Jewish Life

At Camp Wise, children of all backgrounds and levels of observance come together to celebrate Jewish life. In our unique and welcoming community, experiential Jewish living helps campers feel proud of who they are.

Campers are active players in shaping our rich Jewish community through Shabbat celebrations, havdalah, song sessions, blessings at meals, Kosher meals, Israeli counselors, special programs and incredible ruach (spirit)!

At Camp Wise, we live by 6 core Jewish values. Through intentional programming rooted in these core values, campers gain a sense of ownership for their own Jewish exploration and identification that carries with them beyond camp into the ‘real world’. Our counselors help weave these values into all aspects of daily camp life.

Kehillah (Community)

 The camp community is at the core of this vision. When each individual feels investment and commitment to those around them, an environment of trust, loyalty, and support is created. This sense of belonging to something bigger than the self inspires kavod (respect) and chesed (kindness), and forms a safe space for learning and growing. This starts in the bunk with each camper feeling a part of something special, but it is just as important for the staff members to feel this sense of belonging to the community to be effective doogma esheet (role models).

B’tzelem Elohim (In the Image of God)

 The Torah teaches that everyone is created in the image of God, and at camp this extends from the kitchen staff, to counselors, to campers with special needs. Staff members model the importance of appreciating differences, honoring their own bodies and minds, and taking care of each other, with an emphasis on lashon tov (good speech). In the unique camp pecking order of ‘cool’, mensches (decent people) are honored and recognized, and emerge as leaders among both campers and staff.

Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming Guests)

 A sense of belonging is what brings people back each summer, but the camp community is also a place for newcomers to be warmly welcomed. Just as Abraham and Sarah opened their tents for visitors, kindness and hospitality are extended at camp to new campers, staff, and guests in an effort to lessen the intimidation of a new culture and setting.

Clal Yisrael (The Unity of the Jewish People)

 The sense of belonging rooted in the camp community is extended to a responsibility for the global Jewish community, and a love for both the land and people of Israel. Ziyonut (Zionism) is emphasized by a commitment to creating personal connections between individuals and Israel.

Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)

 In a natural and beautiful setting, the physical space of camp becomes the experiential training ground for ba’al tashchit (not destroying) and teva (nature). Campers are tuned in to ma rabu masecha (finding awe in our surroundings) and are shown the importance of stewardship of camp and the planet. Tikkun is explored at all levels by learners – starting with mitzvot (good deeds) within camp and extending to the larger community, illustrating the Jewish obligation of or lagoyim (being a light unto the nations), and bringing to action the words in the Torah, “v’ahavta l’reyacha” (love your neighbor as yourself).

Kavanah (Spirituality)

 If formal Jewish education provides an individual with the keva (structure) of Jewish life, then camp is where kavanah (spirituality) is discovered. Camp is where Judaism comes to life, through hidur mitzvah (creativity), simcha (celebration), and above all else, ruach (strength of spirit).