Jewish Camp: Modeling a Better World

Read the previous Spotlights on Jewish Arts & Maccabiah at our camps

Reform Judaism places a great emphasis on tikkun olam and social action, and we talk a lot about these Jewish imperatives at our camps. But we don't just pay lip service to these precepts! At each of our thirteen camps, our campers have the opportunity to translate Jewish concepts into concrete actions. From tzedakah to environmental sustainability, the URJ Camps are united in our mission to give campers a plethora of opportunities to improve themselves, each other, and the world! Check out the videos and blog entries below that show how summer camp can be a model for a better world.

Camp George joins with Jacobs Camp to support children with Physical Disabilities

Camp Newman supports rights and unity at San Francisco Gay Pride Parade

"Little did we know that what we would encounter [at the parade] would change our outlooks regarding self-expression, freedom of speech, and community beliefs entirely... In reaction to observing such a large amount of people entirely proud of their own identities, we began to quickly acclimate to the comforting yet wild nature of the parade. Additionally, we soon began to realize that although the Parade centered around gay rights, we were fully welcome as a religious group. As an Avodah community, we strive to help those who are oppressed and therefore felt not only accepted but also effective through our presence at the Parade.

Read more at Camp Newman's blog >>

Shmirat ha'Adamah: Camp Kalsman campers take care of the earth by...

Camp Coleman marches for peace &
Gilad Shalit's freedom

Camp Coleman innovates programming
on Tikkun Olam & Kabbalah

Jacobs Camp explores theme of Kesher Bein Adam l'adamah - the Connection Between People and the Earth

"All the campers have been learning about teva (nature) and the impact we have on the environment... Our environmental education efforts don't stop in speciality camp or k'hilliah. We've been visited in the dining hall twice this past week by Eema Adama ("mother earth") who keeps an eye out for campers helping to pick up trash around camp and rewards them with the opportunity to share interesting teva facts on the mic during meals. We've also eliminated individual packaging in the chadar ochel (dining hall). You can't imagine how much less trash we have without those tiny ketchup, mustard, and salad dressing packets, etc."

Read all about the work Jacobs camp is doing >>

Eisner Camp runs Tikkun Olam-a-Thon