Planning & Preparation

So you've decided you want your child to go to Jewish summer camp. What are your next steps? Visit the Find a Camp directory to get started. Here are some important tips:

1. Check out the camp's website to learn about camp features, including programs, facilities, and daily schedules. Look for a broad base of activities that both enhance skills that your child wants to improve and emphasize fun. Keep in mind, however, that while websites can provide plenty of useful information, the best way to get a sense of the camp environment is to visit the camp during the summer while it’s in session.
2. Narrow down your options to about five or six camps. Take into account camp size, activity offerings, atmosphere, security, cost, and location. Look for a camp that best accommodates both your and your child's interests. It may be helpful to involve your child in the search to ensure that his or her needs and expectations are met.
3. Talk to veteran families or your child's friends who have attended the camp before. Ask them about the details of day-to-day life at camp that cannot be gleaned from the website or a camp visit. Keep in mind, however, that just because a camp works for your friend's child does not mean it is the right camp for your child.
4. Visiting camp during the summer gives you a good sense of the camp culture and environment. If you are planning ahead, try and visit prospective camps the summer before you hope to send you child there. Look for drive-up appeal—not whether it is rustic or modern but how well it is maintained, cleanliness, how the staff greets visitors, and if they know the campers by name when walking through the grounds. If you have missed the summer tours, try and gauge camp culture through the website or conversations with the camp director or other campers and their parents.

With these points in mind, we encourage you to search our helpful camp directory to find the perfect summer community for your child. Start your search »

Already picked a camp?

Getting ready for camp can be emotional, especially for first-time campers. But there are things you can keep in mind to make the transition easier on everyone.

• Emotional Preparation First of all, remember that camp is a safe place where your child will have the opportunity to mature and gain independence. Campers develop a strong sense of self, gaining confidence and social skills in a shared, nurturing and healthy environment. Campers develop by learning more about themselves, and their Jewish identity, as well as through building relationships with others. It's an important part of growing up, and by giving your child the space he or she needs for that growth, you'll be supporting their development in the long run.
• Practical Preparation When the date is approaching, there are many practical ways to prepare your child. Your top priority should be to equip your camper with the tools he or she will need to have an amazing summer. Family photos and schools' summer reading books are always good to have in the bunk. And be sure to send your child to camp with self-addressed envelopes to keep in touch, but consider leaving the cell phone at home so your child can grow and mature by being truly independent.
• Financial Preparation Jewish summer camps vary in price. The price is often affected by the region, the length of the session, and the cost of trips out of camp. Many camps offer financial assistance, and there are outside organizations, including local synagogues and federations, that provide scholarships. If you've chosen a camp that does not offer financial assistance, we encourage you to explore our Camp Scholarship Directory, which allows you to search by location, by camp, or by keyword.
  Start your search »

When your child finally returns home at the end of the summer, their duffel bags may be slightly less full from misplaced clothing, but your child will be filled with Jewish pride and bursting with memories of friends and fun that will last a lifetime.