CYJ Texas announced today a $10 Million capital campaign called Forward Together. This initiative will enhance the camp’s physical campus and programmatic reach—ensuring more young people than ever can benefit from its program. For more than 70 years, CYJ Texas has been a beloved home for Jewish youth across Texas and beyond—empowering generations of campers to grow into confident leaders, forge lasting friendships, and build deep, joyful connections to Jewish life and Israel.

The campaign has already raised $8.3 million thanks to the early generosity of the CYJ community. Among the lead gifts are contributions from the Braham family, whose support will fund the new Jodi Braham Center for Arts, Crafts & Design – Merkaz Omanut, and the Bar Yadin Family Foundation, which is making possible the new Bar Yadin Beit Ha’am, a vibrant multipurpose auditorium and communal gathering space.

“This campaign is about investing in the Jewish community’s future,” said Frank Silberlicht, Executive Director of CYJ Texas. “CYJ Texas is where kids come to belong, grow, and lead. With this campaign, we’re not only building new facilities—we’re creating the opportunity for even more campers to experience moments of joy, pride, and discovery that will cultivate their Jewish identity and strengthen their bond with Israel.”

“At a time when cultivating the next generation of proud, committed Jews with a strong connection to Israel is more important than ever, CYJ Texas is a joyful space where campers grow up rooted in their values, connected to their heritage, and ready to lead with confidence,” said Jonah Paransky, Capital Campaign Chair. “This campaign is our community’s opportunity to invest in that mission and ensure it thrives for generations.”

The campaign will fund the following enhancements:

• An expanded and remodeled 10,400-square-foot Chadar Ochel (dining hall), seating 600 campers and staff at once
• Two brand-new camper Tzrifim (cabins), each accommodating 28 campers and eight staff per session.
• The 15,000-square-foot Bar Yadin Beit Ha’am (auditorium), creating powerful spaces for community and connection
• The State-of-the-art Jodi Braham Center for Arts, Crafts & Design – Merkaz Omanut, sparking creativity and self-expression

These additions will enable CYJ Texas to serve more than 100 additional campers each summer, significantly expanding its impact.

Looking ahead, if the campaign stretches to $12 million, even more ambitious upgrades will come to life:

• An expanded Park Mayim (Aqua Park), doubling aquatics capacity
• A thrilling Park Chavalim (Vertical Ropes Playground), with 36 climbing elements and space for 50 campers at once.

To learn more or contribute to the Forward Together Capital Campaign, visit www.cyjtexas.org/ft.