Israeli Family Camp
February 27 – March 1, 2026
Israeli Family Camp & Purim Celebration at Camp Solomon Schechter
February 27 – March 1, 2026
Join Israeli families from across the Pacific Northwest for our first-ever Israeli Family Camp – a meaningful, fun-filled weekend of community, culture, and classic Schechter magic with a sprinkle of Purim joy.
What to Expect
Shabbat & Great Food
Warm, family-friendly Shabbat services and delicious Israeli meals.
Programs for Kids & Teens
Engaging activities led by our amazing counselors, with plenty of time to explore, play, and make friends.
Purim Celebration
Festive costumes, Purim crafts, music, and a joyful family-friendly celebration.
Israeli Culture & Ruach
Music, campfire singing, and shared traditions that bring our community together.
Classic Camp Fun
Hiking trails, lakefront time, family games, and cozy indoor activities – rain or shine, the camp fun continues!
All of this takes place on our beautiful 174-acre property, designed with indoor and outdoor spaces so weather will not prevent our activities from happening.
Pricing
Private Cabin
- $1,500 (up to 8 people)
Shared Cabin
- Adults (13+): $250 early-bird / $350 after Jan. 5 at 10:00 AM
- Kids (5 – 12): $180 early-bird / $280 after Jan. 5 at 10:00 AM
- Children 4 and under: Free
Come for the community. Stay for the joy. Celebrate Purim. Leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Etti Segal
Co-Chair
Etti Segal is an educator with a deep passion for creating meaningful connections through learning and shared experiences. She has years of experience teaching Hebrew and Jewish culture in schools and community programs, and she brings creativity, warmth, and a love of Israel to everything she does. Etti is excited to be part of the Israeli Family Camp weekend, where families can learn, celebrate, and grow together in a joyful and welcoming environment.
Moran May-Rom
Co-Chair
My name is Moran May-Rom, and I’m a teacher at JDS as well as a volleyball and catchball coach. I first discovered the Camp Solomon Schechter community three years ago and immediately connected with its warmth, energy, and spirit. Originally from Israel, my family and I moved to Washington in 2016, and I’m grateful to be part of the vibrant Israeli and Jewish community here. I’m especially excited for Israeli Family Camp because I love building connections, strengthening community, and creating meaningful shared experiences for families.
Contact Events & Retreats Manager Melissa Bloom to learn more about Israeli Family Camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Israeli Family Camp is a joyful, community-building weekend for Israeli and Israeli American families across the Pacific Northwest. Hosted at Camp Solomon Schechter’s 175-acre Stampfer Retreat Center in Tumwater, WA, the program blends classic camp fun with Israeli culture, music, food, and meaningful Shabbat experiences for all ages.
Families of all compositions with children of any age—babies, toddlers, school-age kids, and teens. Grandparents, extended family, and caregivers are also welcome.
Camp Solomon Schechter
Tumwater, Washington
Just 1 hour from Portland and 1 hour from Seattle.
Your weekend fee covers:
- Lodging for two nights
- All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast
- Program activities (chuggim, Purim activities, boating, sports, hikes, etc.)
- Evening programs, Shabbat experiences, and family programming
- Coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the weekend
- An unforgettable weekend and invaluable opportunity to bond with other Israeli families in the Pacific Northwest
A priceless value!
Check-in opens at 2pm on Friday afternoon. You’ll receive your cabin assignment and schedule upon arrival.
We wrap up after a short Degel & Farewell Gathering on Sunday morning, followed by departures before lunch.
Families stay in heated cabins.
- Cabins include bunk beds
- En suite bathrooms
- Storage shelving
Yes, please bring your own bedding, pillows, and towels.
All meals follow Camp Solomon Schechter’s kosher guidelines. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options are available.
No need! CSS/SRC is a kosher and nut-free camp, and we provide all food for the weekend. You’ll be well taken care of, with plenty of delicious options throughout the retreat. If you do need to bring any food with you, please make sure it adheres to our kosher and nut-free guidelines.
The weekend includes a balance of structured and free-choice programming for adults, kids, and families:
Highlights include:
- Challah making
- Kabbalat Shabbat
- Shira (sing-along)
- Chuggim: sports, art, hikes, boating, nature, zipline
- Purim-themed activities (hamantaschen, escape room, crafts, costumes)
- Purim party with music, dancing, and a photo booth
- Menucha (rest time)
- Family games & community time
While we do not provide formal childcare, many activities are family-style, and staff are available to support group programs.
- Bedding & towels (or arrange rentals)
- Warm layers, rain gear, and comfortable shoes
- Shabbat clothing (optional but encouraged)
- Costume for the Purim Party
- Flashlight / headlamp
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Stroller for little ones (camp terrain can be uneven)
Mostly—paths between buildings are walkable, though some are gravel. Many families bring a stroller or baby carrier.
- Trained staff on-site throughout the weekend
- First-aid access
- Waterfront and ropes staff as needed
- QR-code incident reporting system for maintenance for quick response
- Heated cabins and well-maintained facilities
Unfortunately, no pets are allowed at camp (service animals permitted, with permission).
Friday
- Arrival & Check-In
- Challah Making
- Kabbalat Shabbat
- Dinner
- Oneg + Bingo
- Family Shira/Sing-Along
Saturday
- Kima (Wake-Up)
- Shacharit
- Camp-Style Chuggim
(sports, arts, nature, boating, zipline, etc.) - Lunch
- Sing-Along with Josh Niehaus
- Menucha (Rest Time)
- Purim-Themed Chuggim:
- Hamentaschen making
- Escape Room
- Crafts & Games
- Dinner
- Purim Party!
- Costume Contest
- Music & Dancing
- Purim Photo Booth
Sunday
- Degel (Flag) & Farewell Gathering
- Goodbyes & Departure
Cancelation Policy and Refund:
Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) and the Stampfer Retreat Center (SRC) reserve the right to cancel any event or program due to insufficient enrollment, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified immediately should a cancellation occur.
CSS/SRC also reserves the right to dismiss any participant whose behavior is deemed unsafe or inappropriate. In such cases, all fees are non-refundable.
If a Participant Cancels
Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to the Event Coordinator.
Refunds are available only if the cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to the start of the event or program.
Cancellations received within 14 days of the event are not eligible for refund.
If CSS/SRC Cancels an Event
If Camp Solomon Schechter or the Stampfer Retreat Center cancels an event for any reason, participants will be notified and offered the following options:
- Convert your payment into a tax-deductible donation to Camp Solomon Schechter.
- Apply a credit toward a future CSS/SRC program or retreat within the next 12 months.
- Receive a full refund issued back to the original payment method.
Melissa Bloom
Retreats & Events Manager
Camp Solomon Schechter / Stampfer Retreat Center
melissa@campschechter.org