Every child should experience the magic of Jewish summer camp. The Weekender, sponsored by UJA’s Silber Family Centre for Jewish Camping, is designed to introduce first-time campers to Jewish overnight camp in a safe and fun 2-3 day session. We are happy to partner with Jewish camps to provide this innovative program which allows children entering SK to Grade 4* to get a taste of Jewish summer camp.
Each child is only eligible to participate once in the Weekender program.
*Please Note: Each camp caters to different age groups. There is a $50 fully refundable deposit required to register your child, as well as a $36 non-refundable transportation fee.
Take a peek to see what The Weekender is all about!
Participating Camps
Camp Gesher
Camp Philosophy
Camp Gesher is a unique, truly youth-led community. Our staff and campers develop lifelong skills and become Jewish community leaders and activists. We create a space for campers to explore themselves on their own terms and engage with friends in unstructured free play - an incredibly important skill for today's children. We take pride in offering outstanding programs, which include waterfront, tiyul (travel), hiking, nature, sports, and arts all while building a vibrant and inclusive community. Camp Gesher has an international flair, welcoming campers from Israel, France, Mexico, the UK, Switzerland, the US and Canada.
Shabbat
Our camp welcomes Shabbat with a special mifkad (camp gathering) that includes a story related to the weekly Torah portion, followed by singing songs as a community on our Lake Pringle beachfront. We engage in a spirited Shabbat Shira (Shabbat Song) with Hebrew, English, traditional and folk songs. Each week, a kvutsah (group) leads the Shabbat table blessings, starting with Shalom Aleichem and ending with Hamotzi. A highlight of the week is rikud (Israeli dance)! On Saturday evening, we enjoy Havdallah (ending Shabbat) together.
Camp Northland
Camp Philosophy: Camp Northland is a true interdenominational Jewish overnight camp embracing the entire Jewish community in a celebration of Jewish culture, traditional values, building Jewish identity, and inspiring connections to Judaism and Israel. Every camper and family will find their comfort and 'summer family' at Camp Northland because we are inclusive, warm, and nurturing of all that join our community.
Shabbat Experience: Shabbat at camp is a magical experience beginning with our 'shabbos shuk', where kids make their own challah, write shabbat o' grams to make others feel good leading into shabbat, have snacks, and play games. At the shabbat meal (all meals are certified COR kosher with a masgiach on site), campers bring in shabbat with a small oneg, an inspirational story connecting us to each other and our Jewish values, followed blessings, and a traditional shabbat meal. Shabbat ends with a waterfront havdallah service with the entire camp.
