By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO
These grey February days of cold mornings and endless rain make me wish summer would get here faster. I bet I’m not the only one who feels that way!
When I think of summer, I always remember my wonderful experiences at Jewish overnight camp. It seems like only yesterday when I was at Camp High Point in the fresh air of the beautiful Catskills making new friends, staying busy from sunrise to sundown with all kinds of fun activities, and amping up my competitive spirit for color war.
Those memories always bring a smile to my face, but looking back, the best part of camp was that the experience gave my Jewish identity a solid foundation. Talk to anyone you know who went to overnight camp and you’ll hear a similar story. Camp transforms Jewish journeys.
Every Jewish child should have the opportunity for a camp experience but let’s be honest, it’s not inexpensive. Thanks to the Samis Foundation, many generous donors like you, and our legacy supporters, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle makes camp accessible regardless of your financial situation. You shouldn’t have to opt out of these amazing Jewish memories because of cost.
I encourage everyone who wants to send their child to camp to apply for a camp scholarship. Applications for the summer of 2020 are open through Monday, March 2. If you have grandchildren or otherwise know parents with children, please let them know about this opportunity. And, if your child will be going to camp for the first time, you might also be eligible for a One Happy Camper incentive grant for first-time campers! We want to make going to camp a little easier for you.
Last year, over 300 children attended Jewish camp with assistance from the Federation. Making it possible for more children to go to camp is one of many ways that your Federation helps people connect to community and ensures the continuity of Jewish life. Camp memories are a vivid joy for families to share across generations. Sending children to camp is like planting a seed for a stronger and healthier community — kids who attend camp will embrace their Judaism, form lasting relationships, and over time, deepen their involvement in Jewish life. This is our investment in a collective Jewish future. It is the Federation’s commitment to you.
The days are getting longer and summer will be here before we know it. Your Federation can help you make the camp dream come true for your child — apply for a Federation scholarship today. Help your child make camp memories that will bring a lifetime of smiles!
