Camp has provided Reform Jewish youth with a unique 12-day summer opportunity - always filled with expected traditions mixed with new, creative programming from our home-grown and trained Akiba Staff! For over 50 years, Temple Akiba has offered a rich and rewarding camping experience to children ages 7 to 15. The program includes hiking, swimming, music, drama, sports, arts and crafts, nature, and a wide variety of other creative activities. The camp provides a strong Jewish foundation for children of all ages. First-time campers, as well as the most experienced campers, come away with a warm, wonderful commitment to their Jewish heritage and a special appreciation for the outdoors. read less

    • Camp Alonim

    • Location: Simi Valley
    • Address: 1101 Peppertree Lane Brandeis, CA, 93064
    • Age Group: 2nd through 11th grades
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (877) 225-6646
    • Description: Camp Alonim is a pluralistic Jewish summer camp, which strives to spark a love for Jewish culture, tradition, and co ...read moreCamp Alonim is a pluralistic Jewish summer camp, which strives to spark a love for Jewish culture, tradition, and community in our campers by exposing them to a multitude of ways to be Jewish. We see every activity we offer as a "gateway," starting with activities children already enjoy, showing them how they might be Jewish, or serve as gateways to Jewish connections. Our activities include Israeli dance, robotics, mountain biking, archery, cooking, hiking, gardening, basketball, horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, music, rock wall/adventure course, and photography! Email: [email protected]; Phone: (877) 225-6646; Address: 1101 Peppertree Lane, Brandeis, CA 93064; Website: https://www.alonim.com/ read less

    • Camp BBYO

    • Age Group: Current Grades: 8–9
    • Description: Camp BBYO is for members currently in 8th and 9th grade who are looking for a super fun immersion into the very best ...read moreCamp BBYO is for members currently in 8th and 9th grade who are looking for a super fun immersion into the very best of BBYO. Participants will enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including sports, swimming, music, art, and more. You’ll form new friendships, explore your Jewish values with beautiful Shabbat celebrations under the stars, and enjoy a much-needed opportunity to be in the great outdoors with friends. One of the most unique and well-loved aspect of Camp BBYO is the "Big-Little" program, which will be done this year in partnership with our CLTC program, and allows younger members to bond with Alephs and BBGs from across the Order and form connections that will carry them through high school and beyond. read less

    • Camp Be’chol Lashon

    • Address: 5059 Carol Lane Valley Springs, Ca, , 95252
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (415) 386-2604
    • Description: Session 1: July 12 – July 19 Session 2: July 19 – July 26 Session 1 & 2: July 12 – July 26 Camp Be’ch ...read moreSession 1: July 12 – July 19 Session 2: July 19 – July 26 Session 1 & 2: July 12 – July 26 Camp Be’chol Lashon is for campers ages 8-18, with special leadership opportunities for ages 15-18. Campers come from all over the United States and around the world. Camp Be’chol Lashon is the only summer camp focused on Jews as a multicultural people. While ALL children are invited to be part of a global Jewish community, Camp Be’chol Lashon provides ethnically and racially diverse Jews with an opportunity to see themselves as an integral part of the Jewish people. read less

    • Camp Bob Waldorf

    • Location: Glendale
    • Address: 1041 Shirlyjean St. Glendale, CA
    • Age Group: current 3rd-11th graders
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (818) 957-4900
    • Description: Owned and operated by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Bob Waldorf offers one 12-day Jewish Cultural Session fo ...read moreOwned and operated by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Bob Waldorf offers one 12-day Jewish Cultural Session for youth currently in 3rd – 11th grade that fosters growth and development in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Youth participate in classic camp activities such as archery, rock climbing, swimming, horseback riding, rope courses, farm-to-table cooking, gardening, hiking, arts and crafts, etc.…while simultaneously engaging in Jewish cultural activities such as, Shabbat celebrations, Israeli Dancing, traditional Jewish songs, crafts, cooking, stories and more. Learn more about us at https://campbobwaldorf.org/ 1041 Shirlyjean St. Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 957-4900 read less

    • Camp Gesher Summer Camp 2022 (for kids who come from Russian speaking families)

