Camp Hatikvah

Out-tripping’s many benefits

Canoe trips are a vital part of the camp experience, not only because of the physical activity they involve but also because of the deep personal growth they foster. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

At Camp Hatikvah, one of the most enriching aspects of the summer experience for older campers is the out-tripping program. Designed to expose campers to the beauty of the outdoors while introducing them to a blend of adventure, skill-building and personal growth, the program is a cherished part of the Camp Hatikvah experience. It is also central to the camp’s mission of fostering resilience, independence and community.

Each year, the camp’s Kochot and staff-in-training (SIT) campers embark on canoe trips that vary in length and difficulty, ensuring that each trip is tailored to their abilities and experiences. These journeys are much more than a chance to paddle; they provide campers with opportunities to push their limits, learn new skills and bond with their peers.

photo - Each year, the camp’s Kochot and staff-in-training (SIT) campers embark on canoe trips that vary in length and difficulty — Each year, the camp’s Kochot and staff-in-training (SIT) campers embark on canoe trips that vary in length and difficulty. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

The Kochot campers are introduced to the concept of out-tripping through shorter trips that offer a taste of outdoor adventure. The one-night and two-night trips, depending on age, provide an introduction to sleeping outdoors, cooking meals and navigating the natural world. These trips are designed to balance activity and relaxation, with plenty of time for swimming and socializing, all within nature. For many, this is the first time they sleep away from home, and the experience is a significant milestone in their personal development.

As campers get older, the trips become more challenging. The SIT campers take on a more intensive excursion that tests their physical endurance and leadership abilities. The trek to Shuswap Lake involves paddling for several hours each day, setting up camp at new locations each night, and working together to navigate the challenges of outdoor living. Through this five-day journey, the SIT campers develop valuable life skills, including resilience, adaptability and teamwork.

Canoe trips are a vital part of the camp experience, not only because of the physical activity they involve but also because of the deep personal growth they foster. They teach campers about responsibility, independence and the importance of working as part of a team. Campers learn to rely on one another as they work together to navigate the water, set up camp and manage the logistics of living outdoors. They also gain a profound appreciation for the natural world, learning to respect and care for the environment while enjoying its beauty.

The lessons learned on these trips extend far beyond the trip itself. Campers return to camp with a stronger sense of self, greater confidence and a newfound appreciation for the outdoors and for their fellow campers. Whether they are paddling across a serene lake or cooking dinner under the stars, the skills they develop and the memories they create during these trips become an essential, and beautiful, part of the Camp Hatikvah experience.

To learn more, visit camphatikvah.com.

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

The many joys of connection

By fostering human connection, creativity and a love for the outdoors, Camp Hatikvah teaches children that true joy doesn’t come from likes or notifications – it comes from experiences shared with others. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel almost impossible to escape technology. Smartphones, tablets and social media have woven themselves into the fabric of daily life, often at the expense of face-to-face interaction and genuine connection. But, at Camp Hatikvah, campers are given the opportunity to disconnect from devices and reconnect with life’s simpler joys.

The camp has a no-technology policy for all its campers. This means that, for the entirety of their stay at camp, campers are completely unplugged so that they can engage with the world around them – through creativity, camaraderie and the kind of joy that is so often lost in the digital age.

For many of today’s youth, the idea of unplugging might seem daunting. Devices have become more than tools; they’re sources of entertainment, connection, and even identity. At Camp Hatikvah, however, the absence of screens doesn’t feel like a loss – campers quickly discover the delights of old-fashioned fun.

“It’s a precious gift to witness children simply at play,” said Liza Rozen-Delman, the camp’s executive director. “When they’re not tethered to screens, you see their imaginations come alive. They’re dancing, creating skits, and laughing in ways that feel so genuine. It’s the kind of joy you rarely see any more in the city.”

photo - Camp Hatikvah has a technology-free approach — Camp Hatikvah has a technology-free approach. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

These moments of unstructured play do more than just fill the hours; they foster skills that are crucial for a child’s development. Imagination, problem-solving and cooperation flourish in an environment where kids are free to create their own fun. Campers learn to navigate group dynamics, work through challenges and take pride in shared accomplishments.

