Limud by the Lake: Fulfilling the Educational Potential of Jewish Summer Camps

Publication Date: October 2002

Publisher: Brandeis University. Center for Modern Jewish Studies; AviChai Foundation

Author(s): Amy L. Sales; Leonard Saxe

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: American Jews; Camp; Informal Jewish edication

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This study focuses on how camps educate Jewish children and how the potential to do so can be maximized. The paper maps the landscape of Jewish residential camps to understand the types of camp experiences available. The research is based on a multi-year study of Jewish summer camps (1999-2001) including field observations at 18 Jewish camps across the U.S. and two surveys: a census of Jewish identified camps in the U.S. and a survey of over 1000 Jewish counselors and 4000 Jewish college students who were not employed as camp counselors.