Why send my child to Jewish camp?

By Sam Aboudara, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, NJY Camps

Jewish summer camp is one of the most effective ways to inspire a lifelong connection to Judaism. Studies show that campers are more likely to engage in Jewish life, build enduring friendships, and feel a deep sense of belonging to the Jewish people. But the magic of camp isn’t just in the Color War cheers or the Friday night Shabbat chicken. So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s the unique blend of immersive experiences, strong community, and meaningful opportunities for personal growth that Jewish summer camps provide.

8 Benefits of a Jewish Summer Camp

Having spent summers as a counselor, a division head for the youngest campers in Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, then as the Director of NJY Teen Camp, and now overseeing all of our camps as Executive Director, I’ve seen how Jewish summer camps create transformative experiences that stay with campers for a lifetime.

Here are 8 benefits of Jewish summer camp:

1. Building Lifelong Friendships

Jewish summer camp fosters friendships that become family. Campers live, play, and grow together, creating bonds that endure long after the summer ends. A group of girls who met at camp when they were 10 years old stayed close through b’not mitzvahs, supported one another through college, and even traveled to Israel on a Birthright trip. Today, they are part of each other’s weddings, standing by one another just as they did every summer at camp. These friendships reflect how camp connections grow into lifelong relationships rooted in shared experiences.

2. Creating a Kehillah (Community)

The sense of belonging at camp is unparalleled. Campers join a kehillah, a community where they feel supported and valued. Whether it’s learning the iconic songs unique to their division, feeling the embrace of their bunkmates during moments of joy and challenge, or experiencing the collective energy of Shabbat services in the amphitheater, campers form bonds that foster an enduring sense of camaraderie.

3. Strengthening Jewish Identity

Jewish summer camps provide spaces where campers can explore their heritage and develop a personal connection to Judaism. I recall one teen camper, Ben, who arrived at camp unsure of his Jewish identity. At home, Judaism felt more like an obligation than a joy. But at camp, he discovered the beauty and meaning behind rituals like Havdalah. During the final Shabbat of the summer, Ben shared how communal singing and traditions made him feel deeply connected to his faith. “For the first time, I feel proud to be Jewish,” he said. Camp gave Ben the space to embrace his identity authentically.

4. Connection to Israel

At camp, Israel is more than a place on a map—it’s brought to life through people, culture, and experiences. Jacob, an American camper, and Noa, an Israeli camper, bonded during their summer at camp, sharing stories and teaching each other Hebrew and English phrases. Years later, they reconnected by chance in Prague’s Old Town Square. Jacob was backpacking, and Noa was leading a student tour. They reminisced about camp and reflected on how it had shaped their connection to Israel and each other. Stories like theirs show how camp creates enduring bonds that transcend borders.

5. Leadership Opportunities

Jewish camps shape the next generation of leaders. Camp becomes a training ground for learning to inspire, guide, and serve others, whether it’s through peer leadership, organizing camp projects, or transitioning to becoming a counselor. Many former campers credit their success as leaders in college, business, and the Jewish community to the lessons learned at camp.

6. Developing Life Skills

Camp is a masterclass in preparing for life. Whether it’s learning teamwork through group challenges, navigating conflict, or taking responsibility for daily cabin chores, campers leave with skills that extend far beyond summer.

7. Cultural and Artistic Expression

Camp is a canvas for exploring Jewish culture. Whether painting murals inspired by Jewish history, performing in Hebrew musicals, or writing a creative D’var Torah (Torah insight), campers find meaningful and personal ways to connect with their heritage. These activities encourage creativity and self-expression.

8. A Connection to Something Bigger

At its core, the Jewish camp connects campers to something beyond themselves. Jake, a former camper, grounded his Jewish identity and connection to Israel at NJY Camps. Inspired by Shabbat celebrations and leadership opportunities, Jake created KibbutzNYC, a project bringing Shabbat to young people across New York City. His initiative has touched hundreds of lives, demonstrating how camp values ripple outward, empowering individuals to leave a positive mark on the world.

Enroll Your Child in Our Jewish Summer Camp Today

Jewish summer camps are more than summer fun—they’re spaces where lifelong friendships form, values take root, and identities flourish. Camp provides the secret sauce that turns summers into transformative experiences, building a strong foundation for Jewish life.

If you’re ready to give your child the gift of a Jewish summer camp experience, we invite you to learn more about NJY Camps. Visit our website to explore our programs and join our kehillah today.