One of the most profound benefits of Camp Hatikvah’s technology-free policy is the way it nurtures genuine relationships. Without the distractions of social media, campers are fully present for one another. They form bonds over shared adventures, whether it’s paddling across the lake, tackling a team-building challenge, or simply sitting together under a star-filled sky.

The mental health challenges facing today’s youth are unprecedented. Studies have linked the overuse of technology to increased anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation. Camp Hatikvah offers a much-needed antidote: a space where kids can breathe, laugh and simply be themselves.

“Away from screens, there’s a noticeable shift in the kids,” said Eden Gutterman, associate director. “They start to relax. They’re more in tune with their surroundings and with each other. It’s like they’re rediscovering what it means to just be a kid.”

photo - Moments of unstructured play foster skills that are crucial for a child’s development — Moments of unstructured play foster skills that are crucial for a child’s development. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

The benefits of Camp Hatikvah’s technology-free approach aren’t limited to the children who attend. Parents also appreciate the impact of the camp’s philosophy. For many, it’s a relief to know their children are spending time away from screens and social media, engaging in activities that promote health and happiness.

“At the end of the day, what we’re giving these kids isn’t just a summer at camp – it’s a gift that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” said Rozen-Delman. “The friendships they make, the confidence they build and the memories they create – those are the things that matter. And none of it requires a screen.”

Life’s most meaningful moments often happen when we set aside our screens and fully immerse ourselves in the present. By fostering human connection, creativity and a love for the outdoors, Camp Hatikvah teaches children that true joy doesn’t come from likes or notifications – it comes from experiences shared with others. In an increasingly digital world, the lessons learned at the camp are not just refreshing – they’re transformative, equipping campers with the tools to lead more balanced, connected and fulfilling lives long after summer ends.

For more information, visit camphatikvah.com.

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

Building teen togetherness

Yachad activities in summer 2023 included one where campers were given a large box, tape, bubble wrap and scissors and told to make a functioning boat. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

In the summer of 2023, Camp Hatikvah introduced a new activity just for their 13- and 14-year-old campers called Yachad. Named after the Hebrew word for together, Yachad was introduced with the aim of fostering connections and breaking down the barriers that sometimes divide today’s teenagers.

“Motivating teenagers to step out of their comfort zones can be a challenge. With this in mind, our goal was to design something new that breaks the ice, melts away self-consciousness, and brings campers together,” said Liza Rozen-Delman, executive director.

Knowing their audience well, Camp Hatikvah decided that friendly competition would be the key to success.

At the beginning of the summer, campers were organized into “house” teams and told that this would be their team for the whole summer while they competed for end-of-session prizes like a trip to the ice cream store.

photo - In one of the Yachad activities, campers had to dress up like the characters of a movie they picked out of a hat — In one of the Yachad activities, campers had to dress up like the characters of a movie they picked out of a hat. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Every second day or so, these teams would engage in wacky daytime competitions that required more enthusiasm than skill. From dress-up competitions to hilariously messy slime wars, Yachad quickly became a favourite activity among campers.

“We never knew what was coming next,” said one 14-year-old camper, “so each time Yachad came around we were filled with anticipation and excitement.”

The heart of Yachad lies in its unique approach to team building. Without knowing it, campers are learning myriad skills like communication and adaptability (shh … don’t tell them).

“The program is centred on the belief that shared experiences have the power to forge lasting bonds. In the midst of extraordinary escapades, campers not only form new individual friendships but also contribute to building a tight-knit community – a community that embodies the very essence of Camp Hatikvah’s mission,” said Rozen-Delman.

photo - Another Yachad activity challenged campers to make an ugly Hanukkah sweater — Another Yachad activity challenged campers to make an ugly Hanukkah sweater. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Last year’s activities included “noodle fencing,” where campers jousted with floppy pool noodles; a “wedding dress challenge,” where campers designed a dress using a spool of tulle; an “ugly Hanukkah sweater challenge,” where campers were given a sweatshirt and all sorts of tacky Hanukkah décor to attach onto it; and a “Disney challenge,” where the team needed to dress up like the characters of a movie they picked out of a hat.

