In the summer of 2024, a record-breaking nearly 190,000 young people experienced the magic of Jewish camp, including over 7,000 in California. They explored the outdoors, tapped into their creativity, formed lifelong friendships, celebrated Shabbat, learned about Israel, and more. 

In the past few years, young Jews have gone through the pandemic, wildfires, and war — including a wave of antisemitism following Hamas’ October 7 attack. At camp, they are able to have fun and lean into their Jewish identity: 96% of families of overnight campers reported that camp created an environment where their child is proud to be Jewish, and 92% of families said camp positively impacted their campers’ Jewish identity. Many campers end up participating in more Jewish programming throughout the year. 

We’re now gearing up for another exciting summer, with registration for Jewish camp in full swing. Some families already know where their child will be. Many others may be choosing between camps, wondering whether to attend at all or curious about funding options. As the West Coast Regional Director of Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) — and an alum of Camp Ramah in California, where I spent 15 summers — my team and I are here to help!

 Why Jewish Camp? 

Jewish camps reflect the diversity of our community. They span different religious and political affiliations, sizes, environments, session lengths, and activities. California has a wide variety of overnight camp options, from intimate, one to two-week programs to four-week programs that serve 500+ kids at a time. For every kind of camper, there’s a camp that’s right for them. At the same time, a few core elements tie Jewish camps together: 

The first is individual and character growth, as campers develop resilience, leadership skills, and more. The second is Shabbat, which is universally a highlight of the week. The third is Israel, which campers might learn about through song, dance, food, or direct interactions and friendships with Israeli Shlichim — emissaries from the Jewish Agency for Israel. And lastly is the opportunity to be around other young Jews in community. 

Study after study shows how Jewish camp changes lives. The #1 experience that Jewish communal leaders have in common is camp. Through an initiative at FJC called Character at Camp, we’ve gained increasing visibility into how camp cultivates traits such as kindness. 

What is Foundation for Jewish Camp? 

There are over 300 non-profit day and overnight camps in FJC’s network throughout the U.S. and Canada, including 15 overnight camps in California alone. FJC acts as a hub and support system for these camps. We partner with them on everything from education for camp professionals to funding programming to building facilities and more. Over the past five years, we’ve distributed over $43 million in grant funding to camps. 

More recently, we announced $15 million in funding from The Gottesman Fund for capital expansion projects, including staff housing, camper bunks, and climate resilience. We’re investing millions of dollars into Israel education for this upcoming summer, including placing 70 educators at 70 different camps to lead nuanced, complex, and meaningful programs. 

FJC has also invested millions of dollars in mental health and inclusion programs to ensure children and teens with diverse needs and abilities can thrive at camp. In California last year, we distributed wellness grants to year-round camp professionals who work tirelessly to give your children incredible Jewish experiences all while keeping them safe and secure. 

Which Camp is Right for My Child? 

FJC provides resources for parents, including our Find-a-Camp tool (jewishcamp.org/findacamp) and questions they can ask to find the camp their child will thrive in. Below, you’ll find a select list of overnight camps in California with some information on what makes each one special. 

Many camps offer opportunities for campers and their families to explore camp, such as “Rookie Days” or “Taste of” programs that may give you more insight into a specific camp. There’s also no single right age to attend overnight camp. Most camps begin sessions for kids entering the 2nd or 3rd grade. Some kids are ready at younger ages. Others need more time. 

FJC and the camps in our network care deeply about making sure campers feel seen and have opportunities to explore and grow in a safe environment. FJC supports 102 day and overnight camps with funding to hire mental health professionals through our Yedid Nefesh Initiative and has also invested $12 million to create more accessible spaces for campers with disabilities through the Yashar Initiative. 

We know that with the recent, devastating fires in the Los Angeles area that safety is top of mind for many parents. Our camps all go through extensive safety preparation and scenario planning to ensure that they are ready for whatever comes their way. 

Are There Resources to Make Camp More Affordable? 

Absolutely! Camps distributed approximately $37 million in financial aid to families last summer. FJC’s signature program, One Happy Camper® (OHC), continues to provide incentive grants to help camps attract new campers and increase camper enrollment. We’ve provided over 125,000 of these need-blind grants since the program’s inception, including over 7,000 last summer alone. 

In Southern California, FJC has three main OHC partners, including the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, the Jewish Federation of San Diego, and a brand-new partner in 2025, the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Each of these partners has slightly different criteria for inclusion and grant amounts. 

To apply for OHC grants, parents should find a camp for their child, register their child at camp, and then apply using our online application. There is additional funding available through Small Communities Incentive Grants, a program of OHC, for new and second-year campers from small communities of approximately less than 10,000 Jewish residents to attend an overnight camp of their choice. On the West Coast, FJC also offers a unique Israeli-American Incentive Program for Israeli-Americans living full-time/year-round in western states and attending camps in these states. 

Visit onehappycamper.org to learn more about available grants.