COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes
financial and volunteer resources to address the
communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and
around the world.

The Sights and Sounds of Summer
Jewish Federation Helps Jewish Camps Get Back in Session
KIDS SPLASHING IN POOLS, running on open fields, playing tag and licking
dripping Popsicles on blazing hot days — these are the sights and sounds of summer!
After a year of kids learning behind a screen and being isolated from peers,
experiential programs, like camp, are more important than ever. This summer,
Jewish camps will provide the same exciting, educational and meaningful
opportunities as usual, but with enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols for
campers and staff.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed to helping
camps succeed after losing a summer of revenue during the pandemic. Studies
have shown that Jewish summer camp is one of the most meaningful ways to
strengthen Jewish values and foster lifelong connections to the community.

“While my parents raised me to be Jewish, camp awakened me to under-
stand and value the importance of Jewish peoplehood,” said Michael Balaban,
Jewish Federation president and CEO. “I credit much of my love for Israel,
Jewish learning, the importance of tzedakah and my commitment to the Jewish
community to having attended Jewish summer camp.”
In order to make camp a viable option for families, the Jewish Federation
provides day and overnight camp scholarships, as well as the One Happy
Camper Grant for up to $1,000 for first-time participants at Jewish overnight
camps. Compared to pre-pandemic summers, the Jewish Federation experienced
a 20% increase in the number of day camp scholarships awarded.

“Jewish camping instills in children the excitement and beauty of Judaism and
the importance of our commitment to its continuance,” said Hershel Richman,
Maya, 9, can’t wait for pizza slumber parties at camp.

Courtesy of Maya
16 JUNE 24, 2021
co-chair of the Jewish Federation’s Committee for Jewish Life and Learning. “As
a past camper and counselor, I can attest that Jewish camping is one of the most
meaningful and long-lasting life experiences one can have.”
Knowing the positive impact of Jewish summer camps on the community,
the Jewish Federation invested more than $840,000 to date in scholarships and
grants to 870 campers for the 2021 season. In response to the impact of the
pandemic on families, the average scholarship amount for overnight scholar-
ships was increased, and no eligible families were turned away.

Additionally, the Jewish Federation raised $300,000 in emergency funding
and leveraged an additional $150,000 through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
(HGF) Matching Grant for Jewish camps over the last year.

With higher operating expenses to keep kids safe and many families facing
ongoing financial challenges from the pandemic, funding is still necessary. This
summer, the Jewish Federation is once again leveraging a matching grant oppor-
tunity through HGF to raise an additional $300,000 as part of the All Together
Now 2021: A Matching Grant for Jewish Overnight Camp for a total investment
of $450,000 for local camps.

“Showing kids that Judaism is fun and being part of a Jewish community is
meaningful is exactly what our committee aims to provide our children,” said Marc
Prine, co-chair of the Jewish Federation’s Committee for Jewish Life and Learning.

For more information about Jewish educational opportunities, contact
Rachel Berger, the Jewish Federation’s director of Kehillot and Jewish Life, at
rberger@jewishphilly.org. Zach, 10, can’t wait to jump off of the diving board and watch the pie-eating contest.
JEWISH EXPONENT
Courtesy of Zach
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM