MISSION

The mission of Camp JRF is to provide experiences for children, youth, and families through the blending of formal and informal educational approaches that promote strong connections to Judaism, Reconstructionism, and positive human values.  Experiences at camp are based upon the civilizational approach developed by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and upon the Values of Spiritual Peoplehood, the cornerstones of Reconstructionist educational philosophy.  The creation of community is central to living Reconstructionism in a round-the-clock setting.  Experiences at Camp JRF are integrated with experiences in No'ar Hadash, the youth movement of JRF, so that year-round congregational experiences influence the camp program and in turn the camp program influences those congregational experiences.  In so doing, the connection between camp and city, between summer and the rest of the year, becomes a seamless whole for our participants.

VISION

On the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus, Camp JRF will be able to continue providing programs based upon its unique Reconstructionist approach to camping.  From the civilizational approach of following Judaism chronologically from the biblical period through today (as modeled by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College) to the integrated use of the Values of Spiritual Peoplehood, we strive to provide unparalleled Judaic programming that engages campers on numerous levels.  In addition, we aim to create a holistic camp experience, providing opportunities for expression in multiple domains, including the visual and creative arts, music, drama, literature, sports, and water sports, as well as experiences with community leadership and a keen view of Judaism and the environment.