“The highlight for me was the boat regatta,” shared a camper. “We were each given a large box, tape, bubble wrap and scissors and told to make a functioning boat. One of our teammates then had to go onto the lake in it to see if it floated. Ours didn’t last long and it was hilarious.”

“Yachad celebrates the joy of togetherness, unleashing the power of pure, unfiltered fun,” said Rozen-Delman. “In a world that is so heavy, it’s really just what these kids need.”

Looking ahead, Camp Hatikvah is already planning a repertoire of creative and crazy Yachad activities for the summer of 2024 – the sillier the better, as Camp Hatikvah knows the power of fun in bringing kids together and building community.

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

More important than ever

“This summer, the grounds of Camp Hatikvah will echo with laughter, song, and the spirited expressions of Jewish and Israel pride”: Liza Rozen-Delman, camp executive director. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

For decades, Camp Hatikvah has been a cornerstone of the Jewish community, serving as a summer haven where traditions are cherished, friendships blossom and identities are proudly embraced. It has always been more than just a recreational retreat; it has been a powerful catalyst in shaping the future leaders of the Jewish community.

Developed in the aftermath of the Holocaust, Hatikvah was created to produce proud, happy Jewish youth who were committed to the rebuilding of the Jewish people and a homeland in Israel. As a 1949 article in the Jewish Western Bulletin (the predecessor of the Jewish Independent) stated, Camp Hatikvah provided early participants with a “place where they could live and express themselves as Jews, unhampered with fear of others and free from the out-of-place feeling that is so often a part of North American Jewishness.”

Today, as we witness a disheartening resurgence of antisemitism, the original mission of Camp Hatikvah seems to be as important as it was at the time of the camp’s creation.

“The need for a space where children can feel safe, embrace their heritage and express their identity without reservation is, once again, vital” said Liza Rozen-Delman, the camp’s executive director. “I am devastated by the current state of the world, but we are dedicated to rising above it and playing a critical role in combating hate.”

The camp’s leadership recognizes the need to renew its dedication to its original mandate, emphasizing that, in the face of external threats, the camp becomes not only a refuge but a dynamic force in cultivating resilience and unity.

“In response to the current crisis, this summer promises to be a rallying point for Jewish pride, a resolute stand against the hate we have seen, and a celebration of every aspect of who we are as a people,” said Joanna Wasel, board president.

As they begin preparing for summer, Rozen-Delman explained that the camp staff are gearing up to create an immersive experience that fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and love for all things Jewish. Through carefully curated activities and the camaraderie that comes from being part of a supportive community, campers will leave with not just memories of a fun-filled summer but also a strengthened sense of identity.

photo - Kids working on a project at summer camp — Kids working on a project at summer camp. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Camp Hatikvah also plans to intensify its Israel programming this summer in an effort to empower its campers with a more profound understanding of the Jewish state’s history and culture but, most importantly, its necessity. In a world where misinformation and delegitimization about Israel is rampant, Camp Hatikvah is determined to ensure that its campers and staff are equipped to advocate for the right of the Jewish people to live in peace and security in a homeland of their own.

“This summer, the grounds of Camp Hatikvah will echo with laughter, song, and the spirited expressions of Jewish and Israel pride,” said Rozen-Delman. “From the youngest to the oldest, everyone will be encouraged to stand tall, speak loud, and embrace every aspect of who they are.”

The importance of Camp Hatikvah extends beyond the traditional camp experience; it is a cornerstone for fostering resilience, unity, and an unapologetic celebration of one’s identity. Camp Hatikvah continues to play a pivotal role in creating a space where yet another generation of Jewish youth feel not only safe but truly at home.

