The overnight camp experience at Emma Kaufmann Camp promotes Jewish identity, continuity, and community in an informal and enjoyable atmosphere.  We strive to “think deeply” about the nature of the Israel experience in an important Jewish educational institution.  We do this by enhancing Jewish learning & creating meaningful cultural activities through important daily rituals and traditions, including

• Shabbat
• Singing and Dancing
• Ruach (spirit)
• Judaica/Jewish Art
• Usage of Hebrew words in daily schedule, activities and programs
• Prayer
  
• Kesher (connection) to Israel (Israel Education and Culture)

Living Jewishly at EKC encompasses the welcoming tradition of hachnasat orchim, inclusive of children of all backgrounds.   Values rooted in our Jewish heritage set the tone for daily life at camp which will shape a Jewish vision for the camp that inspires children, staff, parents and alumni.  Understanding Jewish values will offer our campers and staff the opportunity to live better lives and have stronger Jewish identities.  Examples of the values we instill are kovod (respect), derekh eretz (appropriate behavior) rachmanut (compassion) and tzedakah & gemilut chasadim (righteousness and acts of loving kindness). 

The camp community welcomes Shabbat with spirit and song and Israeli schlichim (emissaries) help campers build a connection to the people and land of Israel.   Last year, EKC became the first overnight camp in the JCC movement to develop a foundational leadership and experiential Israel seminar for all EKC Counselors in Training, and our goal is for every staff member at Emma Kaufmann Camp to have had a significant Israel experience.

EKC staff and camper’s model enthusiasm for Jewish identity and values & celebrate Jewish and Israeli culture by building community and lifelong friendships (yedidut).

Living Jewishly at EKC encompasses the welcoming tradition of hachnasat orchim, inclusive of children of all backgrounds.   Values rooted in our Jewish heritage set the tone for daily life at camp which will shape a Jewish vision that inspires children, staff, parents and alumni.  Understanding Jewish values will offer our campers & staff the opportunity to live better lives and have stronger Jewish identities. 

Moral Qualities (Building a community)

Kovod (respect)
Kashrut – Kovod for life
Mezuzah – Kovod for god
B’tzelem Elyhim – Kovod for each other
getting to know people individually
B’seiver Panim Yafot – greeting people in a nice manner

Derekh Eretz (appropriate behavior) – respecting personal property

good sportsmanship
manners at meals and throughout camp
Rachamim – Compassion (Rachmanut)
Lashon Tov (refraining from gossip…Lashon Hara (Gossip)
Ereych Apayim – Self control
Examples - refraining from gossip and respecting personal property show self-control

Mitzvot

Kashrut
Tikun Olam/Mitzvot/Avodah/Tzedakah/gemilut chasadim  (good deeds/acts of loving kindness and/or repairing the world)
Shabbat (rest, rejuvenation of body and soul)
Shalom Bayit  (learning to live together)

Cabin rules

Family (Eating meals, before bedtime, flagpole, mornings – helping with wake up)
***Concept of a peaceful home is a Mitzvah

Personal Growth (individual accomplishments)

Ometz Lev – Courage
Trying new things
Independence
D’veykut b’matara – Perseverance
Jewish Learning and Spirituality
Israel – exploring educational and cultural aspects of Israel

The mission of Emma Kaufmann Camp is to provide and promote personal and individual growth, Jewish identity & values, and outstanding activities & instruction led by trained and qualified staff, in a safe and stimulating, child-centered camping environment for children and teens, while preserving and participating in the natural environment around us.