Our Israeli family’s love story with the “Cohen Camps Family” סיפור האהבה של המשפחה שלי עם “משפחת כהן קמפ” Guest post by Shira Dekalo, parent of three Israeli campers, one at each of the three Cohen Camps. פוסט אורח מאת שירה דקלו, אמא לשלושה חניכים ישראלים, אחד בכל אחד משלושת מחנות כהן. READ THIS POST […]

Dear Cohen Camps families, Every summer, the Cohen Camps welcome staff from Israel (shlichim) who play a vital role in our mission as Zionist camps. They come to us ready to embrace our camp culture just as we embrace them, enriching the community with their experiences and deepening our connection to Israel. Since October 7, […]

Dear Cohen Camps family, Our hearts and minds continue to be focused on Israel. We are in touch with many of our Shlichim (Israeli counselors) from over the years, as well as adult staff, and families who send their campers to camp. Our Israelis appreciate all the messages they have received on social media and […]

Dear Cohen Camps family, Absorbing the news from Israel has been difficult for all of us. The Cohen Camps has a long history of connection to the State of Israel through our programs, staff, and campers. The Jewish homeland has been a key part of who we are since our founding by my grandparents 90 […]

BY JONATHAN COHEN,THIRD-GENERATION PRESIDENT, THE COHEN CAMPS I’m often asked what makes the Cohen Camps “Jewish” and how we differentiate our camps from other Jewish camps. There is no simple, quick answer – it’s more than just being Kosher, observing Shabbat and reciting blessings before and after meals. We have a set of values that […]

BY JONATHAN COHEN,THIRD-GENERATION PRESIDENT, THE COHEN CAMPS In articulating our Jewish purpose in the manner of our 10 Commitments we have created a language that helps focus and guide us through the rhythms of planning and running our camps. In my previous posts I explained in general the core values that make our camps – […]

BY JONATHAN COHEN,THIRD-GENERATION PRESIDENT, THE COHEN CAMPS We have always considered our camps (Pembroke, Tel Noar and Tevya) to be involved in the informal Jewish education business (shh, don’t tell the campers). This began with my grandparents, Eli and Bessie, who believed that Jewish education in all of its forms was an important means to […]

If you work with children and families in Jewish settings – whether a synagogue, a Hebrew school or a youth group – you know that families depend on you for expertise. At this time of year, family talk turns to summer camps: Where should we go? Why should we consider a Jewish camp? How should […]