Where Jewish Pride Grows
Schechter Builds Identity and Combats Anti-Semitism
During Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning and reflection, the entire camp community of Camp Solomon Schechter in Tumwater, WA – 300 campers ranging from wide-eyed 3rd graders to thoughtful 10th graders – gathered in hushed silence at the amphitheater. The air was heavy with solemnity as a staff member stepped forward, the flicker of torches casting shadows across the sea of attentive faces. With a calm but deliberate voice, they asked a question that cut through the silence: “Please stand if you have ever encountered anti-Semitism.”
The words hung in the air, and a deep, collective breath followed. Slowly, hesitantly at first, campers began to rise – one by one, then in clusters. Younger campers glanced around, their small faces etched with uncertainty, before joining their peers. Staff members, too, stood, their expressions a mix of resolve and sadness. Before we knew it, the entire community – every camper, every staff member – was on their feet. It was a moment that left us stunned.
The sight was both powerful and heart-wrenching. The realization that every single member of our community, even our youngest, had faced the sting of anti-Semitism was a sobering reminder of the challenges our children navigate. It underscored the importance of the safehaven we create at camp and our mission to empower our campers with pride, resilience, and an unshakable connection to their Jewish identity.
Rabbi Eve Posen of Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland, OR, captures this beautifully: “Living as a minority, especially in times when hate seems to be ever growing, camp becomes an oasis of belonging, safety, and joy. The opportunity for children to be immersed in joyful Judaism at camp is a powerful antidote to the anti-Semitism present in our world today.”
Anti-Semitism is not a relic of the past – it is a persistent reality that manifests in subtle and overt ways, from exclusionary rhetoric to acts of violence. As Jewish communities grapple with these challenges, there is a question that arises time and again: how do we equip the next generation to respond to and rise above these threats? One answer lies in Jewish summer camp.
At Camp Solomon Schechter, we believe camp is more than a summer getaway – it’s a transformative space where Jewish identity is not only celebrated but deeply ingrained. It’s where children and teens connect with their Judaism, form forever friendships, and discover the joy of being part of community. These experiences serve as a critical counterweight to the forces of anti-Semitism by fostering pride, resilience, and a profound sense of belonging.
Building Proud Jewish Identities
Anti-Semitism seeks to diminish Jewish identity, often targeting individuals and communities by attacking their sense of self-worth and belonging. At Schechter, we counter this by fostering environments where Jewish life is celebrated unapologetically. Imagine a Shabbat at camp: the entire community dressed in white, walking hand in hand to a service that looks out on Lake Stampfer. The melodies of prayers mingle with the natural beauty of the outdoors, creating a sacred space where campers feel deeply connected to their heritage and each other. These moments instill a sense of pride that stays with them long after camp ends.
Core tenets like Shabbat, Kashrut, and Tefillah form the foundation of life at Schechter. The intentionality (kavana) we bring to these traditions helps campers understand their significance and shapes their Jewish identity. Whether it’s the joy of singing Birkat Hamazon after meals or the quiet reflection of morning prayers, these practices become a meaningful part of everyday life.
Everything at Camp Is Jewish
At Schechter, Jewish life isn’t confined to Shabbat services or Hebrew songs – it’s woven into everything we do. Playing basketball becomes a Jewish experience because it’s played alongside Jewish friends. Swimming in Lake Stampfer is Jewish because it’s filled with laughter and camaraderie among a community united by shared traditions. Climbing the ropes course is Jewish because it’s about trust, teamwork, and overcoming challenges together. Even sitting down for lunch is Jewish because it’s a moment of connection, where blessings are recited, and bonds are deepened.
This seamless integration of Jewish life into every activity reinforces the idea that being Jewish is not just about rituals – it’s about community, identity, and the way we live our daily lives. It’s this all-encompassing experience that instills a sense of pride and belonging, empowering our campers to carry their Jewish identity into the wider world.
