Harrison laughing with a camper outdoors and playing on his phone and with his schedule

Growing Up With Keshet Camps

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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.

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Two photos of Marc: one of him teaching and one with two campers

A Front Row Seat to Jewish Inclusion

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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.

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Collage of three photos of camp staff with text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #8 — Thank You, Keshet Staff

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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 […]

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Three photos of campers and staff wearing Ramah, Apachi and Camp Chi t-shirts with text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #7 — Community Partnerships

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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 […]

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Collage of two photos: Sami sitting with a camper in the grass, Lexi sitting with a camper indoors

Volunteer Spotlight: Sami Abrams & Lexi Berkowitz

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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.

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Three photos of camp staff alumni with campers and text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #6 — Camp Alumni’s Presence in the Disability Community

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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.

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Collage of three camp photos with text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #5 — Camp Kindness Day

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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.

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Jake and the bus driver standing outside the bus, smiling at each other

Forward 2023: Jake’s Bus

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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.

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Collage of three camp photos with text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #4 — Small Acts, Big Impact

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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.

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Three camp photos -- camper and staff in a kayak, staff putting labels on postcards and camper and staff at a foam party -- yellow, pink and blue text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #3 — Meeting Campers Where They’re At

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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.

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Five camp chi staff in their staff shirts with their arms around each other

More Than A Paycheck

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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.

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Three camp photos -- swimming, bubbles and guitar -- yellow, pink and blue text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #2 — Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

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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.

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Three camp photos through the years and yellow, pink and blue text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #1 – A Leader in Inclusive Camping

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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…

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Camp Chi cabin photo at the ropes course

Keshet Earns A Big Award

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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.

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Camper on a slip and slide holding her thumbs up in the air

5 Tips to Prepare Your Camper for Day Camp

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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.

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Two photos of Abby and Wesley

From Baseball to Camp to College: A Lifelong Journey with Keshet

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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.

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Camper sitting in a hammock with his thumbs up

23 Things on Keshet’s Horizon in 2023

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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.

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Group of campers and staff dressed for Shabbat at Camp Chi.

Visit to Camp Chi

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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.

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Young adult volunteers sitting at a table indoors at Teen & Tween Camp

Day Camp as Vocational Learning Lab

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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.

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Lauryn at camp with two other staff

Living 10For2 With A Whole New Lens

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As a long-time camp person, I couldn’t remember a time where I didn’t live by the motto #10For2. All year long I count down for those 39 magical days of camp, because it’s given me lifelong friendships, shaped me into the leader I am today, and most of all it’s the place where I can be my most authentic self. For many of our Keshet participants and staff, their experience is no different.

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Colorfully painted rocks

Justin’s Rock Garden

Everyone in the Keshet community is invited to contribute a painted rock in memory and honor of Justin Coe.

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Jeremy using his talker device while sitting on a bench with Jeremy.

The Camper-Counselor Bond

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Ben knew this summer would be different, but what he didn’t expect was to have one of the best times he’s ever had at Keshet Teen & Tween Camp. One of the reasons for his success is everything that his counselor, Jeremy, is doing to let Ben know that he is always looking out for him.

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A ZOOM meeting filled with participants watching a video.

Let’s Hit the Road

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All of Keshet’s programs are making the most of visiting far-off destinations through virtual travel and tours.

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