Explore Jewish Summer Camps
A personal note from Rabbi Serge Lippe:
Sending your child to a URJ Jewish overnight summer camp provides a unique, immersive environment that fosters strong Jewish identity, independence, and lasting friendships while offering traditional camp fun.
Our URJ summer camps help kids build confidence and feel "at home" in their Jewish heritage. And many studies showing that these campers are more likely to remain active in Jewish life as adults.
What is it about Jewish camps that make them so successful at instilling in children Jewish identities so deep that they last a lifetime? Camp is the place with the power to socialize young Jews — What do I mean when I say I am a Jew? How do I want to connect and participate as member of the Jewish community?
Like secular camps, Jewish summer camps help children overcome fears, develop social skills, and become more independent. Summer camp is a "life-changing experience" that provides a supportive, safe space for children to grow while strengthening their connection to their peer group while building and defining their own identity. And friendships that develop at camp endure beyond the summer and often last a lifetime.
Many of you know that my wife Deb and I first met at the URJ Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Each of us started our camp journey as campers. Deb from a young age and I from my teenage years. Some of our closest, life-long friendships were made at Eisner. I continued there as a staff member for almost a decade, working as a Unit Head, Head Songleader and Co-Director of the Machon: Counselor in Training Program. Our reconnection as adults came at the wedding of mutual friends on the camp grounds almost 30 years ago.
Our own kids, Michael, Alex and Risa also attended Eisner as campers for many years and Risa has worked as a Unit Head during recent summers.
Our Associate Rabbi Bailey Romano typically spends two weeks each summer on faculty at either Crane Lake or Eisner Camp. Her husband, soon to be cantor, Ben Romano has also worked at the camps as a counselor and songleader.
For many kids, Jewish summer camp is a rare opportunity to be surrounded by Jewish peers and positive Jewish role models. A safe and encouraging place to explore—without embarrassment—Jewish culture, traditions, and values in an engaging, real-world setting.
In addition to daily activities, inter-camp games, and special events, campers and staff immerse themselves in a wide range of innovative Jewish pursuits and creative spiritual experiences that are the soul of Crane Lake. Campers from different backgrounds join together to create a meaningful community.
6 Points Sci-Tech Academy is the Jewish camp that curious minds have been waiting for!
Campers entering grades 4-10 spend two weeks exploring robotics, video game design, science, digital media, and a host of other fun activities in a friendly setting with campers who share similar interests. Our oldest campers in grades 11 and 12 take their STEM learning to the next level through our teen leadership programs, where they learn how to make the world a more whole, just, and compassionate place through science and technology.
Located just outside of Boston’s science and technology corridor on the campus of the beautiful Governor’s Academy boarding school, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy offers all of the advantages of a top-quality educational facility along with access to the best and brightest minds in the Jewish science and technology community.
Throughout their experience, campers explore what Judaism means to them—and how this complements their interests in science and technology.
Crane Lake Camp and Eisner Camp offer a tight-knit community based on a culture of kindness and personal growth.
Our intimate (tech-free and parent-free) environment allows campers to embrace the challenge of learning new skills in athletics, aquatics, the arts, and adventure and nature programs. What campers do not realize is they are learning communication, collaboration, creativity, grit and empathy – the predictors of success in camp, school, and beyond.
For kids considering a first time at Jewish overnight camp, the Foundation for Jewish Camping offers a needs-blind One Happy Camper® Grant of up to $1,500 for the summer. You will need to register for camp first and then apply for a grant here using the online application to see if your child is eligible!
BHS also offers a $500 grant (made available from the BHS Rabbis’ Discretionary Funds and paid directly to Crane Lake Camp, Eisner Camp or 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy) for any student currently enrolled in the BHS Religious School who registers for one of the two camps. Availability is needs based.
Please contact Rabbi Lippe directly at rabbi@bhsbrooklyn.org.
URJ OVERNIGHT CAMPS
Jewish culture, traditions, and values in an engaging, real-world setting.
JCC BROOKLYN DAY CAMP PROGRAM
Interested in Jewish Day Camp for your 7-11 year old?
JCC Brooklyn Summer Day Camp is in Bay Ridge, where your child will create unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.
The 177-acre facility, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces, is designed to provide a summer filled with joy, adventure, and discovery.
At the JCC camp, your child will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of specialties. These include recreational swimming, dance, archery, sports, water slides, air jumper, drama, music, cooking, and much more.
The JCC’s Israeli Shlichim run special activities with the children including a Boker Tov dance each morning to get them pumped up for the day! With so many exciting activities, your child is sure to find something they love and have an incredible time every day.