Jewish summer camp not only offers children the independence, fun and skill development of regular camp but also provides for living in a Jewish community, for several weeks with no outside influences. Jewish camp offers a space where being Jewish, doing Jewish and talking about Judaism is the norm, what everyone is doing, what is cool. Attending a Jewish overnight camp helps develop Jewish habits.
Camp Works: The Long-Term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp shares the following insight:
Adults who attended Jewish overnight camps were
21% more likely to feel that being Jewish is very important
55% more likely to be emotionally attached to Israel
45% more likely to attend synagogue at least once a month
375 more likely to regularly lights Shabbat candles
For the full report: http://www.jewishcamp.org/static/website/uploads/Camp_Works_for_Web.pdf
Along with synagogue attendance, religious education, youth group experiences and home practices, Jewish overnight camps leads to committed and dedicated adult Jews. Adults who know about their Judaism and care about it.
We are having a Jewish camp fair next Sunday, Nov. 16th from 11:30-12:30. Come learn about some excellent area Jewish overnight camps. I am happy to speak with families about camp. I have visited three of our areas most popular camps and worked in Jewish overnight camps for five summers.
