ABOUT NJY CAMPS
Our mission is to create immersive and inclusive Jewish camp experiences.
Our vision is that NJY Camps nurtures a warm and inclusive environment where everyone develops independent life skills, fosters relationships, and embraces their best selves in the pursuit of strengthening Jewish identity and community.
At NJY Camps, we know that something magical happens when kids, teens, (and even adults!) experience summers together in the outdoors. The result is lifelong relationships, a connection to Judaism and Israel, and campers leaving with a true sense of who they are and who they want to be.
We are a home away from home. As one of the largest collections of Jewish overnight camps in North America, NJY Camps serves children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Our commitment to providing high-level instruction, a friendly community, and expert care is grounded in Jewish values. This helps our campers develop skills, explore creativity, unleash curiosity, and gain greater self-confidence.
Est. 1920 | 5681
Our History
NJY Camps has a storied history of providing immersive Jewish experiences for young people. In 1920, The New Jersey Federation of Young Men’s Hebrew Associations and Young Women’s Hebrew Associations (formerly named the Felix Fuld Camps) was founded as a residential summer camp for Jewish boys on a leased site at Bear Mountain Park. The collective JCCs and YM-YWHAs of New Jersey aimed to provide an outdoor summer experience to children who would otherwise not have this opportunity.
Later, a nearby camp for girls was added at another leased site. Through the 1920s, the demand for service outpaced accommodations. In 1933 the NJY Camps purchased a permanent site in Milford, Pennsylvania, which now comprises 1,250 acres of land, three lakes, and is home to Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, Cedar Lake Camp, Teen Camp and the Round Lake inclusion program. In 1968, two lakes and another 1,130 acres were purchased in Lakewood, Pennsylvania, now home to Camp Nesher, a modern orthodox camp.
Today, we are known as one of the largest Jewish overnight camping organizations as we continue to welcome eager campers across all denominations, year after year, from all over the world.
Our Roots
Grounded in Jewish Tradition
At NJY Camps, we are proud of our Jewish heritage. We are part of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) movement, a tradition grounded in Jewish communal service, pluralism, and caring for the needs of every individual. Beyond our Jewish observance and practice, we make it our goal to bring Jewish values and culture to life through innovative programming and authentic experiences. At camp, we are able to help one another become better people and Jews as we embrace our culture and spread kindness to one another.
Though NJY Camps is one of the largest Jewish summer camps in the world, we believe that each person’s religious journey is different. We take pride in being cross denominational as we foster a scope of religious connections throughout our overnight camps, family programming, and visiting groups. Above all, Jewish values are human values, and all are welcome here.
NJY Camps is independently governed by a Board of Directors, which includes regional leaders, alumni, friends, and supporters. Our camps are accredited by the American Camping Association, and we are an affiliate of the JCC Association of North America.
An Impressive Bunch
Our Dedicated Team
At NJY Camps, the love that grows inside our campers’ hearts is everlasting. This is why you’ll find that the majority of our leadership previously spent their summers at camp. With additional education, knowledge, and certifications to boot, they’ve returned to their NJY home to share their love for camp, learning, and fun with the next generation.
Your Impact
Donors like you breathe life into Tikkun Olam—creating a better world—by supporting a place that creates the next generation of Jewish leaders in an environment imbued with positive Jewish living.
Our Locations
Anchored by the thick forested peaks of the scenic Poconos Mountains, NJY Camps provides a number of camp programs in the Milford and Lakewood areas.
Milford Campus
The Milford Campus is the largest single Jewish overnight campus, providing campers ages 6-16 with an egalitarian experience at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, Cedar Lake Camp, Teen Camp, and our Round Lake inclusion program. NJY Camps also runs family camp experiences and hosts rental groups from the Milford campus.
Nesher Campus
The Lakewood campus hosts Camp Nesher, a co-ed camp that provides boys and girls ages 8-15 with a Modern Orthodox-centric experience.