It’s that time of year. As snow is condensing into soot-colored piles and it’s back to the grind after winter break, we beat the winter blues by turning to our dreams for the upcoming summer.
That includes planning for the kids’ recreation and enrichment – and registration for summer is now open for Herzl Camp.
Herzl is an independent, pluralistic Jewish camp whose mission is to encourage young people to become self-reliant, to create lasting Jewish friendships, and to develop commitment and love for Judaism and Israel. Individuality and inclusion are celebrated, as well as community and a sense of belonging.
Where Kids Can Be Kids
More than ever, overnight camps with device-free policies like Herzl are havens for young people to develop new and deepen existing friendships, be in community, have fun – and to unplug.
Compared to pre-smartphone generations, kids today aren’t experiencing the benefits of a play-based childhood and instead accumulate the harms of screentime and social media.
“Summer camp! It’s the most effective way I know of to reverse the phone-based childhood and restore a playful, real-world childhood, at least for a few weeks each summer,” wrote Jonathan Haidt, psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.
On his way to Herzl Camp for his first summer as Executive Director, Tommy Hoffman was listening to an audio version of Haidt’s book.
“It was a sign,” Hoffman said. “I came into camp that summer absolutely motivated. We are getting the kids off their phones. We’re giving them the opportunity to communicate with each other face to face without distraction, off of social media.”
Simply put, “We’re raising good citizens,” he said.
Campers explore the 150 acres of nature and recreational facilities on the shores of Devil’s Lake in Webster, Wis. Lush greenery surrounds the lake where campers can swim, fish, waterski, paddleboard, and sail.
There’s a chug, activity, for everyone. Kids can choose their favorites or challenge themselves with something new: rock climbing, book club, ceramics, photography, tennis, role-playing games, or many other creative outlets and sports.
Whether it’s through building skills together on the ropes course or gazing at the star-studded night sky, free of light pollution, the environment fosters the kind of deep connections that lead to lifelong friendships.
Hoffman has observed that it takes about three full days for a kid to detox from electronics, a respite some kids never otherwise experience. Once they relax into more social beings who don’t rely on smartphones for distraction or entertainment, they banter back and forth with each other more, engage more, and relax more.
Campers live in the moment and observe their surroundings with their eyes rather than through a camera lens. Instead of curating experiences into social media posts that are either easily forgotten or obsessively checked for likes, magical moments such feeding the Herzl goats or jumping into the lake become treasured – and shared – memories.
“So we send these kids to camp to let go,” Hoffman said, “and to truly connect – with themselves and with each other.”
Going to a welcoming overnight summer camp that blends structure and freedom, like Herzl, is a transformative experience that empowers kids for future challenges in everyday life, such as leaving home for college and ironing out differences with coworkers.
In an age of not only anxious childhoods but anxious parenting, Hoffman believes sending campers to Herzl is an opportunity for families to grow. “Parents learn to let go too,” he said. “What better way to do it than send your kid to camp?”
Where Jews Become Proud, Joyful Jews
“It’s a two-fold gift to kids when they go to Jewish overnight camp,” said Hoffman. “Getting them off screens to become good citizens – and becoming proud Jews.”
Herzl Camp is a naturally immersive Jewish experience, where Judaism and ruach, spirit, are woven into daily routines, language, expectations, and the values taught and lived by. Across Jewish backgrounds, campers are welcomed with the same message: you belong here.
Herzl proudly embraces the people, the land, the State, and the story of Israel. The camp family includes Israeli counselors as well as campers, creating strong personal bonds.
In addition to these valuable interpersonal learning opportunities, campers explore Israeli culture and history through programming, like cooking Israeli recipes together in the mitbach, the teaching kitchen, and education about Zionism and Israel. Recognizing the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the staff facilitates respectful discussions that encourage empathy and understanding.
Many participants identify Herzl’s Shabbat traditions as their favorite part of camp. A walking caravan proceeds throughout camp to pick up each cabin, blending campers dressed in Shabbat white into the fold, and ends at the Mercaz – a gathering space overlooking the lake – for services.
Participation in these joyful camp experiences promotes a lifelong and deeper engagement with Judaism and Jewish culture. In a world where some Jews feel they must hide their identity, Herzl Camp is a place where kids lean into their heritage and their pride is built up.
Developing the Self for A Stronger Lifelong Community
Many Jewish organizations back their support of Jewish camps with financial assistance, recognizing their vital role in helping kids form friendships and confidence, and in becoming future leaders.
“There are a lot of scholarships available to make camp possible,” said Herzl Camp Executive Director Hoffman. This includes financial aid from Herzl Camp, the Jewish Federations of Minneapolis and St. Paul, synagogues, and more. “If you have any questions or need, call and ask and we’ll help you.”
Research connects the tremendous impact Jewish summer camp has on a child’s individual growth, helping them in college and beyond, and their Jewish trajectory, increasing Jewish engagement throughout their lives.
To register or for more information on the practical aspects of camp life, from kosher dining to health and safety, visit the Herzl Camp website. Hoffman’s daily camp blog also provides snapshots of the traditions and fun.
The greatest gift of Herzl Camp? It’s a rare place where Jewish kids can safely be exactly that. Jewish. Kids.
This article is sponsored content written for Herzl Camp.