Campers from Israel enjoying summer camp at Camp Young Judaea. Courtesy: Frank Silberlicht 

By Allison Teegardin 

In the summer of 2024, Camp Young Judaea Texas embarked on an initiative that would positively change many lives forever. With the idea of offering young Israeli children a chance to get a break from hearing and feeling the effects of the war in Israel, several Texas Jewish Federations pooled resources together to help bring 15 kids to the overnight summer camp for three and a half weeks. “Just 45 minutes south of Austin, Texas in Wimberley, is a camp that teaches a love for Israel that develops through education, personal relationships, and lived Jewish experiences. At the center of our education is Israel as the homeland for all Jews, now and in the future,” said Camp Young Judaea Executive Director Frank Silberlicht.   

Due to the school calendar in Israel, the second session of camp was available for Israeli campers. While there are great challenges to implementing a program like this, the rewards proved to be greater. “It is a great mitzvah to bring Israeli children to camp,” said Silberlicht. Some of the unique hurdles that needed to be overcome to make the program a reality included travel and camp expenses, hiring Israeli staff members to help facilitate, as well as coordinating safe international travel for young children, several who were traveling alone. Once the logistics and funding were in place, Silberlicht said word about the brand-new opportunity at CYJ spread in Israel organically.   

As soon as the Israeli campers arrived, they were fully integrated into the program, including the sleeping cabins, helping to build connections and a love for Israel. During the day, campers enjoyed activities such as sports, drama, arts, ropes course, and even educational opportunities including Jewish rituals. Aside from the core activities, there are also approximately 30-40 electives each camper can select from.  

Although this year’s camp session had to come to an end, the relationships and memories made will last a lifetime. One parent reflected on their children’s experience and said, “They had the best time of their lives. Instead of sirens, bomb shelters and Iron Dome interceptions, they made life-long friends, climbed the screamer, sang Adon Olam to a Backstreet Boys tune and ate the most delicious coffee cake. They even won the Macabiya! Their eyes still twinkle when they talk about camp, and they keep telling us more and more stories about their life altering experience.”  

CYJ is well-known for creating endless opportunities for discovery of Jewish identity and a connection to Israel. When asked if CYJ is planning to host Israeli campers again next summer, Silberlicht said, “The Jewish community needs to create a system to bring Israel campers in every cabin every year. The goal of the camp is not just to be a Jewish camp, it is a Zionist camp creating a love for Israel while building connections and relationships.”