I love camp! I especially love Jewish overnight camp! I know my camp experiences had a profound impact on me.

For decades, many have studied the data to find the best methods and experiences for ensuring Jewish continuity. One place they found answers -- around the campfire. Jewish overnight camp is not some summer get away, it is a vibrant, immersive growth opportunity for Jewish identity.

Think about the friendships forged in those cabins. They are built on deeply shared experiences -- from the excitement and cheers of a Maccabiah color war to the simple joy of eating smores. These are not passing summer acquaintances. They last a lifetime!

Then, there are the camp traditions. And each camp has their own – passed down from generations of campers to generations of new campers. Camp teaches our children that Judaism is a lived experience. Remember the rowdy, table-pounding Birkat HaMazon after a meal? Or the undeniable ruach (spirit) that literally vibrates through a crowded dining hall, connecting campers of all ages through shared songs and inside jokes?

Perhaps the most magical time at camp is Shabbat, often under the open sky. Every camp talks about the beauty and specialness of Shabbat. Often dressed in white, perhaps walking together toward an outdoor amphitheater overlooking a lake, campers experience a profound transition (as my camp rabbi used to say) from the chol (the ordinary) to the kodesh (the holy). As every voice rises together to sing and pray, arms slung over each other's shoulders, these campers are absorbing a deep sense of belonging. They are learning that they are a vital part of a kehillah (community) -- and a special one at that.

Over the last week, I did a "Tour de Camps," visiting three local Jewish overnight camps: Camp Kesher, Camp Solomon Schechter, and B'nai B'rith Camp. I loved my time at each and was very jealous of the kids having such a great time!

Camp Kesher is at a campsite in Ocean Park, Washington, about 30 minutes away from Astoria. Seventy-four children from six different states (as far away as Florida) are sharing over two weeks together. You could feel the energy and fun the campers were having throughout the visit.

Campers and counselors from Camp Kesher

I then visited Camp Solomon Schechter outside of Olympia, Washington. Over 170 campers (way more next session) were loving the sunshine and great camp facilities.

Jewish professionals from Portland and elsewhere along with the
Camp Solomon Schehcter leadership team

And yesterday, I was at B'nai B'rith Camp near Lincoln City. BB Camp was bustling with 190 campers (many more arriving next week). Watching the campers enjoying every minute was very special.

Jewish Federation professionals with BB Camp leadership team

Each camp is unique. Each camp has its own programming. Each camp has its own feel. Despite any differences, they share one thing -- a common mission -- to strengthen Jewish identity in a safe and supportive space.

When we look at the data behind the magic of Jewish overnight camp, the research provided by the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) transforms our anecdotal observations into undeniable facts. Their landmark study, Camp Works: The Long-Term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp, along with subsequent research, clearly shows that camp is one of the most effective drivers of lifelong Jewish engagement.

The FJC’s research isolated the "camp effect" -- the specific impact of attending Jewish overnight camp as a child on adult Jewish behaviors, distinct from other factors like family background or schooling.

Here is what the study reveals about adults who attended Jewish overnight camp compared to those who did not:
 

• Camp alumni are 30% more likely to donate to a Jewish charity, and they are significantly more likely to take on leadership roles within their local Jewish communities.
   
• They are 45% more likely to attend synagogue and much more likely to be dues-paying members of a congregation.
   
• The joy of camp Shabbat translates to the home; alumni are 37% more likely to light Shabbat candles regularly.
   
• Campers develop a global Jewish perspective, making them 55% more likely to feel very emotionally attached to Israel.
   
• Alumni are significantly more likely to marry within the faith, raise Jewish children, and prioritize sending their own children to Jewish day schools and, of course, Jewish overnight camps.

What the FJC study and others repeatedly show is that the impact of camp does not end when the summer is over. The immersive environment -- where Judaism is joyful, 24/7, and deeply tied to peer socialization – builds a life-long Jewish identity. Campers do not just learn about Judaism -- they live it. This experience is a cornerstone of a vibrant, sustainable Jewish future.

With all the wonders of camp, there are challenges. Costs are rising (the Jewish Federation is proud to provide $50,000 in One Happy Camper grants to all first-year campers to help start them on their summer journeys.), security needs are real, hiring counselors and specialty staff is more difficult, and maintaining the current infrastructure of camp while adding new camp facilities is enormously expensive. However, we also know the benefits of camp far outweigh any of these!

I loved being a camper, a counselor, and unit leader in my day. In fact, when I finished graduate school and was no longer going to camp for the summer, and instead my new job, I went through major withdrawal. I missed it then and I miss it now. I was happy my two children had the opportunity to attend Jewish overnight camp for many summers. I learned then, and it is still true today, the best words any parent can hear is "I cannot wait to go again next summer."

I wish all the camps, campers, counselors, and staff an exciting and fulfilling rest of the summer.

A final note, I am pleased to welcome Jamie Hogland to the Jewish Federation professional team as our new Director of Community Programs and Engagement. We know she will do an outstanding job for our community.

Shabbat shalom to you and your family. And wishing every camper a joyous Shabbat with friends, new and old.