games at summer camp

Awesome Jewish Summer Camps in California: Overnight + Day

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

SessionDates (2022)Entering GradesRate
FirstWed. June 15 – Sun. June 262-7$2,795
Mini ASun. June 19 – Sun, June 262-5$1,645
Mini BTues. Aug 2. – Sun. Aug. 72-5$1,245
Second Wed. June 29 – Sun. July 173-10$4,095
ThirdWed. July 20 – Sun. Aug. 74-10$4,095
CITTues. June 14 – Sun. Aug. 711$6,845

Gan Alonim Day Camp

SessionDates (2021)Entering GradesRate
Gan AlephJune 31st – July 2ndK – 6$790
Gan BetJuly 5th – July 16thK – 6$790
Gan GimelJuly 19th – July 30thK – 6$790
Gan DaletAugust 2nd – August 13thK – 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

ProgramDates (2022)GradesFee – Regular
Session 1June 15 – 262nd-8th$2,895
Session 2June 29 –July 175th-8th$3,995
Session 3July 20 – 312nd-8th$2,895
Mini Camp AlefJune 29 -July 32nd-4th$1,110
Mini Camp BetJuly 5 – 102nd-6th$1,335
Mini Camp GimmelJuly 12 – 172nd-6th$1,335
Gesher AlefJune 15 – 269th$2,895
Gesher BetJune 29 –July 179th$3,995
Gesher GimmelJuly 20 –319th$2,895
TASC AlefJune 15 – 2610th-11th$2,895
TASC BetJune 29 –July 1710th-11th$3,995
TASC GimmelJuly 20 –3110th-11th$2,895
KibbutzJune 22 – July 1711th$4,395
CITJune 14 – July 1712th$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.

summer camp hikes

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

SessionsDates (2022)Grade (in Sept. 2022)Tuition
Session 1June 21 – July 32nd – 10th$2,925
Session 2 (Limited Space)July 5 – July 172nd – 10th$2,925
Session 3July 20 – August 12nd – 10th$2,925
Session 4August 3 – August 142nd – 10th$2,725
Kavanah (Waitlist)Approx. June 21 – July 1711th$4,950 + flights
SIT (Staff in Training)June 21 – July 1712th$2,600
Rishonim A (mini session)June 21 – June 262nd – 4th$1,125
Rishonim B (mini session)June 27 – July 32nd – 4th$1,125
Rishonim C (mini session)August 3 – August 72nd – 4th$950
Any Two Sessions2nd – 10thSave $350
Any Three Sessions2nd – 10thSave $600
Full Summer2nd – 10thSave $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

SessionDates (2022)GradePrice
Session 1June 21 – July 18Rising 4th-11th Grade$5,540
Gesher AlephJune 21 – July 4Rising 3rd/4th$2,970
Gesher BetJuly 6 – July 18Rising 4rd/5th$2,970
Session 2 July 21 – August 17Rising 4th-11th Grade$5,540
Gesher Gimel July 21 – August 2Rising 3rd/4th$2,970
Gesher DaletAugust 4 – August 17Rising 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. 

SessionAgeDatesPrice
Tikvah (Amitzim 1)10-17June 21 – July 18$6,365
Tikvah (Amitzim 2)10-17July 21 – August 17$6,365
Tikvah (Ezra – Session 1)17 – 24June 21 – July 18$5,660
Tikvah (Ezra – Session 2)17 – 24July 21 – August 17$5,660

There is financial assistance available for Camp Ramah.

summer camp kids

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

SessionDates (2022)Grades (in Fall 2022)Registration Fee
Session 1 (Lev)6/26 – 7/103-7$3,700
Session 2 (Hineni)7/21 – 8/147$6,200
Session 2 (Havurah)7/21 – 8/148$6,200
Session 2 (Kehillah)7/21 – 8/149$6,200
Session 2 (Leadership)7/21 – 8/1410$6,400
CIT-Kramer6/24 – 8/1412$6,400

