An Open Invitation
By Elizabeth Johnson
A good newspaper is not static. It should evolve as its community evolves, sharpen as conversations sharpen, and remain responsive without losing its center. This important balance is something we think about often at The Charlotte Jewish News.
Since October, we have been working diligently to strengthen our reporting, expand the range of voices captured in our pages, and tell the dynamic stories that reflect the full texture of Jewish life in Charlotte. Some of that
By Jessica Goldfarb
Ask adults who went to Jewish overnight camp what they remember most, and the answers are rarely about schedules or programs. They talk about laughter that carried late into the night, friendships that felt instant and permanent, and the freedom of being fully themselves. That sense of joy; uncomplicated, immersive, and deeply felt, is at the heart of why Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is investing in One Happy Camper.
One Happy Camper helps families take the leap into Jewish overnight camp by offering need-blind grants to children attending for the first time, with the chance to apply again next summer for more support. While the program eases financial barriers, its purpose is bigger than affordability alone.
“ Practically, One Happy Camper helps offset a real financial barrier and makes an immersive Jewish experience feel attainable.” says Megan Harkavy, Director of Education and Engagement.“ Emotionally, it does something just as important: it tells families that they belong and that the community wants their child there. It transforms camp from a‘ maybe someday’ idea into a confident‘ yes,’ and that shift can be incredibly meaningful for both parents and kids.”
Jewish overnight camp is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate belonging, confidence, and Jewish identity at a formative age and to make sure more children get the chance to experience it. Learning shows up not in the form of classrooms, but as part of everyday life: in songs sung at the top of your lungs, in teamwork on the field, in shared rituals that feel meaningful without being heavy. Campers absorb values like kindness, responsibility, and community simply by living them, all while having what feels like the best summer ever.
As One Happy Camper prepares for its first summer in Charlotte, early conversations with families have already been encouraging. Through events like Camp Fair and one-on-one discussions, parents have expressed excitement about the opportunity and relief that support
work is visible. Some of it happens quietly, behind the scenes. All of it is guided by the same question: Is this serving our readers well?
What would you like to see more of in these pages? What feels less essential right now? Are there voices, topics, or perspectives you believe deserve greater attention? Thoughtful critique is welcome. Passionate disagreement, too. What matters most is honesty, offered in good faith. Feedback does not mean outsourcing editorial judgment. It means listening carefully, identifying patterns, and continuing to do the work with intention. A community paper should be shaped by the community it serves, even as it maintains a clear editorial point of view.
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“ One of the most meaningful things has been the gratitude from parents,” Harkavy says.“ I’ ve received several thankyou emails from families who are genuinely appreciative – not just for the financial support, but for the feeling that someone saw their need and wanted to help.”
Federation’ s decision to make One Happy Camper a communal priority is grounded in both values and evidence. Studies consistently show that children who attend Jewish camp are more likely to remain engaged in Jewish life as adults, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles within their communities. Camp is one of the strongest predictors of long-term Jewish connection, not because it teaches outcomes directly, but because it creates an environment where identity can take root naturally.
Looking ahead, the promise of One Happy Camper extends well beyond a single summer.“ What excites me most is the ripple effect,” Harkavy says.“ One camper becomes a group of friends, which becomes stronger Jewish social networks, which ultimately strengthens our entire community.”
By helping more children experience the joy of Jewish camp, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is doing more than supporting a program. It is investing in moments of happiness that grow into confidence, connection, and lifelong Jewish engagement. One happy camper at a time, those moments add up— to stronger families, a more connected community, and a future for Jewish Charlotte rooted in belonging.
The Charlotte Jewish News- March 2026- Page 3 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
in local Jewish storytelling, in documenting our collective history, and in sustaining an independent voice dedicated to this community.
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Thank you for reading, thank you for engaging, and thank you for being part of the conversation!
Now, I would like to hear from you. If you have something to share, I cordially invite you to reach out to me directly. You can email me at elizabeth. johnson @ jewishcharlotte. org, and yes, I read every note. This includes the good, the challenging, and everything in between.
One Happy Camper: Growing Jewish Joy, One Summer at a Time
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