Summer Camp – You can go; Jewish Alliance can help

Camping fun at Camp JORI.

Every child looks forward to summer. No school, the weather is beautiful, and, for many children, the opportunity to go to summer camp. But why choose a Jewish camp? Isn’t camp expensive anyway?

According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Jewish camp has played a significant role in creating positive Jewish identity with children. Luckily, Rhode Island has Jewish camps. Two examples are J-Camp in Providence, and Camp JORI in Wakefield.

One of Rhode Island’s Jewish day camps, J-Camp, is housed at the Jewish Alliance’s Dwares JCC. With Director Seth Finkle and Chief Program Officer Michelle Cicchitelli at the helm, J-Camp has become a fun, educational and inclusive way for children to spend their summer vacation. Spread across all denominations as well as non-Jewish families. J-Camp has something for everyone.

The highly qualified counselors bring in coordinated Judaic themes every day that focus on universal human values. Campers enjoy weekly field trips and visits from special guests, have swim lessons, lots of outdoor play, and activities that focus on a variety of interests such as art, cooking, sports, science, nature, acting and travel.

Camp JORI also has everything your child needs to have an extraordinary summer experience. Located in Wakefield, Camp JORI sits on 72 acres right on Worden’s Pond. Camp JORI has many different programs for all types of campers in grades K-10. There is an overnight program, a day program, and even a program for campers who just want to try out the overnight experience for a weekend. JORI also boasts a Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program for campers entering grades 9 and 10, allowing them to become mentors to younger campers; engage in community service; and hone their leaderships skills for the future. JORI’s comprehensive program of sports, arts, adventure and amazing activities are enhanced by Jewish and Israeli culture. The motto: TACEO – Taking Care of Each Other. 

But, what if you can’t afford summer camp for your child? As part of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Annual Campaign allocations, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships. For both JORI and J-Camp, these scholarships give a wonderful opportunity to children who are unable to afford camp. By giving out scholarships, both JORI and J-Camp are able to ensure every family has a chance to send their child to camp.

Last year, the Alliance’s Annual Campaign awarded a total of about $1,500 in scholarships to five J-Camp families and $35,000 in scholarships to about one-quarter of the total families at JORI.

One J-Camp family that received a scholarship expressed their gratitude to Seth Finkle by saying, “My son went for the first time last summer and right after it ended, he immediately asked me if he was going back. I’m looking forward to sending him and his younger brother who is now old enough to go this year.” Without a scholarship, this family would not have attended camp and not made lifelong friendships.

Scholarships to Camp JORI also have made a positive impact on many families. According to Director Deb Salinger, “The loving support of donors, alumni, volunteers and the direct contribution from the Alliance makes Jewish camping a reality for hundreds of children. These are the families we rally behind – those surviving on meager social security benefits; parents fighting cancer with mounting medical costs; and sudden job loss, homelessness, grandparents raising children and Russian emigres. As a community, we make it possible for these children to be cared for throughout the summer and have the same fun and enrichment freed from financial insecurity.”

Parents tell us Jewish summer camp has proven to have a positive impact on campers. Neha Rauker, a J-Camp parent, said, “Thank you for another wonderful summer at the JCC. My girls are still talking about the amazing activities they did and the trips they went on. You really created a streamlined experience for both parents and campers. Because of the amazing experience Zia and Dylan had, I’ve noticed the girls are more willing to try new experiences, and foods. They really loved it there, and you and your staff were so wonderful. We are so glad to have been a part of the JCC camp.”

JORI campers have the same feeling. Lisa Davis, who started sending her daughter to JORI two summers ago, said, “Talya loves JORI. She can’t wait to go back! Her summer experiences carry her through each school year. Her very best friends are at camp, and she only gets to see them at JORI. It has also been really nice for us because not only is Talya making lifelong connections and friendships with other JORI campers, we’ve been able to make friends with other JORI parents as well.”

Because of the Jewish Alliance’s Annual Campaign, hundreds of children are able to experience Jewish camp, as they should. They are able to have meaningful summer vacations learning new skills; making lasting friendships; and solidifying their Jewish identity  –  all without financial worries.

You can help even more children have incredible summers by giving to the Jewish Alliance’s Annual Campaign. For more information, contact Trine Lustig, vice president of philanthropy, at 401-421-4111, ext. 223, or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.

HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development associate in philanthropy at the Jewish Alliance.