Jewish Summer Camps Are Stepping Up For Kids, Even During A Pandemic

Many of us have now entered our seventh week of social distancing. On one hand, these challenging days of quarantine and isolation have added a level of anxiety and uncertainty that threaten to overwhelm us. On the other, we can be inspired by those who have brought creativity, innovation and light to these dark times. Either way, we are grappling with the unknown and seeking normalcy.

Usually at this time of year, excitement and preparation for weeks away at camp would be building. Packing bags, labeling clothing, group chats with friends as they find out bunk assignments. Hours would be filled listening to playlists with favorite camp tunes and anticipating the smell of the medurahs (bonfires) and the taste of s’mores.

At its core, Jewish camp illuminates the best of the human experience. Friendship. Belonging. Kindness. Resilience. Connection. Being part of something larger than ourselves.

Much of this quarantine experience has been characterized by discovering a renewed sense of gratitude and deeper appreciation for institutions and opportunities we perhaps had taken for granted. Jewish camp is no exception. Just as the impact of camp lasts beyond a single summer, the impact of not going to camp may have a similarly outsized effect. People look forward to camp all year long; it has always been “a light at the end of the tunnel.”

But what happens if — suddenly, inexplicably, unprecedentedly — the tunnel grows and stretches, leaving no indication of where it may end?

I can tell you what happens. Camps adapt and innovate, creating new ways to bring light, joy and communal connection into our lives — no matter the circumstances.

The challenges circumstances of COVID-19 give camp staff and organizers a chance to act as creators and shine a new light on our world. Without missing a beat, they have pivoted to creating virtual programming, bringing a much-needed sense of joyful Judaism and communal connection into people’s homes.

I have limitless admiration and gratitude for the dedication and talent of camp professionals, and I’m truly in awe of the resilient, innovative and community-centered way they have faced the challenge of this pandemic. We all can learn much from these amazing Jewish communal assets.

 “Once all this is over, we will need to rebuild together — and we have the opportunity to rebuild with intentionality.”

I have participated in multiple online gatherings – from song sessions to Havdalah services — with camp families, alumni and professionals. No matter their ages or locations, it’s clear camp people are comforted and uplifted by these opportunities to meaningfully connect with the larger community. Camp still can be a powerful “home away from home” − even when we’re at home!

Please visit Jewish Camp at Home on Facebook, where you’ll see firsthand the inspiring work of these talent camp professionals. This new group was the brainchild of L.A.-based Jewish camp organizers, who were the first to come together to offer a wide range of online programming. The group has since expanded, with Jewish camps across North America collaborating as a field to uplift the entire camp community and beyond.

Once all this is over, we will need to rebuild together — and we have the opportunity to rebuild with intentionality. What do we wish to return to? What can we improve upon? What is essential and what can we do without? We have the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.

There is no denying a summer without Jewish camp — at least in the way we are accustomed to experiencing it — would be a profound loss for the Jewish community. But no matter what form summer 2020 may take, Jewish camps will never cease to innovate, adapt, connect and provide joy. That is their sacred mandate. That is their gift.

We hope the day soon will come when we once again gather in safety and in health. Until that time, let us help Jewish camps in the ways they continue to help us – by maintaining a cycle of creation and renewal, modeling resilience and inventing new opportunities to sing, dance, laugh and come together.

Jeremy J. Fingerman is the CEO of the foundation for Jewish Camp.