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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 Sci-Tech Academy: A URJ Summer Camp

    • Address: California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks,
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (424) 387-3764
    • Description: URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech West is the camp curious minds have been waiting for! Campers entering grades 4-10 get to expl ...read moreURJ 6 Points Sci-Tech West is the camp curious minds have been waiting for! Campers entering grades 4-10 get to explore, be curious, perform experiments and test out new technologies in a supportive, vibrant Jewish community. Our campers ask big questions and discover real answers. Located just outside of Los Angeles on the campus of Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, 6 Points Sci-Tech West offers a top-quality educational program along with access to the best and brightest minds in the Jewish science and technology community. Email:[email protected]; Phone: 424-387-3764; Website: https://6pointsscitech.org/west/ read less

    • 6 Points Sports Academy California

    • Address: 1600 Campus Rd. Los Angeles, , 90041
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (310) 912-7335
    • Description: As a Jewish sports camp, URJ 6 Points Sports Academy combines high-level training with all the fun of a traditional ...read moreAs a Jewish sports camp, URJ 6 Points Sports Academy combines high-level training with all the fun of a traditional summer camp. Campers select a sport to “major” in – baseball, basketball, soccer or tennis– and spend 4-5 hrs a day with other Jewish athletes, learning from professional coaches and counselors who are passionate about being Jewish athletes themselves. New for Summer 2017 Session 1 ONLY – competitive swimming, cheer/dance, and softball will be offered as majors. 6 Points is a residential camp located at Occidental College here in LA and there are three 2-week sessions beginning mid-June. Email: [email protected] Web site: https://6pointssports.org/california/ Phone: 310-912-7335 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: Ever since its first year in 1965, Camp Akiba Resident Camp has provided Reform Jewish youth with a unique 12 day su ...read moreEver 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 Be’chol Lashon

    • Address: 1700 Marshall Petaluma Rd Petaluma,
    • Contact Phone: (415) 386-2604
    • Description: Camp Be’chol Lashon is a multicultural Jewish leadership camp that teaches about global Jewish diversity, builds c ...read moreCamp Be’chol Lashon is a multicultural Jewish leadership camp that teaches about global Jewish diversity, builds community leaders, and inspires a love of Judaism. The camp is held at beautiful Walker Creek Ranch in West Marin, an hour north of San Francisco. 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
    • Description: Camp Bob Waldorf is a sleepaway camp for kids entering grades 4 – 12 that fosters growth and development in a fun, ...read moreCamp Bob Waldorf is a sleepaway camp for kids entering grades 4 – 12 that fosters growth and development in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Our program is built upon four core pillars—Community, Inclusion, Identity, and Respect—which campers put into practice each day while they develop new skills and interests, learn to be responsible and thoughtful individuals and make lasting friendships. Join Camp Bob Waldorf for the fun and friendship of camp, either a traditional summer session or one of our weekend retreats. Every summer, Camp Bob Waldorf hosts three sessions for children entering 4th to 10th grades. The cost to attend a summer session is $400* We don’t want cost to prevent any child in our community from experiencing the transformative power of Camp Bob Waldorf. Financial assistance is available to qualified families. We also offer a 10% sibling discount. If you need help affording to send your child to our camp, or you have any other questions, please contact Alba Arzu at [email protected] or 323-456-1152. 1041 Shirlyjean St. Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 957-4900 read less

    • Camp Gesher Summer Camp 2020 (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 9th-12th grades. The programs provide Russian Jewish teens with the skills they need to take a leadership role in all areas of life, in teamwork and camp life. Together we will learn to embrace and overcome challenges, to develop innovative solutions, and to 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 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: Sessions vary. For over 60 years, Camp JCA Shalom has been the “Camp for All Seasons.” Winter, Spring, Summer an ...read moreSessions vary. For over 60 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. Campers also have fun! They participate in a variety of programs and activities daily, they make new and lasting friendships and develop a wealth of new skills and interests. Our campers go home with a lifetime of cherished memories, new skills, and a positive self-image. It is truly an unforgettable experience for all! We will create our Camp JCA magic in the beautiful Angeles National Forest at Gold Creek Center! 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. https://www.campjcashalom.com/blog/summer-2019/ 8955 Gold Creek Rd, Sylmar, CA 91342 read less

    • Camp Mountain Chai

    • Address: San Bernardino National Forest San Bernardino, CA
    • Age Group: 2nd grade through 11th grades
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (858) 499-1330
    • Description: We are a Jewish resident camp located in the San Bernardino Mountains. We help campers gain personal independence, b ...read moreWe are a Jewish resident camp located in the San Bernardino Mountains. We help campers gain personal independence, build self-confidence, make new friends and, of course, have fun. Our program features a 40-foot climbing tower, ropes course, nature, sports, ceramics, arts and crafts, theater, dance, swimming, canoeing, fishing and much more. Special programs include a Maccabiah, 4th of July Carnival, out-of-camp trips, skit nights and talent shows. Campers prepare Shabbat services and we also provide Israel Day and Tisha B'av observance. Our kitchen is kosher. Cabins are heated and include bathrooms and showers. Sessions are 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 weeks. Email: [email protected]; Phone: (858) 499-1330; Office Address: 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego read less