    • Address: 8955 Gold Creek Rd. Sylmar, CA
    • Age Group: entering 3rd grades - 12th grades
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: WHERE Gold Creek Center, the summer 2019
    • Description: (Campers entering 3rd-10th grade) CITs (entering 11th and 12th grade) CAMP GESHEЯ is the only overnight camp on t ...read more(Campers entering 3rd-10th grade) CITs (entering 11th and 12th grade) CAMP GESHEЯ is the only overnight camp on the West Coast designed especially for campers from Russian-speaking Jewish families. CAMP GESHEЯ partners with Camp JCA Shalom and Shalom Institute with their over 65 years of excellence in Jewish camping. For Children entering 3rd-8th grades from Russian-speaking Jewish families Teens entering 9th-10th grades can participate in our LIT (Leadership-in-Training) program! Teens entering 11th-12th grades can participate in our CIT (Counselor-in-Training program) The LIT and CIT programs at Camp GesheЯ are leadership training programs designed for our new and returning campers entering the 9th-12th grades. The programs provide Russian Jewish teens with the skills they need to take a leadership role in all areas of life, teamwork, and camp life. Together we will learn to embrace and overcome challenges, develop innovative solutions, and lead and contribute to the community of camp, and beyond. This is an excellent “pre-job” experience for any teen! In the future, alumni of LIT and CIT programs will learn to become a counselor for our camp. At Gold Creek Center, the summer 2019 home of Camp JCA Shalom, in the beautiful Angeles National Forest. For more information call: Elena Gogolev at (818) 455-2616 or email: [email protected] read less

    • Camp Gilboa

    • Address: 8339 West 3rd Street Bluff Lake/Big Bear, CA, 90048
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (323) 653-6772
    • Description: Gilboa (the West Coast chapter of Habonim Dror North America) offers a truly unique, vibrant, and educational Jewish ...read moreGilboa (the West Coast chapter of Habonim Dror North America) offers a truly unique, vibrant, and educational Jewish year-round youth movement and summer camping experience for children aged 9 to 17. Children happily absorb the ideals of the Habonim Dror youth movement: sharing, inclusiveness, creativity, and responsibility to the community in both the year-round activities and at sleep-away camp in the summer. Our year-round programming focuses on Tikkun Olam, Jewish identity, and Israel education. Each month, kids from all around Los Angeles gather to celebrate Jewish Holidays, engage in Tikkun Olam projects, and just have fun! Children gain a complete summer camp experience of recreation and informal learning in an Israeli kibbutz-style atmosphere at our lake-front site in Big Bear, CA. Activities include archery, kayaking, swimming, sports, hiking, music, dance, and arts and crafts. Shabbat is celebrated with special activities, and Hebrew is introduced into everyday camp life. Our campers return year after year, developing leadership qualities and a love of Israel. Camp Location: Bluff Lake/Big Bear; Contact Person: Dalit Shlapobersky; Email: [email protected]; Phone: (323) 653-6772; Website: http://www.campgilboa.org read less

    • Camp JCA Shalom

    • Address: 8955 Gold Creek Rd. Sylmar, CA, 91342
    • Age Group: 2nd - 12th grades
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (818) 889-5500
    • Description: Mini camps and teen camps are also available. Check the website for more dates. For almost 70 years, Camp JCA Sh ...read moreMini camps and teen camps are also available. Check the website for more dates. For almost 70 years, Camp JCA Shalom has been the “Camp for All Seasons.” Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, thousands of campers and staff experience the magic of Camp JCA Shalom. Camp’s vision of Tikkun Olam – creating a better world – is fulfilled through a positive Jewish living experience in the natural setting of the Shalom Institute. In our warm and supportive environment, campers experience living, learning, and playing in a group setting that encourages personal growth and self-discovery. We will create our Camp JCA magic in the beautiful Angeles National Forest at Gold Creek Center! The camp staff has been thorough and tenacious in search of the best location and Gold Creek Center is ideal for us. The beautiful, natural setting has the camp vibe we are used to. We will be able to maintain our cabin-centered approach to the camp experience with cabin-like housing units (that are air-conditioned and have attached bathrooms and showers!). Campers will experience the same Camp JCA Shalom culture and community that leads to making great friendships and experiencing life-changing moments. Camp remains a safe place for your child to grow and learn and have fun. The campus is secure on a private mountain road and we will not be sharing the site with another group as in most of the other locations that were considered. We will have security on-site as we did in Malibu. Gold Creek Center is beautifully tucked away at the foot of the magnificent mountains of the Angeles National Forest, just 20-30 minutes from the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, and Santa Clarita and less than 45 minutes from the Conejo Valley and West Los Angeles. The 270+ acres include a pool, ball fields, basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), air-conditioned indoor program spaces, and the activities and fun you are used to from camp in Malibu. The site allows us to do the activities our campers love – gaga, ropes course, arts and crafts (tie-dye!), “Jamba Jews” bike blenders, archery, gardening, water activities, pioneer living, outdoor cooking, nature walks, beach trips, overnights, mountain biking, horse and animal experiences, Israeli dance and Israel programming, song sessions, Shabbat services, and so much more! Our chef Jorge and his kitchen staff will be with us all summer, along with Robbo and our top-notch counselors and specialists. 8955 Gold Creek Rd, Sylmar, CA 91342 read less

