Send Your Child to Any of These Jewish Summer Camps in California
Jewish summer camps can make a tremendous impact on a child’s life because they aim to make Judaism fun by building a sense of community, connection, and adventure. And the good news is that there are a ton of Jewish summer camps in California!
For some kids, Jewish overnight camp will be a life-altering experience. My closest friends all went to the same Jewish summer camp in Southern California and have maintained those friendships for over 20 years. And these are not acquaintances, they are all best friends into their 30s. Personally, I had a “just okay” experience. But I think it’s important for everyone to give Jewish summer camp a try. Don’t feel any sort of obligation to go away for three months your first summer. You can and probably should ease into it. There are Jewish day camps (check out the one at JCA Shalom) and there are 5 day overnights at many of these camps in both Southern and Northern California.
Every camp on this list makes a concerted effort to ensure that they provide financial assistance and/or scholarships for families that cannot afford the full tuition. Reach out directly to the camp to find out more of their offerings and be sure to check out the One Happy Camper Grant and Jewish Free Loan Association.
Psst: All of the descriptions of the camps are taken directly from their respective websites. Review this list and determine which Jewish summer camp seems like the best fit for your child!
Read More: Keep Your Kids Engaged in Hebrew This Summer!
Jewish Summer Camps in Southern California
Camp Alonim
- Simi Valley, California
- Non-denominational
- Contact:alonim@aju.edu; (877) 2-ALONIM
Camp Alonim was founded in 1953 and their mission is for campers to “experience the vibrancy of Jewish life is experienced every day through music, Israeli dance, sports, arts and crafts, nature, and social action. Campers are able to experience new things, build skills, make lasting friendships, explore, and have pure fun.”
Overnight Camp
| Session | Dates (2022) | Entering Grades | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Wed. June 15 – Sun. June 26 | 2-7 | $2,795 |
| Mini A | Sun. June 19 – Sun, June 26 | 2-5 | $1,645 |
| Mini B | Tues. Aug 2. – Sun. Aug. 7 | 2-5 | $1,245 |
| Second | Wed. June 29 – Sun. July 17 | 3-10 | $4,095 |
| Third | Wed. July 20 – Sun. Aug. 7 | 4-10 | $4,095 |
| CIT | Tues. June 14 – Sun. Aug. 7 | 11 | $6,845 |
Gan Alonim Day Camp
| Session | Dates (2021) | Entering Grades | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gan Aleph | June 31st – July 2nd | K – 6 | $790 |
| Gan Bet | July 5th – July 16th | K – 6 | $790 |
| Gan Gimel | July 19th – July 30th | K – 6 | $790 |
| Gan Dalet | August 2nd – August 13th | K – 6 | $790 |
Early Bird Rates (Before March 31st) = $740
Camp JCA Shalom
- Sylmar, California
- Non-Denominational
- Contact: info@shalominstitute.com
For almost 70 years, Camp JCA Shalom has been the “Camp for All Seasons.” Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, thousands of campers and staff experience the magic of Camp JCA Shalom. Camp’s vision of Tikkun Olam – creating a better world – is fulfilled through a positive Jewish living experience in the natural setting of the Shalom Institute. In our warm and supportive environment, campers experience living, learning and playing in a group setting that encourages personal growth and self-discovery.
Overnight Camp
| Program | Dates (2022) | Grades | Fee – Regular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 15 – 26 | 2nd-8th | $2,895 |
| Session 2 | June 29 –July 17 | 5th-8th | $3,995 |
| Session 3 | July 20 – 31 | 2nd-8th | $2,895 |
| Mini Camp Alef | June 29 -July 3 | 2nd-4th | $1,110 |
| Mini Camp Bet | July 5 – 10 | 2nd-6th | $1,335 |
| Mini Camp Gimmel | July 12 – 17 | 2nd-6th | $1,335 |
| Gesher Alef | June 15 – 26 | 9th | $2,895 |
| Gesher Bet | June 29 –July 17 | 9th | $3,995 |
| Gesher Gimmel | July 20 –31 | 9th | $2,895 |
| TASC Alef | June 15 – 26 | 10th-11th | $2,895 |
| TASC Bet | June 29 –July 17 | 10th-11th | $3,995 |
| TASC Gimmel | July 20 –31 | 10th-11th | $2,895 |
| Kibbutz | June 22 – July 17 | 11th | $4,395 |
| CIT | June 14 – July 17 | 12th | $1,295 |
The Early Bird Discounts end January 15th, but there are a variety of other discounts, grants, and scholarships worth looking into should you choose to enroll your child at JCA Shalom.
