Round Lake Testimonials

My two sons have thrived at Round Lake Camp, the inclusion program at NJY Camps. With the caring and attentive support they require, they’ve each enjoyed a full, joyful Jewish camp experience — our oldest for 8 summers and our youngest for 5 so far. We are deeply grateful for the camp’s commitment to true inclusion.

E. Leibman

Round Lake has been truly life changing for our son. From the moment we chose your exceptional program, we were impressed by the outstanding communication with parents. He was encouraged by staff to participate in all group activities, which not only helped him become more independent but also fostered his confidence to engage socially with others. The staff’s compassion and dedication have made a remarkable difference, and we are grateful for the thoughtful support that has helped him grow in ways we never imagined.

L. McSherry

Our daughter’s experience at Round Lake has been nothing short of extraordinary. From our very first conversation with the director and then throughout the summer, it was clear that the staff is exceptional, warm, and deeply invested in the well-being of every child. Their communication, care, and genuine commitment made us feel supported and truly partnered in helping our daughter thrive. Round Lake @ NJW is a remarkably special place, filled with love, joy, and people who give their whole hearts to what they do. We are so grateful for the environment they have created and feel incredibly fortunate that our daughter gets to be part of it.

S. Cone

Having gone to sleepaway camp myself, I always felt it was important for my kids to have that experience too. With our son’s needs, I wasn’t sure if it would ever be possible in the same way. But after speaking with the staff at Round Lake, I knew we had found a place where our son could truly thrive. It’s an inclusive environment with just the right amount of support — a place where he can have fun, try typical camp activities, and feel both independent and understood. Four summers later, he is confident, outgoing, and thriving, and we attribute so much of that growth to camp. He has wonderful friends, and our family has gained an entire community that has become such a meaningful part of our lives.

C. Bilerman

Round Lake has been an extraordinary place for our son. The joy we see in his pictures – the nonstop smiles, laughter, and hugs – says everything. He loves the friendships he forms with counselors from around the world and looks forward to reconnecting year after year. Beyond the fun, he returns home more confident and independent, and we are incredibly grateful for the inclusive, supportive community Round Lake provides.

E. Hoch

Camp has been a true gift for us. He has gained such important life skills of independence, living with others, advocating for himself and learning about new interests that he now loves, like woodshop! We are forever grateful to the director and the Round Lake staff for giving our son this incredible opportunity.  

Anonymous

Round Lake has been nothing short of life changing for our son.  Every child receives the individualized support they need and truly feels like they belong to an incredible community. We honestly don’t know how they do it, but they do!

 J & A Herbsman

I never thought my child would ever be able to attend a sleep-away camp, but Round Lake Inclusion program made what once felt impossible a reality. The support, compassion, and structure they provide allowed my daughter to socialize with kids her own age and experience real independence, not just for a few days, but for the entire summer.

For her, it has been empowering. For us as parents of a special-needs child, it has been life-changing. Knowing she is safe, supported, and genuinely happy gives us the rare chance to relax and take a break from the daily challenges we face at home.

Round Lake truly understands inclusion in every sense of the word, and we are beyond grateful for the growth, joy, and independence this camp has given our child. Highly recommend to any family looking for a place where their child can thrive.

M. Cohen

My son started at Round Lake when he was 12 years old, having been reluctant to go to sleep away camp because he suffered from selective mutism. Before the summer even started, the director was extremely accommodating, meeting with both our son and his therapist in order to learn a technique to facilitate him speaking comfortably to counselors. He loved camp the second he arrived. He felt comfortable and included in all aspects of camp. He loves the choices of activities (lake and woodworking are his current favorites), the guidance and warmth of the counselors as well as the Jewish rituals. Despite his initial fears over whether he would like the food, he ate pasta every meal and was thrilled. Every single potential source of anxiety was taken care of so he could concentrate on having fun and making new friends! Over the past 2 summers he has made great friendships. He loves everything about camp. The second he gets home he is already counting down the days till next summer!

Anonymous

We have had such a wonderful experience at Round Lake, both at Nah-Jee-Wah and Cedar Lake.  Both of my daughters, who each have different challenges, have received the support that they need to thrive at camp. All while engaging in a huge array of camp activities, developing friendships, and embracing all that Jewish sleep away camp has to offer.

 S. Kellerman

Round Lake Camp has been an extraordinary part of our family’s life for many years. Our daughter has been a camper there for nine summers, and our son attended NJW for seven. Few places earn that kind of long-term trust, and Round Lake has done so consistently. What truly sets Round Lake apart is its leadership and staff. The directors and counselors are thoughtful, well-trained, and deeply committed to every camper—whether they are students with special needs or typically developing students. The environment is inclusive, supportive, and joyful, and our children always felt safe, valued, and understood. The range and quality of activities are exceptional. Each summer is packed with opportunities for growth, independence, friendship, and fun, while still meeting campers where they are developmentally and socially. As parents, we also greatly appreciated communication. Round Lake does an excellent job keeping families informed and connected, which provides peace of mind year after year. We are incredibly grateful for the role Round Lake has played in our daughter’s life and would recommend it wholeheartedly to any family looking for a camp with outstanding leadership, caring staff, and a truly inclusive community.

T & A Ehlers

As parents, we couldn’t be more grateful for the Round Lake Tzevet B’Yachad program. It has provided our son with a safe, nurturing, and structured environment while also offering a meaningful work program that teaches real-life skills. He is a staff-in-training (SIT) and has held several job positions at camp. This has boosted his confidence and sense of responsibility. We love that he has the opportunity to hold a job and earn a paycheck, and at the same time he gets to enjoy the summer with his old camp friends, something he truly loves. The staff genuinely care and go above and beyond to support each SIT’s skills and growth while making sure each SIT has an amazing summer. We are so lucky and grateful that he has had the opportunity to flourish in this program over the last 3 summers.

E & S Fishman

Round Lake is where our daughter finally found her people. After years of watching her struggle to form friendships at school, it has been heartwarming to watch the camp pictures come in with her smiling ear to ear alongside her new friends— friends she looks forward to seeing year after year.

Peter S.

Last summer changed my son’s life. He reluctantly went for three weeks but came home wanting to go back immediately. Round Lake @ CLC gave him confidence, friends, exposure to new opportunities and possibilities. He literally envisions next summer, talks about camp incessantly and cannot wait to go back.  Our son’s Jewish identity and connection is stronger because of camp. I cannot afford to send him without your help. He left fearful of a new experience and came home proud and ready for more.

Anonymous

When I brought our daughter to family camp, she loved it so much, she told me she wanted to go to camp at Nah Jee Wah.  I was a little hesitant as we live in Maryland, but off she went and it was the best decision we made. Camp the last three summers has been her home away from home as this past summer she was even at camp for 7 weeks. From horseback riding to swimming in the lake to skateboarding, archery and climbing she does it all there. She has always loved her counselors and everyone who works at the camp.  Last weekend she visited her now best friend, a fellow camp bunkmate in New Jersey and now she is counting the days until June when she will be home again at NJY Camps.

K. Fried