Who We are
Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) is a fully immersive, welcoming, and spiritual Jewish environment where every camper is encouraged to try new things, make smart choices, and grow as individuals. We create our ideal Jewish community through summer and year-round programming dedicated to improving campers’ social skills, helping them deepen their Jewish identities, and discovering new talents and abilities. CSS adheres to the values of integrity, derech eretz (respect), and tikkun olam (repairing the world) to build a place where Judaism and joy are one.
Our Philosophy
Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) has a 70-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.
CREATE JEWISH JOURNEYS
At CSS, all aspects of life are enriched by Jewish values, traditions, and ruach (spirit). CSS is an open place for children to explore Jewish texts, spirituality, rituals, and history so that they may form their own unique Jewish identities.
CSS is an independent Jewish summer camp. We are a welcoming summer home for Jews of Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Reform, traditional, and unaffiliated backgrounds. We take pride in our diversity. We celebrate the mosaic of identities and backgrounds that makeup our community. For more information, check out our Jewish Life page.
Our programs
Summer Camp
At CSS, our campers have the opportunity to be independent in a safe and nurturing environment. Campers are invited to meet our amazing camp staff, play gaga, create art projects, sample a variety of sports activities, braid challah, and jump and play on our aqua park!
Family Camp
Pack up the car and come experience a special Shabbat with the Camp Solomon Schechter family! CSS Family Camps, supported through the generosity of Marvin & Mary-Lynne Reiner, are the perfect getaway, whether you’re checking out the facilities before that first big summer, reliving those old camp memories, or just coming to see what the kids are always raving about.
Bissel of Schechter
A Bissel of Schechter is a two-night Shabbaton for rising 1st-5th graders. Prospective and returning campers are invited to come down to camp to meet our amazing camp staff, play gaga, create art projects, sample a variety of sports activities, braid challah, celebrate Shabbat, eat in our dining hall, sleep in our comfortable cabins, and sing and dance the night away!
Our Location
Camp Solomon Schechter’s spectacular 175-acre wooded facility located near Olympia WA features a private lake, river, miles of hiking trails in pristine forests and wetlands, and outdoor adventure courses (ropes course, zip line, giant swing and climbing tower).
Explore Interactive Map
Our people
Our staff is made of the best of the best! People who are passionate about making memorable and lasting camper experiences.