Why Jewish Camps Matter More Than Ever

As the summer sun rises across the globe, a unique and spiritually rich tradition comes to life: religious Jewish summer camps. More than just a place for canoe rides and s’mores, these camps provide immersive environments where Torah learning, mitzvot (commandments), and Jewish values are lived every day. From the hills of New York to the forests of Eastern Europe and the beaches of South Africa, religious Jewish camps are shaping the next generation of young Jews.

Here’s a closer look at how these camps are strengthening religious identity and commitment, while creating lasting memories.

1. North America: Torah, Teambuilding, and Tradition

The United States and Canada host a robust network of Orthodox and religious Zionist camps, offering campers a rich blend of learning and leisure. Camps like Camp Morasha, Camp Munk, Camp Sternberg, Camp HASC, Camp Stone, and Moshava (affiliated with Bnei Akiva) create an atmosphere where Torah values guide every activity.

Campers begin their day with Shacharit (morning prayers), attend shiurim (Torah classes) tailored to their age group, and participate in outdoor fun, sports, and arts.

“These camps are critical,” says Rabbi Ari Goldstein, director of a camp in upstate New York. “They give kids a space where Yiddishkeit (Jewishness) is alive, joyful, and part of everyday life.”

2. Israel: Living Torah in the Jewish Homeland

In Israel, religious camps serve both local and international youth, offering a deep connection to Torah, land, and people. Programs like Machane Bnei Akiva, Ezra, and Ariel integrate Torah study with hikes through biblical landscapes, volunteer projects, and Hebrew immersion.

For diaspora youth, visiting Israel through summer camps can be life-changing. “When you daven (pray) at sunrise on Masada or celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem, Judaism becomes something you feel in your bones,” says 16-year-old Rachel from London.

These camps are often run by Torani (religiously devout) madrichim (counselors), and provide the full jewish experience to the campers, alongside spirited games and community bonding.

3. Europe: Reviving Torah Life Against the Odds

In countries with small Jewish populations, religious summer camps are vital lifelines. Across France, Hungary, Germany, and the UK, Orthodox movements, including Lubavitch (Chabad), Bnei Akiva, and local yeshiva networks, operate camps that combine religious education with the joy of Jewish life.

In France, the Orthodox Gan Israel network (part of Chabad) runs camps that cater to thousands of children, providing strong Jewish foundations in an increasingly secular and challenging environment.

In the UK, camps like Aleinu, Shemesh, and Yeshiva-based programs allow campers to enjoy countryside adventures while maintaining religious standards and engaging in meaningful Torah study.

“These are more than camps, they’re spiritual sanctuaries,” says Miriam Klein, a Jewish educator in Manchester. “Many kids here experience their most inspiring davening and learning during these few summer weeks.”

4. South America: Faith, Family, and Identity

In Latin America, religious Jewish camps are rooted deeply in tradition and family legacy. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico host camps aligned with Orthodox and religious Zionist values, often run by schools and shuls with decades-long histories.

Camp Darom in Argentina and various Bnei Akiva camps provide a warm and structured religious environment, with tefillot, Torah study, and Hebrew as part of the daily routine, all under the supervision of rabbis and trained madrichim.

These camps also serve as cultural hubs, strengthening communal ties and countering rising assimilation. “It’s where we reinforce who we are and why we’re proud,” says Rabbi David Cohen, who runs a camp in São Paulo.

5. South Africa and Australia: Anchoring Small but Strong Communities

In smaller Jewish populations like South Africa and Australia, religious summer camps play a critical role in community continuity. Programs like Bnei Akiva Cape Town, Yeshiva College Camps, and Netzer offer immersive Jewish experiences rooted in halacha and Zionism.

Daily prayer, kosher meals and Torah learning are all taken seriously, but so is the sense of ruach (spirit) that defines Jewish youth culture.

“These camps ensure that kids grow up loving their Yiddishkeit, not just practicing it,” says Rabbi Avraham Miller in Johannesburg.

The Campfire as Beit Midrash

Religious Jewish camps are more than summer getaways. They are incubators for leadership, faith, and community. Whether a camper is learning mishnayot before breakfast, singing zemirot by a campfire, or leading a Shabbat dvar Torah for their peers, they are developing a personal and enduring connection to Judaism.

In an increasingly fast-paced, digital world, these camps offer something timeless: a chance to grow spiritually while surrounded by friends, nature, and the rhythms of Jewish life.

As one young camper in Israel put it:

“This is where I learned that being religious isn’t just rules, it’s family, meaning, and fun.”