Camp Mountain Chai
- San Bernardino National Forest
- Non-Denominational
- Contact: info@CampMountainChai.com; 858-499-1330
Camp Mountain Chai is the realization of a dream of a number of committed leaders in the San Diego Jewish community. After years of searching, the current facility in Angelus Oaks was purchased in 2004 by the Jewish Community Camp and Retreat Center, Inc. and Camp Mountain Chai officially opened its doors to Jewish children in 2006. Camp Mountain Chai creates a community to inspire a love of Jewish living through fun, friendship, discovery, and exploration.
Overnight Camp
| Sessions | Dates (2022) | Grade (in Sept. 2022) | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 21 – July 3 | 2nd – 10th | $2,925 |
| Session 2 (Limited Space) | July 5 – July 17 | 2nd – 10th | $2,925 |
| Session 3 | July 20 – August 1 | 2nd – 10th | $2,925 |
| Session 4 | August 3 – August 14 | 2nd – 10th | $2,725 |
| Kavanah (Waitlist) | Approx. June 21 – July 17 | 11th | $4,950 + flights |
| SIT (Staff in Training) | June 21 – July 17 | 12th | $2,600 |
| Rishonim A (mini session) | June 21 – June 26 | 2nd – 4th | $1,125 |
| Rishonim B (mini session) | June 27 – July 3 | 2nd – 4th | $1,125 |
| Rishonim C (mini session) | August 3 – August 7 | 2nd – 4th | $950 |
| Any Two Sessions | 2nd – 10th | Save $350 | |
| Any Three Sessions | 2nd – 10th | Save $600 | |
| Full Summer | 2nd – 10th | Save $1,300 | |
| Intersessions | $250 |
The Early Bird Discount ended January 1st, but there are grants, financial assistance, and other scholarships available.
Camp Ramah
- Ojai, California
- Conservative
- Contact: gaby@ramah.org; 310-476-8571
Camp Ramah is located in the Ojai Valley, on a beautiful 450 acres of land adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest. You can experience the beaches and mountains of Southern California, all in a kosher and Jewish atmosphere!
We create lasting friendships, positive Jewish experiences, and the next generation of Jewish leaders. Join us in the Ojai Valley and get started on your Journey for a Lifetime!
Overnight Camp
| Session | Dates (2022) | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 21 – July 18 | Rising 4th-11th Grade | $5,540 |
| Gesher Aleph | June 21 – July 4 | Rising 3rd/4th | $2,970 |
| Gesher Bet | July 6 – July 18 | Rising 4rd/5th | $2,970 |
| Session 2 | July 21 – August 17 | Rising 4th-11th Grade | $5,540 |
| Gesher Gimel | July 21 – August 2 | Rising 3rd/4th | $2,970 |
| Gesher Dalet | August 4 – August 17 | Rising 4th/5th | $2,970 |
Rates are reduced if you register for camp before March 1st 2022. Camp Ramah also has a Tikvah program for designed for those with learning, emotional and/or developmental disabilities. It is structured to enhance independent living and self-help skills.
| Session | Age | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tikvah (Amitzim 1) | 10-17 | June 21 – July 18 | $6,365 |
| Tikvah (Amitzim 2) | 10-17 | July 21 – August 17 | $6,365 |
| Tikvah (Ezra – Session 1) | 17 – 24 | June 21 – July 18 | $5,660 |
| Tikvah (Ezra – Session 2) | 17 – 24 | July 21 – August 17 | $5,660 |
There is financial assistance available for Camp Ramah.
Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps (Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop)
- Malibu, CA
- Reform
- Contact: erica@wbtcamps.org; (213) 388-2401
Since 1952, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps have been providing a dynamic and fun environment where campers and staff become part of a community. We strive to build a place where everyone is equal and included, supported and cared for, connected and challenged. Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps provide children a better understanding of their Jewish background while giving them a summer they will never forget.
Camp Hess Kramer was so popular that in 1968, Gindling Hilltop opened for a smaller, more intimate experience with only 150 campers and staff.
Camp Hess Kramer
| Session | Dates (2022) | Grades (in Fall 2022) | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (Lev) | 6/26 – 7/10 | 3-7 | $3,700 |
| Session 2 (Hineni) | 7/21 – 8/14 | 7 | $6,200 |
| Session 2 (Havurah) | 7/21 – 8/14 | 8 | $6,200 |
| Session 2 (Kehillah) | 7/21 – 8/14 | 9 | $6,200 |
| Session 2 (Leadership) | 7/21 – 8/14 | 10 | $6,400 |
| CIT-Kramer | 6/24 – 8/14 | 12 | $6,400 |
Gindling Hilltop Camp
| Session | Dates (2022) | Grades (in Fall 2022) | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (Halutzim) | 6/26 – 7/18 | 7-9 | $5,800 |
| Session 1 (Mitzvah) | 6/26 – 7/18 | 10 | $6,000 |
| Session 2 (Nefesh) | 7/24 – 8/7 | 3-7 | $3,700 |
| CIT-Hilltop | 6/24 – 8/14 | 12 | $6,400 |
Scholarships are available.
6 Points Academy
Science/Technology or Arts
- Scripps College in Claremont, California
- Reform
- Contact: sci-techwest@urj.org; (424) 387-3764
At 6 Points West Specialty Camps, campers can choose either the Science & Technology track or the Arts track to focus on developing their own skills and passions while using that field to also explore their Judaism. Staff guide our campers to see their area of focus as a portal through which to connect to our tradition, understanding it in new and personal ways. At 6 Points West, that can mean a science experiment during services as an interpretation of a prayer or performing a scene from previously mounted work to illustrate a Jewish value.
| Session | Grade | Opening Day | Closing Day | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 3rd-10th | June 21 | July 3 | $3490 |
| Session 2 | 3rd-10th | July 5 | July 17 | $3490 |
| Taste of Camp | 1st-4th | July 12 | July 17 | $1000 |
| Session | Grade | Opening Day | Closing Day | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1: Avodah | 11th | June 21 | July 3 | $3490 |
| Session 2: Avodah | 11th | July 5 | July 17 | $3490 |
| CIT | 12th | June 21 | July 17 | $6490 |
| Intensives | 7th-10th | June 21 | July 17 | $6490 |
Jewish Summer Camps in Northern California
Camp Newman
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Reform
- Contact: campnewman@urj.org ; 415-392-7080
Here at Camp Newman, we work together year-round to build a community of acceptance, where we role model positive behaviors, and acknowledge that each and every member of the community is vital and important. We live by the value of b’tzelem Elohim, which reminds us that each of us are created in the image of God meaning that each person at camp has a specific set of needs, wants, feelings, hopes, and dreams.
