Summer camp

Young US Jews embrace Judaism informally despite limited communal participation - study

The report found that socially immersive experiences lead to more success in creating a sense of belonging. These experiences involve summer camps, Israel travel programs, youth groups, and more.

Hebrew Union College celebrated the academic achievements of students in its Israel programs during the Ordination and Academic Graduation at the Taube Family Campus.
Demonstrators attend a pro-Palestine protest organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement organization outside of the White House in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2025, after Israel broke a ceasefire agreement, launching airstrikes that killed over 400 Palestinians.

Children chant 'we will crush Zionism' at Palestinian Youth Movement summer school in UK

An 11-year-old was injured by an arrow to the head at camp in Israel. Images shared by the family.

Doctors discover rare brain complication in boy after arrow strikes skull at summer camp

NYPD in New York City, 5 May, 2026.

Man enters New York Jewish school with hammer, injures child, NYPD investigates antisemitic motive


Baltimore rabbi found liable for sexually abusing two children at Jewish summer camp

The multiyear case came about after Rabbi Shmuel Krawatsky sued three of his reported victims and others in 2018 for defamation. All three then countersued, claiming assault and battery.

 A US courtroom

US Jewish summer camps mourn Israeli alumni killed in Hamas war

Some camps have launched initiatives to support Israeli community members amid the war.

 Musicians from the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra seen performing next to lit candles in an event at haBima square in memory of the more than 1300  killed by Hamas terrorists, and more than 200 held hostage in Gaza.   October 22, 2023.

Camp brings Jewish youth together in Poland from across the world

The Yael Foundation's camp held its third year in Poland with both a boys' camp and a girls' camp.

 Girls from all over the world come together in Poland for Yael Foundation's summer camp.

The Jewish Agency Summer Shlichut Program

'Creating Connections to Israel, Strengthening Jewish Peoplehood'

 Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog, center, and Director of Summer Shlichut program Gal Atia at Camp Ramah in Ojai, California

For this Jewish surf camp in Virginia, the beach is their sanctuary

The camp’s approach to spirituality enhances campers’ connection to both their Judaism and to the ocean.

 Dog sitting on the beach near the water

When campers’ luggage got stranded, a Ramah alum’s new trucking company stepped in

Just days out from their campers’ return home, the company hired to transport all of their belongings home had announced its sudden closure.

 Semi-trucks on the side of the road.

Ukrainian Jewish summer camps provide psychological support

While therapeutic healing remains central, the camps also strive to provide a semblance of typical summer fun.

 'Gan Israel' camps are a collaborative endeavor by Chabad's rescue center, The Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JNRU), Mosaic United, and the Diaspora Affairs and the Fight against Antisemitism ministry.

Ramah launches first overnight camp in Israel - for Israelis

Central to the success of these camps is the "disconnection from mobile phones" policy, as discovered by research conducted by the Forum.

A summer camp in Israel.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to visit his Jewish summer camp, Cedar Lake

Emhoff is headed to the camp next Thursday to visit his old stomping grounds and speak to the Jewish campers there about Jewish life and antisemitism.

 US SECOND Gentleman Douglas Emhoff speaks at a meeting of special envoys and coordinators on combating antisemitism, in Berlin, earlier this year.

Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, is a hit at Jewish camps and sports tournaments

“The great part about pickleball is it’s so approachable, and people can pick it up so quickly,” Carr told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Competitors play pickleball on courts set up in the outfield of Fenway Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, during the 2023 Ballpark Series in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., July 14, 2023.