It’s summertime, and kids going to Jewish day camps want to have fun. They swim, participate in sports and engage in arts and craft projects. They enjoy playing and spending time with friends, both new and old.
At the same time, in Jewish day camps, there have often been Israel-related activities. In summer camp, the emphasis is on making these activities light-hearted and enjoyable for campers and staff.
Area day camps had many Israel-related activities even before Oct. 7, 2023, so they have not needed to add more programming since then. They have just continued to emphasize the connection to Israel through a wide variety of fun and meaningful activities.
Beth Tfiloh Camps
At Beth Tfiloh Camps in Reisterstown, Maryland, over 700 campers have fun-filled days. The slogan for the camps is “A great place for kids to grow.” Camp Director Emily Levin
explains that the BT Camps have always fostered deep ties to Israel. Every day, all campers and staff participate in a come-together ritual. Both the American and Israeli flags are raised. Campers recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing Hatikvah.
The camps hold an Israel Day every summer, during which kids wear the colors of Israel, blue and white, and participate in Israel-themed activities, such as mock archaeological digs.
The camps also host Israeli shlichim, who provide authentic experiences for campers in Israeli culture. This allows kids to experience Israel through the eyes of people who live there every day. The shlichim take home letters written to IDF soldiers by the campers.
Levin adds, “Through these moments, both large and small, the love and pride we share for Israel is deeply felt and beautifully expressed throughout the summer.”
J Camps: JCC-Sponsored Day Camps in Owings Mills
With over 1,100 campers, some of whom are not Jewish, the J Camps have always made Israel a central part of camp programming. Emily Stern, chief program officer for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, says, “Fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism through exposure and education by having and creating positive experiences” is a significant goal of the program. Since approximately 30% of campers are not Jewish, J Camps provides education for all campers to take back into their schools.
Stern also says that J Camps are guided by Jewish values. J Camps inspires its community to foster meaningful memories and lifelong relationships in a fun and safe place. She and her staff want the Israeli education they provide to focus on “more joys and less oyes.”
Thanks to a generous grant from the Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore and in partnership with the J Life Team, J Camps also brings in Israeli shlichim. These ambassadors help infuse Israeli culture, music and dance into camp activities. There is also an annual Israel Day.
The emphasis is on bringing joy to campers in their relationships with Israel.
Chizuk Amuno CA Camps, Baltimore
Every day at CA Camps, campers, counselors and staff meet for a Boker Tov session. During that time, everyone says the Pledge of Allegiance and sings Hatikvah, starting the day with great energy and connection to Israel.
According to Robyn Wolf, the CA camp director, “Here at CA camps, it is important for us to connect with Israel through our staffing, programming and ongoing hands-on experience.” The connection is strengthened by the incorporation of a Hebrew word for the week. For example, a recent word was “mishpacha” — family.
CA camps also have two shlichim from Israel. They assist with various activities in the camp week, adding a touch of Israel to everything they do. Some of these activities include Israeli dance, cooking and food.
There is a community garden at Chizuk Amuno Congregation, and campers have planted some of the plants brought to America by the shlichim.
During the annual Israel Week, the staff builds a model Israeli shuk (market). Kids get to use shekels to buy items in the shuk. Campers get to bake and eat pita, sing Israeli songs and create artwork with an Israeli theme.
Paula K. Minsk is a freelance writer.
