Jewish Community News

News: February 2008

B’nai B’rith to provide $1,000 incentive grants to first-time campers

This summer more than 120 children will experience the magic of Jewish overnight summer camp at B’nai B’rith Camp for the first time and establish a lifelong bond with their cultural and religious heritage, thanks to the B’nai Brith Men's Camp Association, the Foundation for Jewish Camping, and a record-breaking $15 million gift from an anonymous donor to FJC.

FJC’s Campership Incentive Program offers families, who have never before sent their children to an overnight, nonprofit Jewish summer camp,  a $1,000 cash incentive to enroll their children in either of B’nai B’rith’s camps for a session of at least three weeks. 
     As stipulated by the donor’s gift, participating Jewish organizations – such as B’nai Brith Men's Camp Association – are required to provide financial support for the program.
     Jerry Silverman, president of FJC, cited the research: “Studies on the impact of summer camps are clear.  Children who experience the 24/7 Jewish environment at camp become adults who value their heritage, support Jewish causes and take on leadership roles in their communities.”
     Indeed, research shows that Jewish camp alumni are 50% more likely to join a synagogue, 90% more likely to join a Jewish community center, and twice as likely to donate $100 or more to their local federation than Jewish adults who never went to a Jewish camp.

For more information about BB Camp and the Dor L’Dor program contact Michelle Koplan, BB Camp Executive Director at mkoplan@oregonjcc.org, visit the camp’s website, www.bbcamp.org or contact Irv Potter, BBMCA chairman, at irving@jprlaw.com.