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

Strong connection to Israel

Counselors last summer learning the words and moves to Israeli pop music so they can teach the campers. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

As Israel prepares to celebrate its 75th birthday, Camp Hatikvah looks back fondly at its long and meaningful connection to the Jewish state.

Established by members of the Young Judaea youth organization, Camp Hatikvah was Western Canada’s first Zionist summer camp. Developed in the aftermath of the Holocaust, Hatikvah was created to “produce proud, happy Jewish youth who were earnest and sincere in their beliefs” and committed to the rebuilding of the Jewish people and homeland. Activities offered included arts and crafts, drama, music, athletics, singing and dancing, but the basis of the program was designed around providing campers with a strong background and knowledge of Jewish and Zionist affairs.

One of the original goals of the camp was to promote aliyah and many of the camp’s participants have indeed gone on to join a kibbutz, study in Israel, serve in the Israel Defence Forces or raise their families in Israel. However, the camp leadership eventually realized that mass immigration was unlikely and began focusing on another important task – ensuring that Canadian Jewish youth truly understood the importance of the Jewish state and their role in nurturing and protecting it.

For campers of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, programming was focused around concepts of pioneering and perseverance. Israel was still so young and so vulnerable and participants united in their shared passion not only for its success but its survival. The counselors were impassioned leaders who created meaningful opportunities for learning. Education was key and advocacy was a responsibility.

photo - Israeli dancing in the early 1960s at camp — Israeli dancing in the early 1960s at camp. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

By the 1980s, things were changing. The campers of that era were used to the idea of a strong Israel and much of the Jewish state’s impressive accomplishments felt like distant “history” to many of the young campers. This created a challenge for the camp but one to which they rose. Rather than sitting the campers down and lecturing them, Hatikvah used the uniqueness of the camp setting to provide active education. Field games were used to teach about geography, history and conflict, with campers learning a great deal without even knowing it (that’s the best kind of education).

The early 1990s were a time of great hope. With the Oslo Accords having been signed, it was an exciting time for Israel and for Hatikvah but, unfortunately, it was short-lived.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Israel was shaken by one horrendous terrorist attack after another. While our community stood in solidarity with our mishpachah (family) in Israel, many Hatikvah families were not comfortable sending their children on Biluim Israel, a sister program that runs an Israel experience for Hatikvah’s campers the summer before they become counselors. The result was that, for several years in a row, Hatikvah had very few counselors on staff who had ever been to Israel. This reality created a radical shift in the camp’s Israel education strategy.

Joanna Wasel, current board president, was the program director at Hatikvah at the time. She recalled, “since our participants were no longer going to Israel, we knew we had to bring Israel to them.”

The focus of Hatikvah’s Israel education shifted from the past to the present. While campers still learned about important historical figures and events, most of the programming began to focus on culture.

“It was important to us that our campers saw beyond what was in the news,” said Wasel. “We didn’t want them to think of Israel only in terms of conflict. We wanted them to see the beauty and uniqueness of this truly special and resilient country.”

photo - Campers in the early 1960s learning the Hebrew words for their activities — Campers in the early 1960s learning the Hebrew words for their activities. *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Thankfully, the situation in Israel eventually stabilized and campers once again returned to Israel, bringing back their knowledge and passion when they became counselors the following year. But the affinity towards more modern Israel programming stuck, and the focus at the camp remains based on building bridges between Canadian and Israeli cultures.

“Friday nights at camp are amazing,” shared Liza Rozen-Delman, camp director. “After prayers and a traditional Shabbat dinner, our campers spend the evening dancing to Israeli pop music. It is incredible to see. They know all the words – which are in Hebrew – and the fun dances their peers in Israel are doing. It’s so natural and so beautiful.”

These programs are facilitated by young Israeli shlichim (emissaries), who continue to be an important part of Hatikvah’s program. “With the exception of 2022, when COVID restrictions were in place, Hatikvah has always had Israeli shlichim,” said Rozen-Delman. “The experience is so meaningful both for them and for us.

