One of the greatest challenges facing the Jewish community of North America is ensuring the Jewish identity of our children.

Jewish summer camp can be a transformative experience for Jewish children by providing an intense but enjoyable Jewish experience in which they can bond with other Jewish youngsters and be influenced by Jewish tradition, ritual, and culture – all under the guidance of effective Jewish role models.

Studies show that participation in quality overnight Jewish camping is associated with increased Jewish identity, affiliation, and engagement.

While there are many overnight summer camps that attract a large number of Jewish children, Jewish camping is different. Jewish camping provides all the unmatched formative experiences associated with overnight camp – fostering independence, building self esteem, enhancing one’s appreciation of our natural surroundings, developing important skills… -- but does so in a context in which Judaism is celebrated, compelling communities are built, and leadership and commitment is developed. Simply put, Jewish sponsored camps have Jewish missions – missions that are articulated and embodied in cabin counselors who serve not only as caregivers, but also as Jewish role models.

The Foundation for Jewish Camping, a public foundation, is the only national organization dedicated to nonprofit Jewish resident camps, advancing program and leadership excellence in camps and access to vibrant Jewish experiences for campers. The Foundation helps raise awareness and support for Jewish summer camps, highlighting their successful track record for building powerful Jewish commitment in young Jews, ensuring future Jewish continuity. FJC works with more than 150 camps, 65,000 campers, and 12,000 counselors across North America to further its mission.