$1 million in funding
for security initiatives each year
Overnight Jewish summer camp weaves Jewish values, culture and traditions into the fabric of camp, helping campers to connect to their own identity and the larger Jewish community. Spirited and dynamic staff members use experiential learning to reveal what makes Jewish religion and culture so unique in today’s world. At camp, Jewish and Israeli culture is celebrated through song, food, art and dance.
Each camp designs its own program to be accessible and enjoyable for all campers. Whether they’re telling stories in their bunks, learning about the environment or playing tennis, campers explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing and fun environment.
The impact of overnight Jewish summer camp is immediate—campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes and take on leadership roles in their communities.
There are a variety of traditional and specialty overnight camps that span different denominations of Judaism, accommodate special needs and interests, and offer unique programming, catering to each family’s needs. Use our Find a Camp tool to begin your search for the perfect summer experience and then visit each camp’s website for more detailed information.
I have seen a spark around Judaism in Nola since experiencing and returning from GUCI. We live in a Christian majority community and school district. In fact, Nola and her sister are the only students at their elementary school who are Jewish. Until experiencing the summer at GUCI, Nola was a bit shy about her religion. Now, she’s confident and proud of being Jewish.
Important dates
Considering a Jewish overnight camp for the first time? Your child may be eligible for a need-blind grant of either $700 (12-18 days at camp) or $1,000 (19+ days at camp) through the One Happy Camper program.
Children who have applied for the One Happy Camper (OHC) grant are eligible to apply for the needs-based scholarship funding defined below.
Confirm eligibility and apply at: www.onehappycamper.org
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Returning campers are eligible to apply for scholarship money through JewishColumbus’ Overnight Jewish Summer Camp Need-Based Scholarship Program.
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