Articles & Press Releases

There is nothing a Jewish mother wants more than for her kids to be happy and healthy. When most of us think of health, what usually comes to mind is the absence of illness; but health is really so much more than that. Being “healthy” means leading a vibrant, successful life that includes mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. While it may seem like a daunting task, we can excel in all of these areas through a combination of fitness, nutrition, and a supportive environment – which is exactly what Lisa Kravitz and Isaac Mamaysky had in mind when they founded Camp Zeke in 2012. By combining energizing fitness activities, culinary arts, and pure foods, Camp Zeke helps Jewish kids and teens lay the foundation for a lifetime of vibrant good health.

There's no doubt that the benefits to kids who participate in a summer camp experience is priceless. For starters, they will probably get to enjoy the great outdoors much more than they do while they're in a school building most of the year. But for many parents, it's important to make sure a summer camp won't break the family budget.

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Camp and Israel Programs are committed to providing a positive Reform Jewish summer experience to all children, including those with special needs. The FJC study found that parents of children with disabilities/special needs feel strongly that providing a uniquely Jewish experience is critical; in fact, 34% of parents reported that the biggest factor in choosing a camp for their child with special needs is that it be a Jewish camp where their child can connect to their heritage and community.

A study released by the Foundation for Jewish Camp showed that overnight camps are growing increasingly aware of the needs of children with disabilities. Read more: http://www.jta.org/2013/05/02/news-opinion/united-states/study-jewish-summer-camps-increasingly-attuned-to-special-needs-kids#ixzz2VMnVQAcp

Jewish overnight camps are serving more children with disabilities and special needs than had previously been believed, but are doing little to publicize or market these offerings, according to a preliminary study released Wednesday by the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC).

The findings from our just completed a survey, “Jewish Camp for Children with Disabilities and Special Needs,” has left the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) encouraged about the current reality at camps and optimistic about the potential to help more children with special needs and physical disabilities find a Jewish overnight camp that will be right for them.