In a world that shifted dramatically post October 7th, one of the things that camp not only continued to provide, but strengthened, was our connection to Judaism and the Jewish people. In the ten months that our community spent outside the bubble, we heard countless stories of antisemitism in schools, neighborhoods, and on college campuses. Stars of David were tucked under shirts or removed altogether, and We Stand With Israel signs were taken down from front lawns out of fear they would make someone a target.
According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s (FJC) 2024 Camper Satisfaction Insights Survey, 96% of families reported that camp made their child feel proud to be Jewish, and 94% of families said camp created a connection for their child to the broader Jewish community. From conversations with our own families, these statistics feel highly representative of the Tevya community. A recent national study* further reinforces that Jewish camp is the #1 place where Jewish teens feel most comfortable being their true selves. Camp builds belonging – plain and simple. For many campers and staff, their closest friends and deepest sense of belonging lives with their camp friends, who often feel more like family.
In the two summers since October 7th, camp offered our community even more than they had come to love and expect. Camp became a place where campers and staff could be loud and proud to be Jewish, wearing Stars of David and kippot openly, and where they could exhale, knowing they were surrounded by a community with shared values. No explanations were needed; everyone understood. We carried communal pain together and shared in the healing. Layered onto that was a much needed detox from phones, social media, and the constant news cycle. That break felt essential, perhaps more than ever. I know it was for me.
That sense of safety and grounding feels strongest each week on Shabbat. Shabbat at camp is one of my most favorite times of the week. Dressed in blue and white, we come together in spirited song while also pressing pause, reflecting on our week through a Jewish lens. We joyously ask “Ma Midat Hashavuah” (What’s the value of the week?) and strive to live those values at camp through our actions and words, whether it’s community, leadership, kindness, integrity, inclusion, or gratitude.
Starting in Summer 2024, we added Acheinu to our Shabbat services, a prayer for our Soldiers. It’s both a beautiful and chilling song, one that literally gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. Hearing our community of 400+ people raise their voices in song is a little bit indescribable. The energy is palpable. Watching campers step up week after week to lead their peers in song, readings, and Torah learning filled me with pride, especially knowing that many may not feel comfortable, or even have the opportunity, to do so outside of camp.
Our bubble is special, but it’s fleeting. Our time together is brief, either 3.5 or 7 weeks each summer, but its impact is lasting. For some of our families, camp may be the only time of year that their child or young adult is surrounded by Jewish friends, leaders, and role models. It may be the only time of year that they regularly participate in Shabbat Services or live Jewishly in a fully immersive way. And yet, this small slice of the year creates such a strong connection to their Judaism and the Jewish people. One of the most authentic ways we foster that bond is simply by living, playing, singing, competing, and laughing together in a Jewish environment.
Another powerful part of this experience is our relationship with our Shlichim, our Israeli staff. Each summer, we welcome around a dozen young adults from Israel who come with open eyes, ears, and hearts. They bring their full selves to the American camp experience, while also learning how Jews outside of Israel live their Jewish lives.
For many of our campers, this may be their first time meeting someone from Israel and putting a face to the place they otherwise may only encounter on the news, or through camp traditions like Israel Day, the Israeli Beach Party or Discover Israel bunk activities. Many of our campers and our counselors remain connected with our Israeli staff long after the summer ends. Some of our campers have met up with former counselors when they travel to Israel on Dor L’Dor, and staff when they go on travel abroad programs through their colleges and universities.
I look forward to seeing all of my extended Israeli camp family each year when I visit to train the next group of Shliachs. Since I began working at Tevya in 2015, I’ve built a vast extended Israeli camp family, so large that we even have our own WhatsApp group to stay connected and plan visits. These relationships have profoundly deepened my own connection to Judaism and to Israel, and I am endlessly grateful to camp for strengthening not only my connection, but my family’s as well.
And this brings us back to where we began. In a world that feels heavier and more uncertain since October 7th, camp remains a place of clarity and grounding. It is where our campers and staff are reminded not only of who they are, but of how proud they can be to be Jewish, rooted in community, tradition, and shared values. They return to their schools, teams, and hometowns carrying that confidence with them, knowing they belong to something much larger than themselves.
For me, this is a powerful reminder of why this work matters so deeply, and why I am grateful to be part of a community that gives our children and young adults the confidence to carry their Jewish identity with pride.
Lauren
Director, Camp Tevya
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*According to Strength, Stress, and Support A National Study of American Jewish Teen Well-Being-a 2024 Study by Jewish Federation BeWell Program and Stanford University.
