One Happy Camper

Those who read “Camp and Israel Fair” (Jewish Voice Oct. 11, 2013) are aware of my passion for Jewish overnight camp. For others, I encourage you to read it or take my word that attending Jewish overnight camp played a large role in my Jewish experience by helping create my own Jewish identity. Being away from home taught me how to be independent from a young age, to not be afraid of forming my own opinions and ideas, create life-long relationships, the list goes on.

In my article, I shared my story and asked you to think about yours. I asked you to think about the choices and experiences that made you the person you are today and to ask yourself if you are happy with those choices. I would like you to think about those questions again, this time with your children in mind. What kind of identity do you want your child to have? Is it important for your child to learn about and have a connection to Israel and Judaism?

Jewish camp provides it all. It intertwines Jewish values as well as culture and traditions into the camp atmosphere. Jewish and Israeli culture is celebrated through song, food, art and dance. Your child can learn how to connect to their own identity and discover new skills and interests they may not have known they had.

Regardless of your religious practice, there is a Jewish camp where your child can have fun, feel comfortable and love being Jewish. While some camps are part of a specific Jewish movement, other camps are non-denominational and focus on providing positive Jewish identity-building experiences. There are also specialty camps where your child can focus on a skill or interest. In addition to specialty camps, there are camps that accommodate campers with special medical and emotional needs. There is a Jewish camp ready to provide every camper with an outstanding summer.

Currently, there are 2,606 first time campers registered for One Happy Camper for summer 2014. Resister today and add to this number!

For more information on camp options and to learn if you are eligible for the One Happy Camper $1,000 incentive grant, contact Elanah Chassen, Education and Planning Associate, EChassen@JewishAllianceRI.org or call 421-4111, ext. 140. Registration for these grants takes place at onehappycamper.org