Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

What a wonderful day we had today! The sun shone brightly, the blue of the sky was perfect, and the voices of our community rose together as we opened Summer 2008 on the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus of Camp JRF. It was a pleasure to see the smiles as old friends reconnected and new friendships began to form. Campers from the United States and Israel joined us as we began another wonderful summer of Reconstructionist camping.

When: 5 pm on Wednesday, August 13 through Noon on Sunday, August 17
Where: Camp JRF, South Sterling, PA

Experience as a family the joy, fun and community of Reconstructionist camping this summer at Camp JRF Family Camp! There's something for everyone: Activities for adults, teens, children and families!

Download the Family Camp brochure and register now!

We are proud and delighted to report that Jewish Living magazine, in its January/February 2008 issue, cited Camp JRF: The Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus among its Top 10 Jewish overnight camps: "those that best combine a summer of fun with strong reinforcement of religious and cultural identity." The magazine compiled the list (reported in alphabetical order) after consulting with camp professionals as well as youth group, Hebrew school, and synagogue leaders, plus camp alumni.

Read the write-up on Camp JRF from Jewish Living and spread the word!

Camp JRF is still accepting applications for scholarships for Summer 2008. One special grant for campers is the Jessica Kaufman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in Jessica’s memory by her father, Ben Kaufman. Jessica was a committed camper and nurturing counselor whose memory lives on at Camp JRF and whose scholarship enables campers the opportunity to experience the magic of Camp JRF.

Register now at www.campjrf.org. To request a scholarship form please call (877) 226-7573 or e-mail info@campjrf.org.

With great excitement we are opening Camp JRF on the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus for week-end Shabbatonim/retreats. The beautiful facility in the Poconos will now be available for rental for our JRF congregations, Boards, religious schools, JRF Regional programs, teens, and the like.

For more information, please contact the Camp JRF office at 877-CAMP JRF (877-226-7573).

Camp JRF reminds everyone that applications for scholarship funds must be in by December 31. It's important to go ahead and apply to camp and pay the deposits prior to the scholarship deadline; if an applicant does not receive the amount of funding needed or desired, the deposits can be fully refunded.

Please call (877) 226-7573 or e-mail info@campjrf.org.

Make sure that your child has the summer of a lifetime at Camp JRF on the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus in the Pocono Mountains. Register online at www.campjrf.org in the Parents section, or print the application and mail to our camp office.

For more information, call the Camp JRF office at 877-CAMP-JRF (877-226-7573).

Camp JRF Staff from Summer, 2006Camp JRF is looking for a few more staff members. If you know energetic, creative, talented, upbeat, responsible, and excited college students (or high school graduates), we would love to talk with them about spending the summer of a lifetime at Camp JRF. Download a staff application packet.

We are currently looking to fill the following positions:

Counselors live in cabins with the campers. They are involved in every aspect of camp, providing the best possible camping experience for their campers. As responsible, mature young adults, counselors serve as role models for the campers in how to lead a healthy, Reconstructionist life.

"House" of Prayer at Camp JRF: Built by the campers in Summer, 2006.What is a Jewish summer camp without any prayer books? What’s a summer camp with empty shelves in its library?

As part of the JRF “Book Shelf” program, we are inviting donors to provide one set of Kol Haneshamah (the Shabbat and daily prayer book) for a donation of $50. The set retails for $57 and JRF will cover shipping. For a minimum donation of $100, two or more sets will also include personalized dedication bookplates in memory of or in honor of a loved one or an occasion. Make your donation online. (When you donate online, make sure that you write “Camp JRF Book Shelf” in the “Designation” field.)

The siddurim dedicated through this appeal will permanently reside at Camp JRF. Your support will send a special message of caring and support from your family and your community—one the kids will note every week of camp as they begin prayers in the outdoor sanctuary that they built themselves.

Camp JRF is pleased to announce the opening of a new session for Summer 2007!

Hadraha, our leadership training program, will be open to entering high school juniors and seniors. Taking place during the second session only (July 25 - August 12), this program will provide teens with the opportunity to explore the meaning of leadership, hone their skills, and begin to make the transition from camper to counselor. With a small group of participants and a highly experienced staff, Hadraha proves to be a defining experience for all.