Camp Young Judaea was founded in 1939 by Harry and Louis Levine and Dr. Morton J. Robbins and is the oldest Zionist youth camp in the United States. A board of directors, headed by Buddy Levine, oversees the operation of the camp, which is run on a year-round basis by Kenneth Kornreich, a former camper and staff member. The camp is a private non-profit organization that is operated by the Friends of Young Judaea and is not affiliated with the Young Judaea movement, other camps with similar-sounding names or with Hadassah. We are the original Camp Young Judaea!!

In the early years, campers lived in tents and actually helped build some of the bunks. They debated and discussed Zionist principles, sang songs, learned how to fire rifles and helped raise money for what was then known as Palestine. Our Israel trip program is the oldest camp Israel teen trip in the country. Over the years, our supportive board of directors has overseen the construction of additional buildings and facilities, including a new dining hall in 1993, new basketball and tennis courts, several new bunks, a brand-new pool in 2008 and plans for many other updates and upgrades. Despite these physical changes, the essential ruach (spirit) and sense of Jewish community has remained strong and vibrant.

Camp Young Judaea remains committed to providing a Jewish summer experience for as many campers as possible. In addition to our own scholarship program, our campers receive support from the Foundation for Jewish Camping through the One Happy Camper program (www.onehappycamper.org) and the Jim Joseph Foundation, as well as numerous federations, organizations and temples.

During the past 75 years, CYJ has provided a fantastic summer camp experience for thousands of campers. In fact, many former staff and campers are now parents (and even grandparents!) of current campers. No wonder that the camp’s recently formed Alumni Association (www.cyjnhalumni.org) has already connected with alumni worldwide and plans to sponsor events, get-togethers and reunions.