Camp Yavneh


Camp Yavneh is a residential Jewish camp established in 1944. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and is located in Northwood, New Hampshire, in the United States.
Camp Yavneh offers children of ages 8–16 a Jewish camp environment where Jewish values and activities are emphasized. The camp is unaffiliated with the religious movements — considering itself "k'lal Yisrael". There are t'fillot daily, offering egalitarian and orthodox services.
The camp offers traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating, drama, music, Israeli dance, special arts program, and a daily Hebrew/Judaic class for all levels. Camp Yavneh is Shomer Shabbat and strictly Kosher. For years, Camp Yavneh served as a "second home" for thousands of young Jewish children, ages 8–16. Yavneh's Zimriyah has carried on for years, maintaining a tradition of Jewish pride, friendly competition, and song. The Maccabiah games during the second month of camp include sports, song, dance, and art, and they culminate on the second to last night of camp, with a sing-off, a Hebrew play with themed focus on dance and song, and the traditional segment, called "Shelet". The Shelet presentations are the presentation of the team plaques.
Since 2017, Bil Zarch has been the camp director. Former directors include Louis and Leah Hurwich, Freda Shore, Dr. Walter Ackerman, Rabbi Baruch Levine, Moshe Avital, Abe Yanover, Michael Libenson, Avi Teken, Margie Berkowitz, Shoshana Marcus, and Debbie Sussman.
Camp Yavneh claims to be at the center of the lives of thousands of people throughout the United States, serving as a staunch example of Judaism and love.
Camp Yavneh was voted a top-ten Jewish overnight camp from a Jewish Camping magazine.