Therapeutic Camp Model

Implements health and safety protocols including vaccination requirements with medical exceptions only, health screenings for contagious symptoms via an on-site Health Center, hand hygiene promotion, tick removal when authorized, sunscreen reapplication assistance, and mask or testing requirements for unvaccinated individuals returning from illness.

Enforces a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, gender identity, or sexual identity, and conducts ongoing staff training and programming that celebrates cultural differences.

Provides a traditional day camp experience in Haines Falls, NY, approximately two hours north of New York City, featuring outdoor activities, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, and nature-based programming for children ages 3 to 15.

Offers need-based financial aid for families with incomes under $125,000 or special financial circumstances, along with installment payment plans and sibling discounts to increase accessibility to camp programs.

Offers structured leadership programs including a Leader in Training (LIT) program for ages 13–14 and a Counselors in Training (CIT) program for ages 15–16, focusing on outdoor leadership, service projects, camper management skills, and job readiness, with some participants receiving stipends or salaries.

Operates an alumni page to help past campers reconnect, submit photos and stories, and schedule reunions at the camp.

Organizes volunteer efforts to create and deliver care items such as 118 beaded bracelets for campers, 100 lanyard necklaces for volunteers, and welcome cards with positive Hebrew phrases for children arriving at Jordan River Village in Israel.

Hosts approximately 700 family members at the camp each year and organizes annual family weekend retreats for families of campers to foster community and emotional support.

Provides free, medically supported, year-round camp experiences to over 9,000 children annually in Israel who have chronic illnesses, life-threatening conditions, disabilities, or special needs. The camp has served thousands of children since opening in 2012 through six core programs.

Supports Jordan River Village in Israel through individual advocacy and fundraising efforts, such as walking 100 miles to raise money for the organization.

Engages approximately 200 medical professionals each year in camp operations to ensure medically supported care during camp programs.

Runs an annual outreach initiative called “Village on Wheels” that brings camp-in-a-box experiences to children in pediatric hospitals across Israel.

Operates a camper registration system, prepares and distributes required forms for the camp season, and distributes over $100,000 in scholarships annually to ensure access regardless of financial circumstances.

Teaches campers about progressive historical figures, social justice issues, secular Jewish cultural traditions, and peace through daily activities, discussions, and annual ceremonies commemorating the Holocaust and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Runs a two-year Counselor-in-Training program for youth turning 15 or 16, requiring participation in a full 7-week session, and includes direct work with campers and structured skill-building workshops.

Runs the Kinderland Shule, an after-school program providing secular Jewish education based on history, culture, and literature.

Provides a summer camp program for children ages 9 to 16 at a site in Tolland, Massachusetts, with sessions lasting 2, 3, 4, or 7 weeks. The program integrates sports, arts, nature, camping, and social justice education, hosting 165 to 185 campers per session and maintaining over 85% annual camper retention.

Produces two major theatrical performances annually in the Paul Robeson Playhouse, performed by older campers and Counselors-in-Training (CITs), and organizes a cultural Olympics where campers create themed cheers, songs, skits, and murals based on social justice figures and movements.