Summer camp can often feel like an oasis— a refuge from the usual worries and fears of everyday life. This summer, that sense of escape was stronger than ever. We’re in a time where ‘real life’ feels unpredictable. Our hostages could be brought home, the war could end, and we will have a new president soon. But at camp, the comfort of community, specifically of Jewish community, made the uneasiness dissipate, even if for a short time.

From the moment campers arrived at one of the seven Young Judaea camps, they exhaled. They happily reunited with friends in a place they call home, and felt comfortable to fully express their Jewish pride. How inspiring it was to see chanichim and madrichim alike, proudly don their Magen David’s or Chai’s on their shirts.

Before camp opened, the staff decided that this summer would be a news and screen-free environment. They carefully selected which news to share with campers and staff, not to shield them from the outside world, but to help them remain present. In the end, this decision proved invaluable. Many campers and staff expressed their gratitude, noting how they were able to wake up and go to sleep without the constant anxiety of the day’s news cycle.

Unplugging was the first step.

As camp began, there were concerns about how the college age students, many of whom were coming from campuses that were taken over by encampments and hostile environments would adapt to camp life.

At one of our camps, through a podcast project focused on helping people craft their Israel stories, the staff took several days to learn how to deeply listen to one another and to be vulnerable in sharing their stories. The American staff shared their campus war stories, and Israeli staff shared their Israel war stories – many had just returned from the army or had lost family and friends since October 7th.

Holding one another was the next step.

Mostly, this was a summer like any other. Campers went to the pool, sang shira at the top of their lungs, and cheered their friends on at Maccabia/bikkurim. They danced rikkud, sang Hatikvah, and slept under the stars. They connected with their madrichims, both American and Israeli.

Making joy normal again was the final step.

As we close out summer 2024, take the time to thank the extraordinary tzevet (staff) at each camp and sign up for next summer – your kids and grandkids deserve it!

Shabbat Shalom,

Adina Frydman,
CEO Young Judaea Global

Written by Susan Parkoff Canning, with support from: David Wilson, Walter Synalovski, Robin Freeman Nelson

At the 2023 75th Tel Yehudah anniversary celebration, a few camp and year course friends decided to pick a date and location for the next 1984-85 year course reunion. Washington D.C. was chosen as the location so the maximum amount of people could drive or fly direct, the 2nd weekend in August picked to ensure our core team could attend. Our group previously had a 10 year reunion in NYC, a 20 year reunion at Kutchers in the Catskills, a 25 year reunion in Las Vegas, and had planned a fall 2020 gathering in New Orleans that was canceled. A core group of four formed to develop a plan. We met monthly and started publicizing through our Facebook page and reaching out via email. Our year course was originally 120 strong and we were able to get in touch with a majority.

On August 9, 2024, 28 of us, including one of our former madrichim, gathered with some nerves and much anticipation. The joy of seeing special friends was apparent from the moment we interacted – all were welcomed with hugs and smiles. We each wore a lanyard name tag with a picture of our 18 year-old year course self, so we could connect past and present. We held Kabbalat Shabbat services and enjoyed a Mediterranean themed dinner, reconnected through shared memories, and remembered friends no longer with us. We looked at photo albums, scrap books, and t-shirts from the year and listened to a playlist of songs from the past, reflecting on how young we were.

Throughout the weekend, many of us expressed immense pleasure in re-connecting with people we had been close to, as well as forming new friendships with those who shared this unique experience. It is not easy to go to a reunion: not everyone wants to revisit the past, many are busy and caught up in present lives, it is hard to make the time or spend the money, some are already in touch with those they want to be. However a group experience is different and special. Many expressed gratitude that each one of us made the effort, showed up and spent time together. We caught up, prayed, sang and did Havdalah together, discussed Israel, shared, laughed, talked and remembered. We ended our weekend with a zoom including friends from around the country and in Israel, checking in to see how they are holding up.

Our final siyum included an old camp tradition of reflecting on our weekend. It was heartwarming and emotional. We are now discussing regional mini reunions and a 45th reunion in 2029. There is new energy and appreciation for special friendships made more than 40 years ago.

In memory of our friends from 1984-1985 YJ Year Course:
Keith Berman, Marc Bloom, Andrew Schauer, Danny Savitzky, Joshua Tobman

My name is Amit Castel and I am Young Judaea’s Central Shaliach and Director of Israel Education. As I wrap up my first year in this role, I had the incredible fortune of touring YJ camps across the country this summer. After a year full of challenges and unique experiences, I was eager to visit the iconic locations I had only heard about.

My journey began at CYJ Midwest in Wisconsin. Nestled by a picturesque lake, this camp is a vibrant hub for over 100 campers, offering them countless opportunities for summer fun. Despite some unpredictable weather, the spirit of the staff and campers remained high. The dedicated Tzofot (Israeli scouts) designed a beautiful toren (flagpole), and alongside the Israeli delegation, they orchestrated a memorable Yom Israel. We also paid tribute to the 120 hostages, with yellow ribbons displayed prominently and meals prepared in honor of their favorite dishes.

Next, I traveled to Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, CJ offers a breathtaking setting for hundreds of campers. The activities here are both engaging and educational, creating lasting memories. A particularly moving moment was seeing campers gathered at Mifkad Boker (morning flag raising) next to a handcrafted yellow ribbon from the carpentry workshop—a powerful reminder of this summer’s unique significance.

From there, I headed to Camp Tel Yehudah, along the iconic Delaware River in NY’s Pocono Mountains, just in time for Maccabiah! The energy and excitement were palpable, with the blue team emerging victorious. The dedication and enthusiasm from all the teams were truly inspiring. After a meaningful Shabbat filled with educational experiences, the week concluded with a deeply moving Havdalah and Rikkud (Israeli dance party). Despite the heat, the celebration seemed endless. Sunday was especially poignant, marking nine months since October 7th and honoring members of the TY community. The day’s activities, each reflecting the traits and values of those we remembered, culminated in a profoundly emotional ceremony with distinguished guests. It was a touching end to my visit, bringing me closer to home. As Young Judaea’s National Teen Camp, representing all of the Junior camps within its community, it is a true melting pot of tradition and personality.

My next stop was Sprout Lake, near Poughkeepsie, NY where the camp’s atmosphere makes you feel like you’re stepping into a kibbutz in Israel. Among the many exciting activities, I was struck by the project where campers painted clay roses as a tribute to southern Israel’s blooming roses, and appreciative to have the opportunity to participate myself. These roses will decorate the camp’s ceiling, serving as a powerful reminder to aspire for growth, hope and continuity.

Finally, I arrived at CYJ Texas. Despite the sweltering heat, the camp buzzed with activity—Mexico Day, Yom Israel, and various other exciting events made for an unforgettable experience. The camp’s deep connection to Israel was evident in the decorations, flags, and inspiring murals. The all-camp show, featuring a humorous theater performance, vibrant dance routines, and a captivating exhibit of Tzofiut (scouts), showcased the campers’ talents and enthusiasm.

Witnessing over 2,000 campers across five immersive camps unplug from their screens to celebrate their Jewish identity and love for Israel was truly uplifting. Our camps offer more than just fun; they provide a space to be fully present, share unforgettable moments, and deepen one’s connection to Israel. Many campers return year after year, and some even come back as staff, helping to build the community that has shaped so much of who they are. This summer has been remarkable, and I’m already looking forward to what we can build this coming year!