When the school year ends and summer arrives, families are faced with plans that include: two months at home, weeks of day camps cobbled together into a schedule that bewilders even the most organized among us or, possibly, Jewish overnight camp.
Since the late 19th century, Jewish families have been sending their children to Jewish sleepaway camps, and that’s still a great option. But it may not be the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. Whether it’s because of the cost, the logistics, a child’s lack of interest, or the challenges of finding the right camp, some parents find that, for their child, being at home or other adventures is best.
Even so, we can find it hard to shake the thought that our kids should be at overnight camp — and easy to feel guilty. But guilt is not only unpleasant, it’s also unhelpful. So instead of feeling bad, think positively: There’s a ton of fun, inexpensive ways you can jump into Judaism during the summer! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Make sure your kids are signed up for PJ Library (newborn-age 12). Many PJ Library books include terrific cooking and craft projects, and PJ Our Way books are a great option for rainy afternoon reading sessions.
- Pop some popcorn and tune in to an engrossing PJ Library podcast.
- Give fun crafts a Jewish twist:
- Grab a copy of Jewish Fairy Tale Feasts by PJ authors and acclaimed mother/daughter duo Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple. Each story is paired with a family-friendly recipe.
- Make a calendar of all the Jewish holidays, and read a book, do a craft, or cook a recipe associated with each. You can find everything you need on the PJ Library website.
- Pick a Jewish value, read a story about it, and figure out how your family can act on it. You might reach out to a lonely neighbor, volunteer at a food pantry, or make a tzedakah box and decide together where to donate the money.
And remember, parents, you don’t have to do this alone. Get on the mailing list of your local synagogue, JCC, or federation so that you get the latest news about activities in your area. And join the PJ Library Facebook group, to connect with other Jewish parents who are making the most of the summer.
More
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June 9, 2025