Federation’s Teens and Youth Working Group visited Capital Camps to see firsthand how Jewish summer camp shapes identity, nurtures mental health, and builds lifelong community—made possible through shared investment, financial aid, and strong partnerships.
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Jewish Summer Camp
Where the Jewish magic happens
From bunk beds to bonfires, Jewish summer camp helps kids grow in ways that last a lifetime. Campers come home with stronger self-esteem, new skills, and a deep sense of Jewish connection.
Making camp more accessible for more families
First-time camper? You might qualify for a $1,000 grant through the One Happy Camper program, offered in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
If your child attends a Jewish day school and you receive PJ Library or PJ Our Way books, you may be eligible for a PJ Library Camp Grant specifically for first-time overnight campers
Capital Camps and Retreat Center
The power of camp, according to parents
Heartfelt stories, real-life tips, and research that shows why Jewish camp matters and how it shapes kids (and families) for life.
- Campers Need Camp More Than Ever: Why camp matters now in building connection, confidence, and a much-needed break from screens.
- Camp Works: The Long‑Term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp: Data-backed insight into how camp shapes lifelong identity and Jewish engagement.
- Friendships Forged, Community Cemented: A heart-centered look at why Jewish camp feels like home.
- Creating Connections: Camp & One Happy Camper Grants: Real stories of how grants open the door to belonging and why many campers come back for a second summer.
- Jewish Camp Is Key to the Jewish Future: How camps build identity, connection, and emotional safety in a turbulent world.
From day camps to overnight adventures, there are incredible programs filled with fun, friendship, and meaningful Jewish moments. Explore our partner camps, find resources, and learn how grants and scholarships can help make camp possible for your family.
Overnight Camps
- BBYO Summer Programs, Israel, Europe, and the Americas: Grades 8-12
- Capital Camps and Retreat Center, Waynesboro, PA: Grades 1-12
- Camp Harlam, Kunkletown, PA: Grades 1-9
- Camp Havaya, Wyncote, PA: Grades 3-10
- Camp Judaea, Hendersonville, NC: Grades 2-12
- Camp Pinemere, Stroudsburg, PA: Grades 1-12
- Camp Ramah in New England, Palmer, MA: Grades 2-10
- Camp Seneca Lake, Rochester, NY: Grades 3-10
- Camp Yavneh, Northwood, NH: Grades 2-10
- Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake, Verbank, NY: Grades 2-9
- Camp Zeke, Lakewood, PA: Ages 7-17
- Camps Airy and Louise, Thurmont, MD; Cascade, MD: Grades 2-12
- Eden Village, Putnam Valley, NY: Grades 3-12
- Emma Kaufmann Camp, Morgantown, WV: Grades 2-10
- Habonim Dror Moshava, Street, MD: Ages 8-17
- Moshava Indian Orchard, Honesdale, PA: Grades 2-9
- NJY Camps, Lakewood, PA; Milford PA: Grades 1-10
- Perlman Camp, Lake Como, PA: Grades 2-12
- Sababa Beachaway, Virginia Beach, VA: Grades 4-12
- URJ Henry Jacobs, Utica, MS: Grades 2-12
- URJ Six Points Creative Arts, West Chester, PA: Grades 3-12
- URJ Six Points Sci Tech, Byfield, MA: Grades 3-11
- URJ Six Points Sports Academy, Asheville, NC: Grades 3-11
Day Camps
- Alef Art Camp, Capitol Hill: Ages 2–8
- Camp Gan Israel of Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Bethesda-Chevy Chase: Pre‑K–K
- Camp Gan Israel of Northern Virginia, Fairfax, VA: Ages 2–Grade 8
- Camp Gan Israel of Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD: Ages 3–Grade 6
- Camp Keetov – DC, Northwest DC: Ages 2–5
- Camp Keetov – MD, Potomac, MD: Ages 16 months–5 years
- Edlavitch DCJCC Summer Day Camp, Dupont Circle: Pre‑K–1st Grade
- Gan Shalom Summer Camp, Capitol Hill, DC: Ages 2–5
- Lessans Camp JCC at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Rockville, MD: Ages 4–21
- Moed Summer Camp, Chevy Chase, MD: Grades K–8
- Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia – Camp Achva, Fairfax, VA: Grades K–10
- Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia – Camp Kesher, Fairfax, VA: Grades 11–12
- Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia – Horizon Day Camp, Fairfax, VA
- Ramah Day Camp Greater DC, Germantown, MD: Grades K–8
- Shoresh, Adamstown, MD: Ages 3–16
Camps are open to campers from throughout the Greater Washington community. The city listed is the physical location, but many offer bus transportation across the region.
Donors from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington witnessed inclusion in action at Lessans Camp JCC, where accessibility, thoughtful programming, and a spirit of belonging create transformative summer experiences for every camper.
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At Lessans Camp JCC, Ethan and Bennett Blicher thrive thanks to dedicated counselors and a culture of inclusion, supported by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Bender JCC.
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The Impact in Action series invites donors to witness their generosity at work through immersive events—from a joyful, inclusive Jewish summer camp visit to connecting with Hillel Israel and preparing meals for vulnerable populations. These hands-on experiences highlight how philanthropy builds community, inclusion, and lasting Jewish identity.
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Through One Happy Camper incentive grants and needs-based scholarships, hundreds of local children build friendships, explore Jewish identity, and create memories that last a lifetime. Your support ensures that cost is never a barrier to belonging and that Jewish joy thrives across every cabin, campfire, and community.
Explore Investments
- Providing One Happy Camper Incentive Grants so first-time campers can experience Jewish overnight camp, $210,000
- Increasing Need-Based Camp Scholarships to make camp possible for more families, $296,000
