It is no secret that it grows increasingly difficult to imbue and grow a deep-seated and profound sense of Jewish Self in young people; especially when such a seemingly rich, exciting and constantly growing spectrum of distraction continually presents itself.

At camp, Jewish values, connection to Israel, and the culture of Judaism are entwined into every aspect of daily activity. Young people are given the opportunity to build relationships among one another based on all the ideals of adolescence, while being interwoven with the common experience of being Jewish. All the while, exploring what their Judaism means to them in a shared, nurturing, and healthy environment. Camp is an inviting and warm community where Jewish families regardless of their levels of affiliation, practice, or year- round engagement can offer their children the chance to experience some form of Jewish community that is not overwhelming or foreign.

Children with moving and pivotal Jewish experiences are likely to become adults who value and feel pride in their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities. More support to the Jewish summer camp movement will help secure the continuity of the Jewish people. Jewish camp alumni are 50% more likely to join a synagogue, 90% more likely to join a JCC and twice as likely to give $100 or more to their local Federation than Jewish adults who never went to Jewish camp.