Nearly 20 Peninsula kids and teens will have a transformative summer traveling to at least six Jewish summer experiences this year, marking our community’s highest participation to date.

For over a decade, the UJC staff members have been steadfast in their commitment to building a culture of Jewish overnight camping. This dedication was further solidified in 2019 when the UJC partnered with One Happy Camper and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, making grants available to first-time campers. To date, nearly 30 local kids have benefited from this grant, with many choosing to return to camp year after year.

One Happy Camper offers grants based on how many days a child will attend a sleepaway program. For the past six years, grants of $700-$1000 have been offered. This year, due to increased costs associated with the camping experience and a new partnership with One Happy Camper, the UJC is proud to offer increased grants of $1000-$1500 for first-time attendees.

In addition to expanding the UJC grant pool, One Happy Camper provided the UJC with a grant to assist in promoting and expanding camp marketing. “This extra cushion meant more swag and fun for Peninsula kids at our Hanukkah celebrations and an epic addition to the Purim carnival this year!” explains Jessi Malkin, Director of Campaign and Community Impact at the UJC. “We were also able to partner with our synagogues to promote camps within the different movements and reach new families.”

Each congregation was offered a Mini Camp Shabbat grant to use as they saw fit to engage with families and to share past camper experiences with a new generation. “It was great to see all the vintage camp shirts and color wars outfits at Shabbat services; it was fun to dress to a theme,” shared one congregant.

Overnight camp is not everyone’s happy place; for teens looking for a shorter experience, the JCC Maccabi Games promote the same feeling of K’lal Yisroel (Jewish Peoplehood) in a shorter duration. While the games focus on athletics, not all participants are there to compete. The addition of the Maccabi Star Reporter program allows teens to work closely with mprofessionals in the journalism field, learning interview, reporting and editing skills during the week-long games.

Teen youth group conventions provide a similar feeling with less time away and often in much more lavish
accommodations than traditional summer camps. The UJC is proud to support teens attending regional or national events regardless of affiliation or denomination. This winter, Kamea Henderson attended BBYO International Convention in Denver, CO. “I’ve never been someplace where everyone is Jewish and that was a cool experience, to be surrounded by people where everyone has that in common and was proud of it,” Henderson reflected. “I went [to IC] not really knowing anyone or anything but I learned a lot and made friends from all around the world, who I am so excited to see next year!”

Living in a small community, while cozy and intimate, does not always allow our kids to truly feel a Jewish peer connection. These larger Jewish peer gatherings encourage youth to engage in their Jewish journeys in a way that cannot be replicated in a classroom or congregation.

A rich tapestry of Jewish experiences is available for every age, interest, and individual. Whether it’s an overnight camp, a sports event like the JCC Maccabi Games, or a teen youth group convention, there’s something for everyone.

If you need assistance finding the perfect experience for you or someone in your life, visit ujcvp.org/one-happy-camper or contact Jessi Malkin at jmalkin@ujcvp.org.