“Hatikvah was founded to promote the dream of an independent Jewish state and so it is really special for us, some 75 years later, not only to celebrate how far Israel has come but to also recognize how important our partnership was both then and now,” she concluded. “As we say at Camp Hatikvah, may they – and we – continue with chazak ve’ematz (strength and courage).”

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

StandWithUs Canada course

Hussein Mansour Aboubakr (PR photo)

After an almost three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, StandWithUs Canada is again holding events. On May 15, StandWithUs Canada and the Diamond Foundation are presenting the crash course Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism Today: What to Expect on Campus.

The course is a chance for high school (grades 11 and 12) and first-year university students to attend interactive sessions, hear from speakers, meet like-minded students and enjoy a free kosher dinner. Students who register and attend can also receive community service hours and a gift card.

Speakers include Penina Edery, high school director, StandWithUs Canada, and Aviv Attia, StandWithUs educator and Israeli speaker. Special guest speaker Hussein Mansour Aboubakr was a dissident imprisoned in his home of Cairo, Egypt, for the crime of wanting to learn more about the country and the people he was raised to hate – Israel and Jews. One of the course sessions will be Aboubakr speaking about his journey. Other sessions will include a panel of students speaking about their experiences with antisemitism and anti-Zionism in high school and university.

The Diamond Foundation is sponsoring this crash course to reach out to Vancouver high school students and their families, to help them learn the skills, get the knowledge and find out about the resources available to support Israel and fight antisemitism. Also involved in presenting the event with StandWithUs Canada are Camp Hatikvah, Masa Israel Journey, King David High School and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver.

The May 15 crash course will take place at KDHS from 4 to 8 p.m. Registration is required to attend. Students can register at forms.gle/hPncontVmAC4Jfor6.

– Courtesy StandWithUs Canada

It’s been a hard two years

Last summer, given COVID’s continued presence and restrictions, campers were especially happy to be at camp. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

Prior to 2020, Camp Hatikvah was experiencing unparalleled success. With enrolment maximized, the organization was in the position to focus not only on capital and program development but also on long-term financial planning. According to Liza Rozen-Delman, the camp’s executive director, Hatikvah’s future had never looked brighter. “It was a period of great excitement for us,” she said. “We honestly thought that nothing could get in the way of our growth and success.”

The pandemic, however, changed everything. “The impact of COVID was immediate and devastating,” Rozen-Delman said. “We went from being on top of the world to worrying about our very survival.”

photo - Boys during a service at Camp Hatikvah — *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Luckily for Hatikvah, donors immediately stepped in to cover the camp’s mounting financial losses. “People knew we were in trouble and they rallied around us,” said Rozen-Delman, with great emotion and gratitude. “Not only did they cover our operational expenses entirely in 2020, they made it possible for us to open in 2021 by funding all of the camp’s COVID-related expenses, like testing, site upgrades and more.”

Rozen-Delman went on to share how incredible it was to welcome campers back to camp last summer. While capacity had to be dramatically reduced to adhere to government group-size limits, close to 400 children participated in Hatikvah’s program in 2021.

“We rearranged our session lengths to make sure that every single Jewish child wishing to attend our camp was able to do so,” explained Rozen-Delman. “While this meant that each camper was at camp for a little less time than is typical, everyone was just so grateful to be there.”

“Our campers are always happy to be at camp but last summer, they were elated,” added Eden Gutterman, the camp’s associate director. “They needed to socialize, to be outdoors and to be away from technology and it was just so beautiful to watch them revel in camp and each other.”

photo - Campers at Camp Hatikva give a thumbs up — *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Gutterman shared her favourite memory from last summer. “One Shabbat, we asked all of the campers who had their bar and bat mitzvah’s over Zoom to stand in the middle of a circle made up of the rest of the campers and counselors. We then did the hora around them as a tribute to their milestone and accomplishment. None of these campers got to celebrate their simchah in person so it was incredibly touching to see them surrounded and celebrated by their friends. It is something we – and they – will never forget.”

photo - Camper jumps into the water — *(photo from Camp Hatikvah)*

Camp Hatikvah is now busy preparing for summer 2022.

