The Charlotte Jewish News- October 2025- Page 7
Camp Judaea Family Camp: Dancing, Identity, and Community Building
Over Labor Day weekend, more than 120 participants from across the community came together at Camp Judaea for our annual Family Camp. For some, it was their first time stepping into the world of Jewish camp; for others, it felt like coming home.
Together, families experienced the magic of Camp Judaea( CJ): the natural beauty, the Jewish joy, and the ruach – the spirit – that makes CJ so special. From the moment families arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We ushered in Shabbat by creating Havdalah kits and decorating challah covers, setting the tone for a weekend filled with meaning and connection. Shabbat services were uplifting and family-friendly, offering moments to pause, reflect, and simply be together.
Parents and children joined in rikkud( Israeli dancing), filling the basketball courts with laughter and energy, while thoughtful discussions about Jewish identity gave both kids and adults space to share what being Jewish means to them today.
When asked about their favorite parts of the weekend, families highlighted:
• Experiencing the magic of camp together.
• The lively energy of rikkud, where all ages danced hand in hand.
• Meaningful and inclusive Shabbat services.
• Conversations about Jewish identity that sparked reflection and connection.
• A family-friendly atmosphere filled with joy and belonging.
Beyond those moments, families also experienced a true taste of camp life. From climbing the ropes course and creating projects in the woodshop to practicing archery and diving into arts and crafts, the weekend captured the excitement and variety that make Camp Judaea unforgettable.
A big part of the weekend’ s success came through our partnership with PJ Library Charlotte, whose involvement brought new families into the experience. Their programs helped highlight what makes Camp Judaea unique
– a special place where Jewish values, a love of Israel, friendships, and lifelong memories are built together.
PJ Library added unique touches throughout the weekend including engaging story times that brought beloved books to life and custom PJ Library aprons for our family cooking sessions, where participants prepared shakshuka and chocolate balls side by side. These experiences reminded everyone of the joy PJ Library brings into homes each month – now brought to life in the magical setting of camp.
As one parent reflected,“ Our favorite part was just being together and having the camp experience. From dancing to services to meaningful conversations, it all felt like home.”
Family Camp at Camp Judaea reminded us that Jewish life thrives when we come together – in song, in prayer, in dance, and in community. Families left with full hearts, new friends, and a renewed sense of connection to one another.
Want to bring that magic to your child’ s summer? Registration for Camp Judaea Summer 2026 is now open!
To learn more, please contact Francine Safdeye, Camper Experience Director, at francine @ campjudaea. org.
Spots are filling quickly – don’ t miss the chance to give your child the experience of a lifetime!
Charlotte Camp Judaea campers at Rikkud( Israeli Dancing) after Havdalah
Families enjoyed Bonfire and S’ mores together after Shabbat
Story time with Ms. Sarah from PJ Library in Charlotte
Meg D. Goldstein
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