    • Camp JCA Shalom Pod Cast - The Circe Game

    • Description: The Circle Game The Circle Game is a podcast about summer camp stories, what makes camp magical, and how that magic ...read moreThe Circle Game The Circle Game is a podcast about summer camp stories, what makes camp magical, and how that magic influences our lives in the real world. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher. read less

    • Camp Ramah

    • Location: Ojai
    • Address: 385 Fairview Road Ojai, CA, 93023
    • Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (310) 476-8571
    • Description: Session 1 (Rising 4th-11th Grade) June 15 - July 10 Gesher Aleph (Rising 3rd/4th) June 15 - June 26 Gesher Bet ( ...read moreSession 1 (Rising 4th-11th Grade) June 15 - July 10 Gesher Aleph (Rising 3rd/4th) June 15 - June 26 Gesher Bet (Rising 4th/5th) June 28 - July 10 Session 2 (Rising 4th-11th Grade) July 13 - August 7 Gesher Gimel (Rising 3rd/4th) July 13 - July 24 Gesher Dalet (Rising 4th/5th) July 26 - August 7 Ramah summers are packed with a variety of fun, engaging activities, lasting friendships, and meaningful Jewish experiences. Activities include aquatics, media production, arts and crafts, cooking, hiking, ropes course, Israeli dance, Jewish music, drama, and overnights. Our sports program includes almost every sport, from basketball to soccer to volleyball to tennis and ga-ga...to an all-camp Maccabiah! Jewish learning is another important part of a summer at Ramah. Israeli culture, history, and language come alive at camp in a spirit unique to Ramah. Jewish values underlie a concern for each individual and the development of a spirited and warm community. A program is also available for campers with special developmental needs. It's an experience that will last a lifetime! Contact: [email protected] Phone: (310) 476-8571; Address: Ojai, CA ; Website: https://ramah.org/ read less

    • Camp Tawonga

    • Address: Camp in Tuolumne County Groveland, CA, 95321
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (415) 543-2267
    • Description: Camp Tawonga is a co-ed residential camp located just outside Yosemite National Park on the beautiful Tuolumne River ...read moreCamp Tawonga is a co-ed residential camp located just outside Yosemite National Park on the beautiful Tuolumne River. Our mission of self-esteem, community, appreciation for nature, and fostering a positive Jewish identity is woven through all our programs. We are committed to a group-centered camping philosophy, giving counselors freedom to focus on the minute-to-minute and day-to-day experiences of each camper and of their bunk as a whole, while program specialists use their skills to lead a wide array of activities. In addition, each bunk backpacks in Yosemite National Park or the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest and spends a day on the Challenge Course, core programs which underscore this group-centered approach. read less

    • Gan Yisroel West Sleep Away Camp

    • Address: 56887 Shinn Cabin Lane North Fork, , 93643
    • Description: Located on the 92-acre gorgeous campground on Manzanita Lake, North Fork, California at the Siderman Family Camp and ...read moreLocated on the 92-acre gorgeous campground on Manzanita Lake, North Fork, California at the Siderman Family Camp and Conference Center. Children from all over California come to Gan Yisroel West to become a part of our vibrant community, which keeps on growing. When we ask our campers if they plan to return, 100% of them say, “You bet!”. The variety of projects, trips and overnights are just a part of the big fun and the amazing activities. And most importantly, our children breathe in a love for Yiddishkeit and Chassidus that lasts a lifetime. read less

    • Jewish Free Loan Camperships

    • Description: JFLA now gives $5,000 in interest-free loans per child for Camperships and no guarantor is required.

    • Moshava Alevy Summer Camp in Running Springs, California

    • Address: 3500 Seymour Road Running Springs, , 92382
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (855) 667-4282
    • Description: Bnei Akiva of Los Angeles is a West Coast Orthodox Zionist movement that engages youth, family, and community in yea ...read moreBnei Akiva of Los Angeles is a West Coast Orthodox Zionist movement that engages youth, family, and community in year-round programs to develop a strong relationship to Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and the values of Torah V'Avoda. Kaytana is for boys and girls completing 2nd-3rd grade who aren’t ready for our full session, but want the excitement of being in camp. This program is specially geared for our youngest campers with an emphasis on the activities they enjoy, with age appropriate staff and supervision. Machane is for boys and girls completing 3rd-8th grade. Machane includes a full session of activities, sports, educational programming, color war, ruach and everything else you expect to find at a Moshava camp. Machal, which stands for Machane Chalutzi, is a camp of pioneers and the capstone program of a Moshava camp. For boys and girls completing 9th grade, Machal involves a leadership training seminar with hiking, sleeping outdoors, trips and bonding in the wilderness. read less

