Summer camp is more than just a fun getaway—it’s an opportunity for young Jewish children to deepen their connection to their heritage, build lifelong friendships, and create lasting memories. Through the One Happy Camper program, the Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) helps make this experience accessible to more families by offering incentive grants of up to $1,000 for first-time campers attending Jewish overnight camps, who do not yet participate in an immersive Jewish experience.

For many families, these grants are a game-changer, making it possible for children to attend camps that reinforce Jewish identity, traditions, and values in a vibrant, immersive environment. Last summer, Archer and Brayden Harrell were among the many campers who benefited from this opportunity. Initially hesitant, the brothers took their first steps into the world of Jewish sleepaway camps, only to return home eager for more. Their experiences at Camp Sababa and Camp Airy helped them forge strong friendships, gain independence, and grow in their Jewish identity.

Their mother, Amie, witnessed firsthand how transformative Jewish camp can be. "Being with Jewish friends and making those connections is vital to our children's development, growth, social, and emotional wellness," she shared.

Now, it’s your turn! If you have a child who has never attended Jewish overnight camp, don’t miss this opportunity to apply for a One Happy Camper grant and give them the summer of a lifetime. Learn more and apply today at foundation.jewishva.org/one-happy-camper.

Additionally, One Happy Camper can be endowed, allowing families and individuals to make a lasting impact on young Jewish lives for generations to come. By establishing an endowment, donors help ensure that more children experience the joy, friendship, and identity-building power of Jewish camp year after year.  For endowment opportunities or a simple conversation, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, President & CEO of TJF, at 757-965-6109 or nsedek@tjfva.org.