At camp, children and teens are surrounded by Jewish role models who inspire them through teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Our staff bring their own Jewish journeys to life in ways that resonate with campers, showing them how to live their values authentically and proudly. These role models set a strong foundation for growth, instilling lifelong values and shaping future leaders of the Jewish community.
And more than just activities, Schechter cultivates shared values and rituals that form the foundation for lifelong friendships and a rich Jewish life. Examples include Maccabiah (team-building through friendly competition), the Oded program (Jewish leadership development), and Havdalah, where the entire community gathers to mark the end of Shabbat with song and light. These rituals instill not only pride but a deep sense of purpose and belonging.
Strengthening Connection to Israel
Schechter plays a crucial role in deepening our campers’ relationship with Israel. Through stories, songs, and engaging discussions, campers gain a nuanced understanding of Israel beyond headlines. You can hear Hebrew being spoken throughout the day. Programs like our Israeli Scout delegation and daily flag-raising ceremonies, where we sing Hatikvah, help campers develop a profound connection to Israel while instilling a sense of responsibility to something greater than themselves. For many, camp is where they fall in love with Israel for the first time or solidify an existing bond.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Anti-Semitism isolates individuals and communities, attempting to weaken the collective strength of the Jewish people. At Schechter, we see the opposite: camp builds connections that transcend geography and last a lifetime.
Our campers come from across the Pacific Northwest, spanning a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. At camp, these differences dissolve as they unite around shared traditions, values, and goals. Whether it’s competing in a friendly staff vs. camper football game or singing camp parodies around the closing bonfire, the bonds formed at camp are rooted in joy, trust, and mutual respect.
These connections don’t just benefit the individuals involved – they strengthen the entire Jewish community. Camp alumni go on to become leaders in synagogues, schools, and other Jewish organizations, bringing the lessons of connection and collaboration they learned at camp into their adult lives.
Cultivating Resilience
Camp teaches resilience in ways both subtle and profound. The challenges of a ropes course or the triumph of learning a new skill remind campers of their own strength and capability. These lessons are essential when confronting anti-Semitism, which often tests the emotional and psychological fortitude of young Jews.
More importantly, camp creates a safe space to address difficult conversations. When global events impact our community – like the recent war in Israel – camp becomes a haven where campers and staff can process their feelings and find support. Our camper care team and leadership staff provide not just emotional safety but also opportunities to learn and grow from these experiences, fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Educating for the Future
One of the most powerful ways camp counters anti-Semitism is through education. At Schechter, we embed Jewish learning into every aspect of camp life, from discussions about Jewish values to hands-on activities like planting Camas bulbs as part of an environmental stewardship program. By integrating Jewish teachings with real-world action, we show campers how their identity can be a force for good in the world.
This sense of purpose is transformative. Studies show that attending Jewish summer camp is one of the most effective ways to combat anti-Semitism and build strong Jewish identities. According to research by the Foundation for Jewish Camp, alumni of Jewish camps are 45% more likely to feel connected to their Jewish communities and traditions. Campers leave with a clearer understanding of their role in the Jewish narrative and the tools to act as ambassadors for Jewish values in their schools, communities, and beyond.
A Call to Action
As a community, we must continue to invest in spaces that nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders. Schechter is at the forefront of this effort, offering not just summer fun but a lifelong foundation of pride, connection, and resilience.
In a world where anti-Semitism persists, camp is an essential antidote. It empowers young Jews to face prejudice with confidence, armed with the knowledge that they are part of something bigger than themselves – a proud and enduring Jewish community.
At Schechter, we see it every summer: our campers and staff come home inspired and proud to be Jewish. That’s the true impact of our work. Campers leave not only with stronger Jewish identities but with a sense of hope for the future. That hope is our greatest weapon against hate, and it’s what ensures the continuity and vibrancy of our people for generations to come.
Please consider making a gift to support this vital work at: www.campschechter.org/give.
