At Temple Israel, we love summer camp! We believe that camp is a keystone in building lasting Jewish identities and support any family who sends their child to Jewish summer camp. Read on for information about some Jewish camps and funding opportunities for Temple Israel families. Questions about Jewish Summer Camp? Call the Temple office (402-556-6536) and let them know you are looking to talk about Summer Camp; our Director of Education Jennie is a great resource on this subject, but several others can talk you through where to find the right answer!
CAMP KICK-OFF
This year we are approaching the promotion of camp with a year-long process rather than a one-day "Fair" format. Many families don't realize how early registration for Jewish Summer Camp begins! (BTW, the answer for at least one of our partner camps, is that it is ALREADY OPEN!) This first push is to bring attention to the overall timeline and introduce each camp to first-time campers by highlighting where our families are currently or have previously sent their children. We had a great time experiencing a camp-style song session with those of you who joined us for our Camp Kickoff September 10th. Watch weekly YLP Updates and the Temple e-Tidings for more Camper Profiles featuring our current and alumni campers sharing what they love about Jewish Summer Camp!
If you want to fill out the Camper Profile form for your camper, you may do so HERE!
During the next stage we have invited representatives from all our Camp Partners below to join us during Youth Learning Programs (YLP) on a Sunday or Wednesday. If a camp you are interested in learning more about is unable to join us in person, we will be happy to help arrange informal Q&A sessions with Camp Staff. Please let us know if you have specific questions you want answered, or specific camps you want info on!!
Our camp partners
Check out some of the camps Temple Israel kids have gone to in the past or are going to next summer!
Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute
Located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, this is our URJ regional camp. Each summer, OSRUI is visited by members of the Temple Israel clergy! Opportunities for grades 3-12!
URJ 6 Points Specialty Camps
6 Points Sports Academy, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy, and 6 Points Creative Arts Academy are three camps that offer amazing experiences for people interested in sports, science, and the arts!
J Camp
A great day camp opportunity located right here in Omaha for grades K-7!
Camp Sabra
Located on beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, many Temple Israel kids have made Sabra their summer home.
Shwayder Camp
On the base of Mt. Evans in Colorado sits Shwayder Camp, owned by Temple Emanuel, a Reform synagogue in Denver.
Herzl Camp
Herzl is located in Wisconsin and affiliated with Minneapolis JCC.
Don't see your camp on this list? Please email Jennie with the name of your Temple Israel camper/staff and where they spend their summer!
Financial resources
We know that camp can be pricey, and at Temple Israel we want to make sure that camp is accessible for all families in our community so kids can have the best summer ever! Fortunately, we are blessed with generous scholarship funds and want to connect our congregants with opportunities internally at Temple Israel, in our Omaha community and across the country. Check out some of these opportunities below:
Temple Israel Scholarships
Deadline: March 1, 2024 (although you don't have to wait that long!)
A generous fund that guarantees every first time Temple Israel camper a $750 to a Jewish Summer Camp of their choice regardless of need! Couple this with the Jewish Experience Grant from Federation for an additional $1,000 off the first summer of camp. Please note this fund is available only to campers who have not yet attended any Jewish summer experience. Fill out the form here.
Temple Israel Camp Scholarships
Deadline: March 1, 2024 (although you don't have to wait that long!)
Temple Israel is blessed by many donors who support Jewish Summer Camp. These funds are open to the broader Temple Israel community and are for both new and returning campers. For financial assistance for camp from Temple Israel, fill out this form here.
Omaha Scholarships
The Jewish Experience Grant is a gift from the Jewish Federation of Omaha for children in grades 3-11 to encourage attendance at Jewish summer residential camp. The total grant amount is $2,000 with a maximum of $1,000 per summer.
The Jewish Federation of Omaha has an array of merit-based scholarships and financial aid. Start on this page to browse all opportunities, or reach out to Diane Walker directly with questions.
In-Camp Scholarships
Most summer camps have internal scholarships available. Be sure to ask their staff about specific resources that you can apply for.