Credit: Camp Zeke
Overview
Founded in 2012, Camp Zeke is the first and only overnight camp where kids celebrate health, active living through fitness, cooking, sports, nutrition and Judaism. A love of Judaism and Israel is integrated throughout the entire camp experience.
The camp is a screen-free environment, allowing campers to discover the art of interpersonal communication.
Programs
Families may register for a one week, three week or six week session from June through early August.
The campers are divided into Lower Camp, Upper Camp and Teens.
- Younger campers in (2nd – 5th grade), rotate through all activities and may select a couple of age appropriate electives each day. All Lower Camp kids will participate in instructional swim.
- Older campers (6th – 9th grade) in the Upper Camp program create their own schedule based on their individual interests. The kids will participate in special evening programs such as movie nights and campfires.
- Teen campers (10th – 12th grade) serve as assistant activity specialists and mentor younger campers. They can participate in the optional Teen Leadership Program and may have the opportunity to earn volunteer hours. The invitation based Counselor In Training program, designed for kids who have completed the Teen Leadership Program, empowers kids to run programs, participate in special skill-building and leadership workshops, and assist in the kitchen. The invitation only Junior Counselor Program for rising seniors who have completed both Teen Leadership and CIT, allows teens to become a full member of the staff.
Core Values and Mission
Camp Zeke is rooted in a set of core values that come from the Jewish tradition: kindness to others, developing character, taking care of health, welcoming visitors and new friends, and loving all members of the community.
Based on the belief that fitness, good nutrition, and kindness are essential for realizing full potential, campers learn the skills and inspiration to lead lives of strength, confidence, and good health.
Camp Property and Cabins
Located on 560 acres in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, campers enjoy activities on the lake, hiking, outdoor cooking and camping.
Campers live with 12-14 other kids in air-conditioned cabins that have indoor private bathrooms. Most of the cabins have a lake-view lounge where campers enjoy socializing with friends and enjoying group activities.
The property includes a private lake, theater, dance and yoga studio, heated swimming pool, sports courts, playing fields, professional teaching kitchens, and natural hiking trails, among other amenities.
Meals
Chefs make daily meals from scratch using fresh ingredients. Sample meals include bagels and lox, home baked muffins, curried spinach and tofu, pesto pasta, chicken fajitas, moussaka, coconut chia pudding, or fruit ice pops, among many other nutritious items.
The kitchen is kosher and many traditional Jewish and Israeli foods are served. Vegan, gluten free, dairy free and egg free options are available at every meal.