| Session 1 | Grade Fall 2022 | Session Dates: 28 days | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shomrim | 6th & 7th | June 19 – July 17 | $5995 | $6995 |
| Rishonim | 8th & 9th | June 19 – July 17 | $5995 | $6995 |
| Hagigah | 10th & 11th | June 19 – July 17 | $5995 | $6995 |
| Aleph | Grade Fall 2022 | Session Dates: 14 nights | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
| Bonim | 3rd & 4th | June 19 – July 3 | $3595 | $4295 |
| Giborim | 5th & 6th | June 19 – July 3 | $3595 | $4295 |
| Tzofim | 7th & 8th | June 19 – July 3 | $3595 | $4295 |
| Alufim | 9th-11th | June 19 – July 3 | $3595 | $4295 |
| Bet | Grade Fall 2022 | Session Dates: 12 nights | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
| Bonim | 3rd & 4th | July 5 -July 17 | $2995 | $3695 |
| Giborim | 5th & 6th | July 5 -July 17 | $2995 | $3695 |
| Tzofim | 7th & 8th | July 5 -July 17 | $2995 | $3695 |
| Alufim | 9th – 11th | July 5 -July 17 | $2995 | $3695 |
| Session 2 | Grade Fall 2022 | Session Dates: 25 nights | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etzim | 6th & 7th | July 20 – August 14 | $5395 | $6395 |
| Maccabiah | 8th & 9th | July 20 – August 14 | $5395 | $6395 |
| Hevrah | 10th & 11th | July 20 – August 14 | $5395 | $6395 |
| Gimmel | Grade Fall 2022 | Session Dates: 13 nights | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
| Bonim | 3rd & 4th | July 20 -August 2 | $3295 | $3995 |
| Giborim | 5th & 6th | July 20 -August 2 | $3295 | $3995 |
| Tzofim | 7th & 8th | July 20 -August 2 | $3295 | $3995 |
| Alufim | 9th-11th | July 20 -August 2 | $3295 | $3995 |
| Dalet | Grade Fall 2022 | Session Dates: 10 nights | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
| Bonim | 3rd & 4th | August 4 – August 14 | $2745 | $2995 |
| Giborim | 5th & 6th | August 4 – August 14 | $2745 | $2995 |
| Tzofim | 7th & 8th | August 4 – August 14 | $2745 | $2995 |
| Alufim | 9th – 11th | August 4 – August 14 | $2745 | $2995 |
| Session Name | Grade Fall 2021 | Session Dates | 1st Timer Tuition | URJ Member Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechina (Taste of Camp) | 1st – 4th | August 4 – August 7 | $575 | |
| Avodah | 11th | June 17 – August 14 | $7995 | $8995 |
| CIT | 12th | June 17 – August 14 | $6995 | $7995 |
Camp Newman will work with you to find every discount, scholarship and grant you qualify for to make camp a possibility for your family.
Camp Tawonga
- Tuolumne County Groveland, California
- Non-Denominational
- Contact: info@tawonga.org; 415.543.2267
For over 90 years, Camp Tawonga has served as a leader in Jewish camping, fostering in children and families a deep connection to nature, community and Judaism. We run programming for children, families and young adults at our stunning residential campsite next to Yosemite National Park and in the San Francisco Bay Area.
At Tawonga, children and teens build self-esteem, make lifelong friends and discover their truest selves. The impact of Tawonga often lasts forever.
Overnight Camp
| Program | Grade in Fall 2022 | Dates (2022) | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Taste of Camp | 2nd – 6th | June 13 – June 17 | 5 days | $1,450 |
| Session 2 | 3rd – 8th | June 19 – July 1 | 2 weeks | $4,295 |
| Session 3 | 5th – 10th | July 3 – July 22 | 3 weeks | $5,495 |
| Session 4 | 4th – 10th | July 24 – August 9 | 2.5 weeks | $4,850 |
| Teen Leadership Institute* | 11th | July 3 – July 22 | 3 weeks | $5,495 |
| Specialist and Counselor In-Training* | 12th | June 13 – July 1 | 3 weeks | $5,495 |
Adventure Quests – Overnight
| Program | Grade in Fall 2022 | Dates (2022) | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf ‘n’ Turf Quest | 7th – 8th | June 19 – July 1 | 2 weeks | $4,295 |
| Magical Mystery Tour | 9th – 10th | June 19 – July 1 | 2 weeks | $4,295 |
| Northwest Quest | 9th – 10th | July 3 – July 22 | 3 weeks | $5,495 |
| A Taste of Quest | 6th – 7th | July 17 – July 22 | 6 days | $1,595 |
| Sierra Slam Quest | 7th – 8th | July 24 – August 5 | 2 weeks | $4,295 |
| Rock and River Quest | 9th – 10th | July 24 – August 5 | 2 weeks | $4,295 |
Camp Towanga offers financial assistance and first-time camper grants.
Has your child been to any of these Jewish summer camps in California? Please share about the experience in the comments below! And, don’t forget to check out these other posts on the BMA blog!
Keep Your Kids Engaged in Hebrew This Summer!
How To Make A Needlepoint Tallit Bag For Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Learn the Torah Blessings: Aliyah Prayer