“We recognize that COVID will likely not be over by summer,” acknowledged Rozen-Delman. “And, while we wish it wasn’t the case, we feel well-prepared to deal with anything.”

Rozen-Delman shared that the Gutman family and Rockdoc Consulting Inc. have provided the funding for the camp to build a new infirmary in time for this summer.

“Given the realities of the ongoing pandemic, this gift couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Rozen-Delman. “Our new infirmary has been designed with COVID and any future infectious disease in mind and will have recovery rooms that can be used as properly ventilated isolation space if necessary. Its functional space has also been thoughtfully designed to allow us to meet and exceed current best practices in camper care. It is a gift our camp so desperately needed and we couldn’t be more grateful to Sam and Belinda and Gloria and their families for their generosity.”

Joanna Wasel, Camp Hatikvah’s board president, commented that, while she wished the world hadn’t had to experience this pandemic at all, she believes that the camp will ultimately be stronger because of it.

“We are entering 2022 with a renewed sense of purpose,” said Wasel. “Our community supported us through this challenging time because they believe in our mandate to help raise the next generation of strong, confident and resilient Jewish leaders. Their faith means everything to us and we are determined to make them proud.”

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

Community support valued

Camp Hatikvah donors are not only helping ensure the quality of the camp but its inclusivity. (photo from Camp Hatikvah)

Camp Hatikvah is well known for its program offerings, as well as its facilities and its spectacular natural setting in the Okanagan Valley. What many people may not know, however, is that the camp is only the place that it is because of community backing. Camper fees cover things like counseling staff, food, insurance and site maintenance. Everything else – including every building and almost every piece of equipment – has been donated by supporters who want to ensure that Camp Hatikvah can continuously improve without passing on the cost of doing so to the young families whose children attend.

Camp Hatikvah was established in 1937. Its donor base understands the unparalleled value and impact of a Jewish camping experience. They know that today’s campers are tomorrow’s Jewish leaders and that a donation is not a gift to just the organization but an investment in the future of the Jewish community.

More than 20% of campers attend Hatikvah’s program with the help of financial assistance and it is estimated that another 25% are on the cusp of needing to do so as well. Donors appreciate that many camp families are struggling with the affordability of Jewish life in Metro Vancouver and want to help control fee increases without the camp having to compromise program growth or site improvements. By funding program enhancements, equipment upgrades or capital improvements, donors are not only helping ensure the quality of the camp but its inclusivity. While summer camps are expensive – and Camp Hatikvah is no exception – it is because of donors that, on a per-day basis, Camp Hatikvah is one of the least expensive Jewish camps in North America.

Donors have also played an instrumental role in getting Camp Hatikvah through the pandemic. Not able to operate in 2020, the camp was facing a financial crisis. Similarly, in 2021, while the camp was allowed to open, it had to dramatically reduce its capacity in order to manage the COVID protocols. The financial toll of both these summers had the potential to financially devastate the organization for years to come. Yet, as they always have, donors stepped in and stepped up immediately – they covered all the financial losses the camp was facing. The level of generosity and support not only got the camp through the financial challenges caused by the pandemic, but also gave the camp a renewed sense of purpose, determination and passion for serving the community.

The board and staff of Camp Hatikvah thank each and every donor who has played a role in helping the camp become – and remain – one of the best Jewish camps. To learn more about the camp’s programs and the donors who make them possible, visit camphatikvah.com.

– Courtesy Camp Hatikvah

Camps plan tentatively

Normally, this issue of the Independent would feature our third Camp Guide of the season, with several camps advertising their summer sessions, and several articles on various topics related to Jewish camp. But COVID-19 seriously affected last summer’s programming and it’s making this year’s planning difficult, to say the least. Camp Hatikvah and Camp Miriam – which are overnight camps – have been particularly impacted by the pandemic.

