Jewish Press of Pinellas County

Jewish Community Camp to continue virtually


Rabbi Danielle Upbin meets with campers via computer to lead a Shabbat service. Local rabbis join campers on Friday afternoons.

Rabbi Danielle Upbin meets with campers via computer to lead a Shabbat service. Local rabbis join campers on Friday afternoons.

The Jewish Community Camp will be held on an entirely virtual basis this summer, officials at the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast have decided.

The announcement dashes hopes that Session 2 in July might be a live, in-person camp.

In May, Camp Director Lisa Schmid announced that the first session would be a virtual camp, with kids picking up boxes of supplies weekly at the Federation office to participate in a variety of online activities.

She said camp planners hoped for a live camp for Session 2 from June 29 through July 24, but the persistence of coronavirus is not going to allow that to happen.

Just like during Session 1, participants in Session 2 will be “traveling” to foreign countries online via Zoom – a feature that has proved to be popular with the kids.

“We have certainly made the most of this situation by interacting with people from all around the world,” Schmid said. “Campers have been learning among themselves online about other countries on one day and the next day in Zoom sessions they get to talk to people from that country and ask their own questions,” Schmid said.

Mateo Zamoff , above, and other campers “visited” Morocco and learned about life and culture in the country.

Mateo Zamoff , above, and other campers “visited” Morocco and learned about life and culture in the country.

The campers ask about weather, food, clothing, language, and the children’s lifestyles from that country and more. Countries that campers have “visited” so far include Israel, Malta, Scotland, Uruguay, England, Morocco, Ecuador and are even connecting with a camper that now lives in France. The second session will have eight more countries to visit.

Campers have digitally interacted with owls, guide dogs, a Scottish bagpiper and a shark ecologist, and have also participated in activities such as Krav Maga, dance and movement, sign language and many art and craft projects. There is also a large Spanish educational component of the camp with games and scavenger hunts. The last half hour every Friday features a guest who will lead the group in a virtual Shabbat service.

“Instead of going on field trips, we are bringing the field trips to virtual camp. The children are learning and connecting with diverse cultures in entertaining ways and are interacting with each other in a safe and fun way,” Schmid said.

The cost for Session 2 will remain the same at $36 per week with programming on weekdays from 9-10:30 a.m. and 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Every virtual camper will weekly pick up a bag of supplies at the Federation offices containing arts and craft materials, treats and surprises and every camper receives a travel “passport” and a camp T-shirt.

“We have received a great deal of positive feedback from our digital camp for Session 1, and we plan to keep that momentum going for Session 2. The camp is designed that the children can participate independently with very little parent interaction and have a ‘camp-like’ experience. We believe our virtual camp still provides worthwhile experiences for kids who are seeking entertainment and social interaction over the summer,” Schmid said. “Our camp embraces Connection, Culture and Communication.”

To enroll your child in Session 2, contact Schmid at lschmid1958@gmail.com or call (727) 560-3215.

To see all that campers have accomplished in Session 1, visit www.facebook.com/jewishcommunitycamp.

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