Our philosophy of belonging is founded on centuries-old Jewish wisdom, including the principle of Hachnasat Or’chim (Welcoming All)— guiding us to create an environment where every camper feels safe and celebrated in being themselves. By treating everyone with empathy, understanding, and respect, we nurture an environment where campers can grow, evolve, and be their absolute best and authentic selves. We understand that a diverse community of friends fosters understanding, a sense of responsibility to one another, and helps to end bias in all its forms.
Our principles include another Jewish value that is primary to the Camp KEFF experience: Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). Tikkun Olam is our charge to serve as peace makers for a world that needs all people to demonstrate empathy, patience, and kindness. At Camp KEFF, we understand that Tikkun Olam thrives in community. We support each other knowing that when any one of us overcomes, grows, and achieves, our whole community is strengthened. No one need worry about not fitting in at Camp KEFF, we make ample space for everyone—exactly as we are.
Counselors are the primary staff at all camps. They are key to keeping campers safe, secure, and completely engaged and immersed in all the KEFF we can fit into one day!
Unit Heads and Coordinators keep the day-to-day operations of camp running smoothly. From managing counselors, to working with parents, to overseeing camp programs, they tackle each day’s challenges and opportunities with confidence and optimism.
Specialists…. specialize! (OK, we’ll get a little more specific.) Specialists oversee programming and facilitation for a particular program area, such as Art, Garden & Science, Sports & Games, and our Israel & Jewish activities. They write curriculum, set up classroom materials, and help ensure that counselors and other staff implement the activities they’ve planned and designed in an effective, engaging, and FUN way.