With record camper enrolment, 2020 was slated to be Camp Hatikvah’s best year ever. By the third week of March, however, it became apparent that the summer wasn’t going to go as planned. By the end of May, the Provincial Health Officer had announced that overnight camps would be prohibited from operating and Camp Hatikvah had to cancel its upcoming season.

“It was devastating,” said Liza Rozen-Delman, the camp’s director. “My heart immediately broke for the 700 participants and 80 young counselors who were signed up for our programming. After such a hard few months in lockdown, I knew everyone was hanging on to the hope that they would still get to go to camp. The fact that this was no longer a possibility was so hard for everyone. I just wanted to fix this for kids but was helpless to do so. It was a very difficult time.”

The cancellation also created a financial crisis, as there was no program revenue to cover fixed costs, such as insurance fees, site maintenance and administrative expenses. Camp Miriam faced financial issues as well, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver provided emergency funding to both camps last April.

“Our community made it clear that we would not face this challenge alone,” said Joanna Wasel, Camp Hatikvah board president. “They knew we were in trouble and they immediately felt the call to action.” By the first week of June, Hatikvah had raised enough money to cover all of their 2020 fixed operational expenses.

“This was one of the hardest years in the camp’s history and yet, in a strange way, it was also one of our most meaningful,” said Wasel. “The way the community stepped up for us is an incredible affirmation of the value of our work and the impact Camp Hatikvah has had on generations of people. It has touched us beyond words and we will be forever grateful.”

“Last spring, as the reality of the pandemic hit, it was as if the rug had been pulled out from under us,” said Leah Levi, registrar of Camp Miriam. “We were scrambling to figure out how to provide what we do each summer on Gabriola Island – the fun, magic, community, friendship and Jewish experiences that our campers have come to expect from us. It was very overwhelming and we were sort of lost, until our youth staff stepped up and started planning for what was possible: day camps in Vancouver, Victoria and Portland, and even online programming for those who couldn’t attend the day camps. We rented space with the JCC’s Camp Shalom at Vancouver Talmud Torah, and in Victoria at the JCC. Donors and the Vancouver Jewish Federation backed our plans with financial support and, as they say, the rest is history!”

The camp’s staff, who are all between the ages of 17 and 22, got “to spend the summer being mentors and learning valuable leadership skills,” said Levi. “Parents and kids were grateful that we gave them a break from each other and a fun, unplugged, Jewish, social experience during COVID. For over 200 campers, COVID-19 took a backseat for six-and-a-half hours a day, and they were able to enjoy a physically distanced ‘normal.’ Even though they weren’t on Gabriola Island, campers and staff alike felt that they were at Miriam. As one camper put it, ‘We learned that Camp Miriam is not a place, it’s a feeling and we can take it anywhere.’”

For this coming summer, Camp Miriam has opened registration for three two-week sessions on Gabriola.

“All registrations are considered ‘pre-registrations’ and everyone is on a waitlist,” said Levi. “We will only accept campers when we have permission from the B.C. health authority, as their decision made last spring to not allow overnight camp still stands…. If we do not get permission to open … we will offer similar programming as last summer.”

Hatikvah translates to “the hope” in English and, while COVID is still raging, Camp Hatikvah remains hopeful they will be able to operate this summer, too.

“We are full for the upcoming season,” Rozen-Delman said. “Kids need camp, perhaps now more than ever, and we are going to do whatever we can to get them back there this summer.”

Acknowledging that much of the situation is out of their hands, Rozen-Delman is planning for a variety of scenarios. “And, while it is hard to face so many unknowns,” she said, “we are determined to find creative solutions to whatever challenges lay ahead.”

