Mission & Vision

Our Philosophy

Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) has a 65-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. At CSS we value each child as an individual and strive to support their social and spiritual growth. Our campers have the opportunity to be independent in a safe and nurturing environment. We encourage every camper to try something new, make new friends, make good choices, and grow as leaders and as individuals. CSS is a fully immersive, welcoming, and spiritual Jewish environment. At CSS, Judaism and Joy are truly one!

Jewish camp can be one of the most rewarding and influential experiences a child has. A summer at CSS enables children to try new activities, improve social skills, gain self-confidence, make Jewish friends, become independent, and discover talents and abilities they never knew they had. These benefits last a lifetime. At CSS we emphasize the values of integrity, derech eretz (respect), and tikkun olam (repairing the world). We do this through activities and teva (nature) to create our ideal Jewish community.

Accreditation

CSS is accredited by the American Camp Association. This means that we meet or exceed the industry standards in over 300 measures of health, safety and professionalism. CSS is also a proud member of the Association of Independent Jewish Camps, a group dedicated to pursuing best practices for independent Jewish camps.

Vibrant Jewish Community

CSS is an independent Jewish summer camp. We are a pluralistic summer home for Jews of Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal, traditional, and unaffiliated backgrounds. We take pride in our diversity. We celebrate the mosaic of identities and backgrounds that makeup our community.