Because of Camp.
Because of You.

2022 Impact Report

From the President

Dear Cohen Camps family,

This year, Camps Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya proudly welcomed another generation of campers, teens, and staff to a summer of growth and belonging. At camp and in Israel, we made great strides in getting back to “normal” after COVID.

Yet young people are still striving to recover the formative social, emotional, spiritual, and mental health experiences that the pandemic interrupted—in schools, homes, and communities across the country. Camp and its 24/7 environment give us a unique opportunity. Here we can strengthen children, teens, and counselors through fun and friendship. Together in a place of trust, everyone feels more grounded.

Thank you for all the support you provide to sustain Jewish camping for each generation. Your caring resonates in campers’ lives every day—now, and for their lifetimes. we invite you to learn more in this 2022 Impact Report.

With appreciation and camp spirit,

Jonathan

Jonathan Cohen,
Third-generation President,
The Cohen Camps

and The Cohen Camps’ Board of Directors

In Summer 2022, we welcomed

campers

862

teens

174

counselors + staff

434

Mission

The Cohen Camps enrich children’s lives by encouraging Jewish youth to be comfortable and confident in themselves so that they can connect positively with others and the world they live in.

Because

these summers shape lives

Camp is where we grow confident. We build friendships. We plant the seeds of lifelong communities. We connect more deeply to Jewish values and traditions. We immerse ourselves in caring, in adventure, in stretching ourselves, and in learning to lead.
All in the most meaningful, carefree summers of our lives.

Summer 2022 parents say...

The Top 3 most important benefits of camp for their children:

Strong friendships

80%

TIE
#2

Summer that feels fun, unplugged, and carefree

67%

Confidence and self-esteem

67%

Leadership, independence, and maturity

67%

TIE
#3

Jewish pride, values,and connection

38%

Mental health and resilience

37%

The Top 3 most valuable aspects of experiencing Israel for their teens:

Stronger identity + pride in being Jewish

67%

Deeper and/or new friendships

64%

Personal connection to Israel

63%

The Top 4 ways parents say

camp cultivates positive mental health

Greater confidence

94%

Stronger social connectedness

92%

More happiness

90%

Increased belonging

88%

My daughter thrives at camp. She becomes her real self. The thought of returning gets her through every school year."

Because

YOU are cherished in our lifelong community

Camp families

You pack and label and hug away pre-summer jitters. Because of you, children and teens come to camp ready to thrive. We treasure your partnership.

Counselors + staff

You take on the challenges of this work with caring, commitment, tenacity, and leadership. Whether it’s your first big job or a step in your career, your mentorship and caring will forever be part of each young person’s future.

Health + Camper Care teams

You keep us physically and mentally strong at a time when people have many needs. Flexibility is your super-power, even though you’re on call 24/7.

Alumni/ae

You see a need, and you step forward. You volunteer, you inspire each other as friends and camp families, and you champion camp spirit and community.

Because of

your 2022 Philanthropy

unique donors

606

generous gifts

1170

first-time gifts

$1,000+ donors

The Cohen Camps are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Philanthropy makes all the difference. When you share your camp spirit through giving, you become part of every future camper’s story.

Some of the special projects you made possible this year:

Michael Jeser Bog Field
at Camp Tevya

Archives
at Camp Tel noar

Esta Snider Welcome Pavilion
at Camp Pembroke

Donors share:

"I don’t think there’s a single place you could give to that would have as big an impact on young people’s Judaism and Jewish ties as Jewish camp. I feel like our giving creates something so lasting for the future, because it’s about how our kids will be in the world, forever.”

"Giving is like putting a wish out into the world. When I give to camp, I’m making a wish that some child or children will get to have the kinds of fun and joy and camp experiences that I got to have."

"I get choked up when I think about scholarships: somebody back then looked out for me and made sure I could keep going to camp. If I have the opportunity to look out for somebody else, I want to take it.”

"Camp is a major priority for us philanthropically because of the impact it has had on our children’s lives. It has given them their closest friends, and taught independence, grit, empathy, foundational Judaic values, and what it means to be part of something greater than oneself. What we donate could never equal all this experience has provided."

"My brother let me know when he had made camp a beneficiary of his estate. I think he always thought very lovingly of his friends and his time at camp. He knew the gift would be put to good use. I was honored to make sure his bequest got delivered to camp.”

"I feel like my gifts go far here, and I can make a big difference. Camp gave me the independence and confidence to become fully myself—so I feel indebted and committed to contributing to its continued success."

Donors share:

Aimee + Jason Stone
CAMP TEL NOAR

Camp marriage.
2022 camp and Dor L'Dor parents.
Their children are the 4th generation in Aimee's family to attend CTN.
Longtime donors.

What they say

Aimee and Jason Stone
CAMP TEL NOAR

Camp marriage. 2022 camp and Dor L'Dor parents. Their children are the 4th CTN generation in Aimee's family. Longtime donors.

What they say

Aimee and Jason Stone
CAMP TEL NOAR

Camp marriage. 2022 camp and Dor L'Dor parents. Their children are the 4th CTN generation in Aimee's family. Longtime donors.

What they say

Deena + Matthew
Liebman
CAMP PEMBROKE

Deena + Matthew Liebman
CAMP PEMBROKE

Deena is a camp alum.
Their children and nieces attended camp.
Longtime donors.

What they say

Aimee and Jason Stone
CAMP TEL NOAR

Camp marriage. 2022 camp and Dor L'Dor parents. Their children are the 4th CTN generation in Aimee's family. Longtime donors.

What they say

Aimee and Jason Stone
CAMP PEMBROKE

Camp marriage. 2022 camp and Dor L'Dor parents. Their children are the 4th CTN generation in Aimee's family. Longtime donors.

What they say

of 2022 families received financial assistance.
Many report...

8 %

My child could attend camp only because of this scholarship.

My daughter grows more at camp than anywhere else. I worry a lot about not being able to give her her happy place. With financial support given to families like mine, I am so grateful she gets to be there."

Receiving this grant made us feel welcome in the Jewish Community at large and confirmed that educating our kids in a fun Jewish way really matters."

The generosity tipped the scales for us on being able to choose a Jewish camp."

My child smiles for 7 weeks, sings and dances his heart out on Shabbat, and has made friendships that will last a lifetime, thanks to this financial support!"

2022
Financial Report

FISCAL YEAR October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022
FOR ALL CAMPS COMBINED

2022 INCOME held steady with 2019 (pre-COVID).

This consistency is thanks to a strong rate of returning campers and the momentum of generous philanthropy—supplemented by loan forgiveness through the Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).