Young Judaea at 100

Canadian Young Judaea’s National Leadership Conference in February, which had participants from Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax. (photo from CYJ)

Many of Metro Vancouver’s residents are from other parts of Canada. It is no surprise, therefore, that many members of Vancouver’s Jewish community are familiar with Canadian Young Judaea (CYJ). But the memories of CYJ date back even further than most anyone can recall because CYJ is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Started by 11-year-old Dov Joseph in 1910 in Montreal as a Zionist club, CYJ was officially proclaimed at the 15th Zionist Convention in Winnipeg in 1917. Within eight years, there were 75 clubs across Canada and, by 1935, national membership reached 5,000. Jews in small towns like Timmins, Ont., and Melville, Sask., formed groups and organized activities.

“There was a ken (group) in every city that had a Jewish population,” said CYJ national director Risa Epstein about the organization at its peak. “In Ontario alone, CYJ was active in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Sarnia/Petrolia, North Bay, Sudbury, Peterborough, to name a few. In the West, you could find CYJ in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina and many smaller communities and, of course, it was in every small town in the Atlantic region.”

In the beginning, the appeal of CYJ was its purpose, its focus on Zionism at a time when antisemitism was rampant throughout Europe and in Canada (and elsewhere) as well. The Zionist dream was that of young Jews taking control of their fate, according to acclaimed Canadian poet A.M. Klein, who served as the editor of The Judaean from 1928-32. Klein wrote in 1931, “Jewish life, as at present constituted, with barrenness and emptiness, its utter meaninglessness, its haphazard activity, stands as an imperious challenge to Canadian Jewish youth.”

Epstein described the nature of CYJ in less fiery terms. “It was born out of the desire of young Jews in Montreal to have a group to come to and discuss and dream about a Jewish homeland,” she said. “It later grew from a city-based organization to summer camps and Israel programs.”

The camps were established as early as 1942 in Quebec, followed by Camp Kadima in Nova Scotia in 1943. Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta also had CYJ-affiliated camps. British Columbia was the last to add a camp, in 1956, known originally as Camp Hatikvah-Massada in Oyama.

After the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the Zionist dream was realized and CYJ took steps to affiliate with youth group Hanoar Hatzioni in Israel. As a result of the newfound excitement about making aliyah, a number of Young Judaeans went to study in Israel. In the 1950s, camps were established across the country that simulated the kibbutz experience.

Today, according to Epstein, CYJ has more than 2,000 members (7 to 18 years old) from across Canada. As the concentration of the Jewish population has shifted, so have the active centres for CYJ activities. They are now active in the major centres of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and are still operating in Halifax. Their summer programming engages close to 750 staff (18 to 22 years old), many of whom are alumni of CYJ camps.

Programming during the non-summer months is organized by age groups. The offerings include leadership-training opportunities, which often parlay into jobs at summer camps. CYJ also provides some programs for parents, alumni events and special training for program directors of the camps.

Every city where CYJ has a presence has JOLT (Jewish Outreach Leadership Training). “It consists of two meetings a month,” explained Epstein. “The first is an educational session and the second is an outreach related to the topic of the first. An example is learning about Jewish veterans in Canada and a bake sale to raise money for the veterans.” She mentioned that participation in JOLT is growing in Vancouver and elsewhere.

CYJ has an historic link with another uniquely Canadian grassroots Zionist organization: Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW). CYJ is and has always been the youth arm of CHW. Epstein said the Biluim Israel trip raises funds for CHW daycares in Israel and includes a day spent volunteering at one of those daycares. In turn, CHW provides funding for some CYJ activities.

Along with this year’s regular programming, including camps and trips to Israel with Biluim Israel, national CYJ is planning a centennial celebration on Aug. 27 at Camp Shalom in Gravenhurst, Ont. The event will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m and is intended for families. “There will be food, camp-like activities, displays, shira [singing] and rikud [dancing]. It will be an amazing event and we are hoping that there will be over 400 people,” said Epstein.

All Young Judaeans are invited to the celebration. For more information, contact the national CYJ office at 416-781-5156 or e-mail Epstein at risa@youngjudeaea.ca.

Michelle Dodek is a freelance writer living in Vancouver.