For many Jewish children and teens, the start of summer break means one thing: camp. While the days are filled with laughter and unforgettable memories, behind the scenes, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is working to ensure that Jewish summer camps remain safe and welcoming for families across the region.

As antisemitism surges globally with more than 9,300 incidents reported last year, a staggering 344% increase over the past five years according to the ADL, protecting Jewish spaces has become more urgent than ever — and camps are no exception.

Through its Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group, the Jewish Federation invests hundreds of thousands of dollars to support security enhancements and infrastructure upgrades at Jewish day and overnight camps, as well as schools, synagogues and organizations in Greater Philadelphia, Israel and beyond. 

In Fiscal Year 2025, JFRE allocated $65,700 to three local camps: Camp Galil, Camp Ramah in the Poconos and Golden Slipper Camp. And for this coming fiscal year, the group has awarded $100,000 to two camp security projects.

“By supporting security projects, we’re making sure that children can experience the joy of camp in a safe environment,” said the Jewish Federation’s JFRE Director Alan Lepore. “Students can focus on having fun and parents can feel confident knowing their kids are protected.”

In partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN) — the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America — the Jewish Federation also provided security training for 1,400 staffers at 21 camps, nearly triple the number of trainings conducted last year.  

Outside of security, the Jewish Federation also works to lower the financial barriers that may prevent parents and guardians from sending their children to Jewish summer camp. This summer alone, the Jewish Federation provided $740,000 in scholarships for first-time campers  through the One Happy Camper program and in need-based aid to 38 day and overnight camps.

“Jewish summer camps are vibrant, joyful spaces and deserve the same level of protection as any other community institution,” explained Cortney Voorhees, deputy community security director at the Jewish Federation. “By providing hands-on training for camp staff, we’re empowering them to recognize potential threats, respond appropriately and create a safer environment for everyone.”

We spoke with several camp directors and board members who shared an update on their JFRE Fund security projects and how financial support from the Jewish Federation has had a positive impact on their summer camps.

Campers got to know new friends on opening day at Camp Galil. Courtesy: Camp Galil.

“At Camp Galil, we have been able to make critical investments in our security infrastructure thanks to the JFRE Fund, which helped us to both harden our physical site and build out support for security personnel. This grant has not only enhanced the safety of our campers and staff — it has also allowed us to build a sustainable foundation that ensures our community can thrive with confidence and peace of mind for years to come.”

– David Weiss, Executive Director 
Habonim Dror Camp Galil

Campers and their staff enjoyed a safe and happy summer at Camp Ramah in the Poconos. Courtesy: Camp Ramah in the Poconos.

“Thanks to the generous support of the Jewish Federation through a JFRE Fund grant, Camp Ramah continues to be a joyful, meaningful and deeply enriching place for our campers and staff. We are incredibly grateful for this funding, which helps keep our camp safe and allows us to nurture Jewish identity and community every single day." 

– Myriam Seid, Director
Camp Ramah in the Poconos

Campers and counselors spent time outdoors at Golden Slipper Camp. Courtesy: Golden Slipper Camp.

“Like many other Jewish organizations, Golden Slipper Camp is alarmed by the increase in antisemitism in the US and around the world. JFRE’s grant has helped us purchase advanced security technologies and equipment that allow us to better secure our camp.

We are doing everything we can to ensure that our community is as safe as we can make it, with improved security equipment, added security personnel and stricter security protocols on our campus. We are grateful to Jewish Federation and JFRE for the many ways in which they support us and for funding which has allowed us to add new security features to our property."

– Cynthia Stein, President
Golden Slipper Camp

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The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group brings professionals together to learn, network and lead the way in creating a more secure Jewish world through philanthropic investments. Founded in 2008, JFRE is a membership-based affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

To view JFRE's full list of current capital projects, click here. For more information about JFRE and how to become a member, click here.