Gindling Hilltop Camp

SessionDates (2022)Grades (in Fall 2022)Registration Fee
Session 1 (Halutzim)6/26 – 7/187-9$5,800
Session 1 (Mitzvah)6/26 – 7/1810$6,000
Session 2 (Nefesh)7/24 – 8/73-7$3,700
CIT-Hilltop6/24 – 8/1412$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 GradeOpening DayClosing DayFee
Session 13rd-10thJune 21July 3$3490
Session 23rd-10thJuly 5July 17$3490
Taste of Camp1st-4thJuly 12July 17$1000
Session GradeOpening DayClosing DayFee
Session 1: Avodah11thJune 21July 3$3490
Session 2: Avodah11thJuly 5July 17$3490
CIT12thJune 21July 17$6490
Intensives7th-10thJune 21July 17$6490

summer camp smores

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 1Grade Fall 2022Session Dates: 28 days1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Shomrim6th & 7thJune 19 – July 17$5995$6995
Rishonim8th & 9thJune 19 – July 17$5995$6995
Hagigah10th & 11thJune 19 – July 17$5995$6995
AlephGrade Fall 2022Session Dates: 14 nights1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Bonim3rd & 4thJune 19 – July 3$3595$4295
Giborim5th & 6thJune 19 – July 3$3595$4295
Tzofim7th & 8thJune 19 – July 3$3595$4295
Alufim9th-11thJune 19 – July 3$3595$4295
BetGrade Fall 2022Session Dates: 12 nights1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Bonim3rd & 4thJuly 5 -July 17$2995$3695
Giborim5th & 6thJuly 5 -July 17$2995$3695
Tzofim7th & 8thJuly 5 -July 17$2995$3695
Alufim9th – 11thJuly 5 -July 17$2995$3695
Session 2Grade Fall 2022Session Dates: 25 nights1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Etzim6th & 7thJuly 20 – August 14$5395$6395
Maccabiah8th & 9thJuly 20 – August 14$5395$6395
Hevrah10th & 11thJuly 20 – August 14$5395$6395
GimmelGrade Fall 2022Session Dates: 13 nights1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Bonim3rd & 4thJuly 20 -August 2$3295$3995
Giborim5th & 6thJuly 20 -August 2$3295$3995
Tzofim7th & 8thJuly 20 -August 2$3295$3995
Alufim9th-11thJuly 20 -August 2$3295$3995
DaletGrade Fall 2022Session Dates: 10 nights1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Bonim3rd & 4thAugust 4 – August 14$2745$2995
Giborim5th & 6thAugust 4 – August 14$2745$2995
Tzofim7th & 8thAugust 4 – August 14$2745$2995
Alufim9th – 11thAugust 4 – August 14$2745$2995
Session NameGrade Fall 2021Session Dates1st Timer TuitionURJ Member Tuition
Mechina (Taste of Camp)1st – 4thAugust 4 – August 7$575
Avodah11thJune 17 – August 14$7995$8995
CIT12thJune 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

ProgramGrade in Fall 2022Dates (2022)LengthFee
A Taste of Camp2nd – 6thJune 13 – June 175 days$1,450
Session 23rd – 8thJune 19 – July 12 weeks$4,295
Session 35th – 10thJuly 3 – July 223 weeks$5,495
Session 44th – 10thJuly 24 – August 92.5 weeks$4,850
Teen Leadership Institute*11thJuly 3 – July 223 weeks$5,495
Specialist and Counselor In-Training*12thJune 13 – July 13 weeks$5,495
*Application and interview required for participation.

Adventure Quests – Overnight

ProgramGrade in Fall 2022Dates (2022)LengthFee
Surf ‘n’ Turf Quest7th – 8thJune 19 – July 12 weeks$4,295
Magical Mystery Tour9th – 10thJune 19 – July 12 weeks$4,295
Northwest Quest9th – 10thJuly 3 – July 223 weeks$5,495
A Taste of Quest6th – 7thJuly 17 – July 226 days$1,595
Sierra Slam Quest7th – 8thJuly 24 – August 52 weeks$4,295
Rock and River Quest9th – 10thJuly 24 – August 52 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

Shabbat Blessings: Learn the Shabbat Prayers

B’not vs. B’nai Mitzvah & Bar vs. Bat Mitzvah: Which Is It?

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