Jewish Camp

For many Jewish families, children attending Jewish summer camp is a key element of development of their Jewish identity. Particularly for those living in areas of low Jewish density, it is an opportunity to “do Jewish” in community 24 hours a day.

A child who may be the only Jewish student in his or her class and one of a few in the whole school can have an immersive Jewish experience in the summer. Children learn a measure of independence living away from their parents in a safe and enjoyable environment. Fun camp activities develop a Jewish twist. Friendships formed at camp are often long lasting and allow children to learn about other communities and other places.

Jewish camps are run by all the major Jewish movements as well as independent camp operators. There are several high quality Jewish camps in New Hampshire and many more elsewhere in New England, making visiting the camps to make a selection quite achievable. The Reconstructionist Movement’s Camp JRF in Pennsylvania is also a very high quality and popular choice.

More information on the benefits of Jewish camp can be found here at: JewishCamp/Why Camp. Because camp is so important, a variety of sources offer financial support to Jewish families wanting to send their children to Jewish camp.

• The Foundation for Jewish Camp offers the One Happy Camper program, which provides support for the first year. In New Hampshire this program is administered by the Jewish Foundation of New Hampshire. See JewishCamp/Awesome Camps for more information.
• The Annebelle and Arnold Cohen Camperships offer reduced fees at the Cohen Camps – privately owned Jewish camps in New Hampshire. Camperships are awarded based on need. For more information on the Cohen Camps and the camper-ship programs, see: Cohen Camps/Let Us Help.
• The Kapiloff family has generously provided for CAA members wishing to send their children to Jewish camp through the Kapiloff Camp fund. These camperships are administered through the CAA office and preference is given to first time campers. Call the CAA office at 603 352-6747 for more information.