Camp is more than songs, s’mores and swimming — it's where Jewish identity takes root. Thanks to the Jewish Federation’s support, thousands of local campers have experienced the magic of Jewish summer, often for the first time. From making Shabbat memories to meeting lifelong friends, these experiences shape who they become.

And it’s because of you — and your generous support — that this is possible. This month’s FedFive is dedicated to the work we do to make Jewish summer experiences more accessible, more secure and more impactful for families.

Building Jewish Identity All Summer Long

“Thank you so much for making camp possible for me. You make it so inclusive and I plan to go back every summer until I'm a counselor. Camp is my happy place, I never want to leave.”

 – Sarah, age 12, Camp Havaya Scholarship Recipient

Summer camp plays a powerful role in shaping Jewish identity. In these joyful, immersive environments, campers connect with Jewish role models, build lifelong friendships and strengthen their connection to community. To ensure these experiences are both accessible and safe, the Jewish Federation invests in scholarships, staff training and security infrastructure.

• Approximately $740,000 awarded in need-based aid and incentive scholarships to 38 Jewish day and overnight camps
  
  
• 1,400 staff members received security training at 21 local Jewish camps
  
  
• $65,700 allocated to three camps for security infrastructure through the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group

Thanks to a grant from the Tepper Emergency Security Fund and matching community support, the Jewish Federation will also provide security to 24 Jewish day camps and preschools with summer programs — protecting more than 3,000 children each day this summer.

Learn more about how the Jewish Federation supports Jewish camps by clicking here.

Making Camp Possible For Every Child

“We are so grateful to the Jewish Federation for the financial assistance and enabling us to send our children to Camp SEED. Thank G-d, with a large family, and Jewish day school tuition and all the other expenses that come along with raising a large Jewish family, day camp has become a luxury.”

 –  Anonymous, Camp SEED Scholarship Recipient

This summer, the Jewish Federation awarded approximately $740,000 in funding to 38 Jewish day and overnight camps. These funds provide incentive scholarships for first-time campers and need-based aid for families with low to moderate incomes — ensuring that more children can access the joy and identity-building experiences of Jewish camp.

Learn more about the Jewish Federation’s work to support camp by clicking here. To learn about the camp scholarship support from the 2025 season, click here. 

Creating Safe Summers of Fun

“In times like these, ensuring camp staff are trained, alert, and prepared is essential. We’re not here to scare anyone — we’re here to empower our community so kids can focus on building friendships and Jewish identity.”

 –  Scott Kerns, Jewish Federation’s Security Director

Equipping Camps with What They Need To Be Secured

“Like many other Jewish organizations, Golden Slipper Camp is alarmed by the increase in antisemitism in the US and around the world. JFRE’s grant has helped us purchase advanced security technologies and equipment that allow us to better secure our camp.”

– Cynthia Stein, President of

Golden Slipper Camp

In Fiscal Year 2024–2025, the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group allocated $317,096 to 10 security-focused projects, including vital upgrades at Camp Galil, Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Golden Slipper Camp. These investments help ensure our Jewish camps remain safe, welcoming spaces for children to grow, learn and build Jewish identity. This funding is part of JFRE’s broader commitment to strengthening our community in the face of rising antisemitism.

Learn more about JFRE’s support of camp security by clicking here. To learn more about JFRE’s overall funded projects, click here. 

Summer Camps as a Respite for Children in Israel

“After Oct. 7, I went into a very deep depression. But here at camp, I feel like I’m blooming. Everything I was before Oct. 7, all the pieces of myself, I’m starting to find them. It’s as if I’m back to who I was before the war. This is what’s amazing about this experience.”

– Omer, 15, a resident of Kibbutz Urim who participated in Campers2Gether in 2024

Campers2Gether, a program launched in 2024 through the Jewish Agency for Israel — a grantee of the Jewish Federation — offers Israeli teens affected by the trauma of Oct. 7 a unique opportunity to heal and build resilience through the power of Jewish overnight camp. 

Pinemere Camp, which the Jewish Federation proudly supports, hosts this transformative program by bringing Israeli teens impacted by Oct. 7 to the Poconos for a summer of healing and fun. This program plays a critical role in connecting our Jewish communities around the world and empowering and fostering resiliency in our next generation as one. 

Last week, our Immediate Past Board Co-Chair Gail Norry visited Pinemere Camp to witness firsthand the impact of this program by meeting Israeli campers and staff. 

"I am so grateful that our Jewish Federation has participated in supporting the Campers2Gether program. We are not only bringing Israelis here to get a reprieve from the horrible war, we are also showing them 'Kol Yisrael aravim zeh b’zeh' and that we are each responsible one for another."

To learn more about this program, click here.

HERE AS ONE

Show the world that we are Here As One by supporting the Jewish Federation’s mission of Caring for Those in Need, Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future. Make your gift before year’s end by clicking here.