Jewish summer camp

A Jewish summer camp is a summer camp dedicated to Jewish communities. In the United States these camps grew in popularity in the years after World War II and the Holocaust as an effort by American Jewish leaders to preserve and produce authentic Jewish culture.^[1] Outside the United States, similar camps are generally organized by various philanthropic organizations and local Jewish youth movements.^[2]

Jewish summer camps vary in their religious observance and affiliations; some are secular, while others have ties to Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox Jewish organizations. Some camps have ties to Zionist movements or organizations, such as Young Judaea, Betar, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Hatzair and B'nei Akiva.^[3]