It’s Hannukah, and gift-giving is in vogue this month. Let me share the ultimate gift - Jewish Summer Camp.

Let’s face it - if school is like a peanut (or sunflower) butter sandwich, summer camp is like a triple-decker ice cream sundae with extra sprinkles! Sure, there’s marshmallow roasting and campfire songs (which are basically required parts of camp), but it’s really where kids transform from regular earthlings into something legendary: CAMPERS! I always talk about building good Jews and creating a love for Israel. At CYJ, they get tons of that and more. The “more” is that yes, camp is fun but wise parents send their children to camp for many other reasons besides the fun.

Why Summer Camp is a Kid’s Dream Vacation:

  1. Friendship Factory: Kids are thrown together, 24/7, and forced to interact with people from all walks of life. The bonding and friendships that happen at camp are different from those that occur at school and on sports teams. The intensity of living together and experiencing life together without distractions creates the ideal setting to form lifelong friendships and really get to know people well. It’s like a real-life social experiment, but without the lab coats and awkward silence. That is why camp friends are friends for life.

  2. Skill Sharpening: Whether it’s archery, ropes course, or rikud (Israeli dancing), summer camp offers a chance to try new things and discover hidden talents. Plus, mastering a new skill is a great way to boost self-esteem.

  3. Nature’s Playground: Recent findings show that children spend 5-8 hours a day in front of a screen and only spend 10 minutes on average per day in unstructured outdoor play. I know none of us have just “average” children. That’s the stats. Summer camp is a kid’s dream come true: a place where they can run wild, explore the great outdoors, and connect with nature. It’s a much-needed break from screens and a chance to appreciate our world.

  4. Independence Bootcamp: Kids learn how to make decisions, solve problems, and care for themselves. They learn not to rely on their parents but on themselves, their friends, and their counselors. This is a valuable life skill that will serve them well in the future.

  5. Healthy Place: Camps are healthy because of the structure of consistency in child-friendly norms. Where else do our kids get consistent sleep of 7-9 hours? How about 30-60 minutes a day of micro workouts? Exercising was never so much fun. Nutrition even without trying. Meals are at a consistent time with decently healthy options. There is a lack of junk food and sodas. Add in mindfulness and appreciation to natural sunshine and that is the recipe for healthiness.

So, the next time someone questions your decision to send your child to summer camp, just smile and say, “I’m giving them the gift of a Jewish community filled with friendship, fun, and healthiness. And hey, maybe a few mosquito bites, too.”