    • Camp Ramah

    • Location: Ojai
    • Address: 385 Fairview Road Ojai, CA, 93023
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (310) 476-8571
    • Description: Ramah summers are packed with a variety of fun, engaging activities, lasting friendships, and meaningful Jewish expe ...read moreRamah 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, and 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: http://www.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 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

    • Habonim Dror 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, 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

    • Havaya Arts Sleep Away Camp

    • Address: Scripps College 1030 N Columbia Ave Claremont, , 91711
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (323) 794-2743
    • Description: Havaya Arts is a high-quality arts and summer camp experience. Here, a vibrant Jewish communal life will enhance art ...read moreHavaya Arts is a high-quality arts and summer camp experience. Here, a vibrant Jewish communal life will enhance art, which in turn enhances Jewish life and identity. Located on the Scripps College campus in southern California, campers will learn from working artists who are also comfortable teaching to a variety of levels, providing a truly youth-centered experience. Campers choose from one of our four core art studios (Visual Art, Music, Dance/Movement, and Theater) during each of our two-week sessions. Electives will allow young artists to continue working in their core studio or to explore another discipline. With access to various studios and outdoor spaces, campers and staff have all the tools and inspiration possible right at their fingertips. Whether they go deeply into their chosen art form or they try something for the first time, campers will grow as intentional artists and amazing human beings. For more information, please contact Julianne Schwartz, Camp Director, at 833-HAV-ARTS | direct: 323-794-2743 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.

    • Kibbutz Bob Waldorf Summer Program

    • Address: 1041 Shirlyjean St Glendale, CA, 91208
    • Age Group: 4th-12th grade
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (818) 957-4900
    • Description: Kibbutz Bob Waldorf is a non-denominational Jewish sleepaway camp for kids entering grades 4 – 12 that fosters gro ...read moreKibbutz Bob Waldorf is a non-denominational Jewish sleepaway camp for kids entering grades 4 – 12 that fosters growth and development in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Our program is built upon four core pillars—Community (Kehillah), Inclusion (Keshet), Identity (Atzmi), and Respect (Kavod)—which campers put into practice each day while they develop new skills and interests, learn to be responsible and thoughtful individuals, and make lasting friendships. Session 1: June 20th-July 1st, 2019 Session 2: July 3rd-14th, 2019 https://campbobwaldorf.org/summer-camps/kibbutz/ read less

    • 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

    • Tzofim Chetz V'Keshet Summer Israel Camp Program

    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (212) 390-8130 ext. 309
    • Description: June 25 - July 21, 2020 Chetz V'Keshet has been bringing teenagers who finished 9th -12th grade from all over ...read moreJune 25 - July 21, 2020 Chetz V'Keshet has been bringing teenagers who finished 9th -12th grade from all over the world to Israel for a 4-week summer program since 1981. Our teens experience Israel's culture, heritage, language, and society as they tour the beautiful country. We hike, bike, swim and travel all across Israel while learning about its people and rich history. Each participant engages in several volunteer activities and completes up to 40 hours of community service during the program. During Gadna week, our participants will get to experience hands-on army training and educational activities with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commanders. This year, you can also earn 3 college credits if eligible and accepted to our dual enrollment program. What makes Chetz V'Keshet truly unique is our Israeli participants--25% of our participants are Israelis who are members of the Israeli Tzofim youth movement. Our counselors are all Israelis who are fluent in English, have completed their army services and mastered our intensive training course. Website: http://www.israelscouts.org/chetz-vkeshet Contact Info: Orlie, Director, 212-390-8130 ext. 309 read less

    • URJ Camp Newman

    • Address: 200 Maritime Academy Dr, Vallejo, , 94590
    • Contact Phone: (415) 392-7080
    • Description: At URJ Camp Newman, we’re building a foundation for a vibrant Jewish life. Guided by experienced staff and Jewish ...read moreAt URJ Camp Newman, we’re building a foundation for a vibrant Jewish life. Guided by experienced staff and Jewish professionals, we offer 25 traditional and specialty summer sessions from 9 days to 8 weeks at the beautiful bay-side campus of Cal Maritime. Our Jewish overnight camp empowers children and teens to better themselves, their communities and the world. 3rd-12th graders choose from an abundant mix of fun activities, experience the magic of Judaism and Shabbat, build friendships that last a lifetime – and have a TON of fun! Since 1947, the URJ Camp Newman community has impacted the lives of over 100,000 children, teens, and adults. Year after year, our campers return to renew the strong bonds of friendship they build here. Our hope is to provide each and every camper with a meaningful and memorable experience. Read on to see how we do it! Website: https://campnewman.org/summer-camp/ read less

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

    • Address: 1 University Dr, Camarillo, CA, 93012
    • Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Contact Phone: (213) 388-2401
    • Description: See the website for more dates. If you ask campers what their favorite part of camp is, they’ll tell you it’s th ...read moreSee the website for more dates. 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, and we’re excited to bring those same values and traditions into a new space on the scenic campus of CSU Channel Islands. Same caring, silly counselors. Same warm, inclusive culture. For more information visit our website at http://go.wbtcamps.org/. 1 University Dr, Camarillo, CA 93012 read less