Camp Solomon Schechter Programs
CSS emphasizes the values of integrity, derech eretz (respect) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). We do this through sports, omanut (arts) and teva (nature) to create our ideal Jewish community. Camp builds Jewish identity and commitment, raises self-confidence, develops decision making skills, improves social skills and enables campers to discover talents and abilities they never knew they had.
Echad
For campers entering 2nd - 3rd grades
This 5-day mini-camp is a wonderful introduction for the younger or first-time camper.
Aleph
For campers entering 3rd - 5th grades
In Aleph we pack an entire summer of fun into 10 days! This session is perfect for new and returning campers alike.
Bet
For campers entering 5th - 7th grades
Bet campers experience everything Camp has to offer in this exciting 3-week session. Campers enjoy a variety of activities, arts instruction, sports, an overnight camping adventure and so much more!
Gimmel
For campers entering 8th - 10th grades
This 3-week session brings the Schechter experience to a whole new level! The interactive and creative Judaic program allows campers to ask questions and explore their own Jewish identity, while building their commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charity).
Oded
For selected campers entering 11th grade
Our highly acclaimed Counselor-in-Training and Leadership program is truly a hands-on training program. These teens learn to look at leadership and life through a Jewish lens.
Israel Program
For selected campers entering 12th grade
The trip is a five-week adventure beginning and ending at Camp. The group travels throughout Israel, staying at youth hostels, hotels, kibbutzim and in the desert.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
How is recycling part of
Tikkun Olam? . . . When does
Shabbat officially end? . . . What is
nikayon? . . . What are the lessons of
Tisha B’Av? . . . When someone wishes you, “
Shavua Tov,” what are they saying and why? . . . Who is Matisyahu? Judaism has a long and rich history full of tradition and ritual that provides us with a greater understanding of our place in the world and our relationship with G-d. Many of us learned about Judaism through books and memorization at Hebrew or Sunday school. But, as you well know, immersion in our culture 24/7, while having fun and participating in engaging activities, transforms rote learning into meaningful experiences that more strongly connect us to our Jewish culture. Camp Solomon Schechter provides this very thing for our youth.
As one parent stated, “Camp Solomon Schechter creates an incredible feeling of belonging and togetherness amongst the whole community of children, counselors and staff, and Camp is able to create a magical Jewish atmosphere that elevates the joy and meaning of Shabbat and being Jewish. I really commend Sam and the whole team for really touching my child's heart and making her feel so much joy and happiness about being Jewish and being part of a Jewish community.” This comment aptly summarizes years of research from Jewish population studies from around the country: Jewish camping is the strongest predictor of adult observance and engagement in the community. Adults with Jewish camping experience are:
- 50% more likely to join a synagogue,
- 90% more likely to join a JCC,
- Twice as likely to contribute to their local Jewish Federation, and
- 25% more likely to marry and raise their children as Jews.
Please help to ensure the youth in our community have the opportunity to experience this deep connection to Judaism. A contribution to Camp Solomon Schechter will allow us to provide scholarships, improve and expand our programming and keep tuition costs affordable, not to mention making you a good
dugma (role model).