    • One Happy Camper Incentive Grants

    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (323) 761-8245
    • Description: Your first-time camper may be eligible for a One Happy Camper grant of up to $1000! Eligibility criteria for first- ...read moreYour first-time camper may be eligible for a One Happy Camper grant of up to $1000! Eligibility criteria for first-time* campers $1,000 grant for campers enrolled for 19+ consecutive days $700 grant for campers enrolled for 12-18 consecutive days Must be entering grades 2-12 (after camp) Do not attend Jewish day school or yeshiva (Why is that?) Attending a nonprofit, Jewish, overnight camp in California *Only campers who have never attended camp for any period of time are eligible for first-time camper grants. One Happy Camper is not a scholarship program. Grants are not based on financial need. A child can only receive one grant that is affiliated with the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s One Happy Camper program. This includes, but is not limited to, the PJ (Library) Goes to Camp – One Happy Camper program, the Harold Grinspoon Western Massachusetts camp incentive program, and/or the various community-based and camp-sponsored One Happy Camper programs. Contact Person: Natasha Tobin Email: [email protected] Phone: (323) 761-8245 Website: https://www.jewishcamp.org/one-happy-camper/ read less

    • URJ 6 Points West (formerly known as URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech West

    • Address: Scripps College Claremont,
    • Age Group: 3rd grade - 12th grade
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (424) 387-3764
    • Description: URJ 6 Points West Specialty Camps is the camp that curious & creative minds have been waiting for! Campers enter ...read moreURJ 6 Points West Specialty Camps is the camp that curious & creative minds have been waiting for! Campers entering grades 3-12 spend 12 days on the campus of Scripps College in Claremont, CA, just east of Los Angeles, exploring their passions within two separate tracks. The Sci-Tech track offers robotics, video game design, Doctors-In-Training. The Arts track offers Visual Arts and Theater. 6 Points West is a warm, Jewish setting where campers make friends who share their passions. Throughout their experience, campers explore what Judaism means to them and how it can be a doorway to connect to their interests. All the fun, friendship and identity building of Jewish summer camp with the focus and activities that these kids love the most. read less

    • URJ Camp Newman

    • Address: 4088 Porter Creek Rd. Santa Rosa, , 95404
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (415) 392-7080
    • Description: Here at Camp Newman, we work together year-round to build a community of acceptance, where we role model positive be ...read moreHere at Camp Newman, we work together year-round to build a community of acceptance, where we role model positive behaviors, and acknowledge that each and every member of the community is vital and important. We live by the value of b’tzelem Elohim, which reminds us that each of us is created in the image of God meaning that each person at camp has a specific set of needs, wants, feelings, hopes, and dreams. read less

    • Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps: Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop

    • Address: Buckhorn Camp Idyllwild, CA
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (213) 388-2401
    • Description: We’re so excited to announce that both Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp (clap clap) will be at Buckhorn ...read moreWe’re so excited to announce that both Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp (clap clap) will be at Buckhorn Camp in Idyllwild, CA again for Summer 2022! If you ask campers what their favorite part of camp is, they’ll tell you it’s the lifelong friendships and community (and maybe the grilled cheese). The strength of our camp family has sustained us for almost 70 years. Same caring, silly counselors. A same warm, inclusive culture. For more information visit our website at .https://www.wbtcamps.org/ read less

    • Young Judea Gesher Tel Yehudah

    • Description: ‍ Built for rising high school seniors, Gesher TY gives you the best of camp in a short time. Whether you have be ...read more‍ Built for rising high school seniors, Gesher TY gives you the best of camp in a short time. Whether you have been to Tel Yehudah before or not, our “build-your-own” summer options, like Tracks and Z’man Bechira, will give you the opportunity to design your day with multiple focuses in mind. Tracks like arts, sports, peer leadership and more allow you to find an area of interestfor you to dive deeper with. We will also explore pillars of Tel Yehudah such as Israel, social action and peer leadership. And, of course, we can’t forget the BEST traditional camp experiences like activities with your bunk, rikud (Israeli dance), special days in camp, time to just chill with you rold and new friends, and camp-wide events! Oh and did we mention the chance to be a Maccabia CAPTAIN?! read less