Camp

Camp is where I first saw what true belonging looks like. Everyone had a place. Everyone mattered. That feeling still guides everything I do.

Camp hadn’t even started yet, but the Keshet community was already in full swing. What began as a simple Zoom to prep Gesher families for summer turned into nearly an hour of connection, support and shared wisdom.

For many summers, Avodah, Keshet’s vocational program at JCC Camp Chi, has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area, fostering an interest in construction and giving back. This summer, Avodah participants Cathy and Justin took on the role of journalists to write about their experiences with Habitat.

What do Taylor Swift, little words, vocational training and summer camp have in common? At first glance, not a whole lot, but, for Avodah, Keshet’s vocational program at JCC Camp Chi, they form the heart of a summer microbusiness involving friendship bracelets.

Writing letters home is a big part of overnight camp, but not all campers can easily draft a traditional letter. This summer, Keshet introduced visual letters with pictures, making it easier for everyone to share their overnight camp adventures. Just a few weeks into the summer, we are already seeing how these letters are connecting campers to families and families to the camp experience.

Keshet’s camps serve as the launching pad for lifelong friendships and essential life skills. Keshet parent Marcia shares her son Harrison’s incredible journey with Keshet’s camps, highlighting the transformative experiences and inclusive community support that have shaped his growth.

In this blog for JDAIM, Marc shares how his roles at Keshet give him a front row seat into the power of inclusion and the ways that Jewish values are seamlessly intertwined.

We certainly saved the best for last! Let’s give a HUGE shoutout to the incredible people who made summer 2023 possible. Every accomplishment, friendship, milestone and memory for Keshet’s campers had a staff member right by their side who made it happen. Counselors, site leadership staff, social workers and the full-time recreation team gave their 100% to ensure that every single camper felt included, safe and supported while at camp. We asked camp families to tell us what makes Keshet’s […]

Keshet has supported thousands of campers over the last 30 years at 18 different locations. We spend all year planning for these eight short weeks and work tirelessly to provide all the tools needed for a successful summer. But we cannot do what we do alone. Keshet’s inclusive camp programs would not be possible without our partners who are also deeply committed to promoting inclusion.  This weekly series would frankly be incomplete without taking the opportunity to thank our community […]

Sami Abrams and Lexi Berkowitz, both 13 years old, spent the first half of their summers volunteering at Keshet Teen & Tween Camp. As volunteers, they got valuable experience working with campers with disabilities that were close to their age. At the same time, they built strong relationships, created new memories and gained a whole new perspective about supporting people of all abilities.

Over the past week, Keshet has heard from camp alumni who credit Keshet with where they are today in their professions. Each of their stories demonstrate that inclusive camping doesn’t just impact our campers’ lives, but our staff as well.

Camp kindness is at the core of what we do. From the moment our campers arrive at camp, we strive to ensure that they each feel welcome, supported and valued at camp. When kindness and inclusion are embraced, it will lead to the ultimate goal of belonging–the heart of Keshet’s mission.

Like so much that happens at Keshet, these small acts add up to a BIG impact on people’s lives. Just like Jake, you can make a big impact, too, by getting involved in Keshet’s summer campaign.

There are countless small things that Keshet’s staff do each day that make a big impact on a camper’s day or beyond. These are often things that most people wouldn’t think twice about, yet our staff do them with such intentionality, patience and compassion.

Thanks to generous grants and support from our partners, Keshet has launched three new camp programs for summer 2023. These three programs have provided opportunities for campers to stay involved at camp while adapting to meet their individual needs and level of support.

There are four young adults holding jobs at Camp Chi with Keshet support. Through a grant from the Walder Foundation, Keshet is able to provide a job coach, resources and stipends for these employees to work as independently as possible.

With the support of Keshet staff, campers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone, and in turn, often discover a new favorite activity they would have never tried otherwise! When our campers succeed, we, as staff, feel equally as proud of them.

For the next eight Wednesdays, we are going to give you a glimpse into the ways that Keshet’s camp programs are unique and special with a new series we are calling Why Keshet Wednesday. There is no better way to start off this summer series than with a little blast from the past…

For over thirty years, Keshet’s camp programs have been the model of inclusion, accessibility and belonging. We’re thrilled to announce that three of Keshet’s camps have earned the highest level of accreditation from the National Inclusion Project. NIP has designated Keshet as a leader and change maker to ensure that inclusion is indeed the expectation, not the exception, for all campers.

Camp is just around the corner! We know that camp can be an adjustment for all kids and parents. We want to equip campers and parents with some tips that can best set them up for success at camp this summer.

The power of Keshet’s community is like no other. Whether I’m working at camp or 100 miles away at school, I feel the love every day.

2022 was an incredible year for Keshet and there is so much to be proud of. But as you know, Keshet is always looking ahead to the future. We came up with a list of 23 things to look forward to with Keshet in 2023.

Almost fifty years after her first time going to overnight camp, Michelle is now experiencing what camps are like when they partner with Keshet. She’s finding more than just inclusion; it is true belonging.

While most people walk through a day camp and see the activities, campers and counselors, at Keshet, we see something more. Through our lens, day camps are outdoor, unconventional voc skills labs with endless work and natural supports.