Our Program
The fun never stops
With so many things going on, the biggest challenge at Camp Havaya is figuring out what’s the most fun!
Age Groups
Campers experience the day primarily with their eidah (unit), allowing them to create deep connections with friends and participate in activities at an age-appropriate level. Units have approximately six cabins, all of which are multi-grade.
(grades 3, 4, and 5)
(grades 6, 7, and 8)
(grades 9 and 10)
(grade 11)
Ilanot
Entering grades 3, 4, and 5
At this age, we know campers are more conscious of friendships and interpersonal connections … and we create space that allows them to learn about both. We also acknowledge that they have their own likes and dislikes and, as we expose them to different activities, we recognize the reality that not everyone likes every activity. We encourage campers to pick choice-based activities that they are interested in, with the notion that they can be friends with people who don’t like all the same things as they do. Ilanot staff help campers focus on hygiene and how best to move through the day while maintaining organization for their own items and taking responsibility for their own actions. Bedtime is generally between 8:45 and 9:15 pm.
Nehalim
Entering grades 6, 7, and 8
By middle school, many campers have a picture of who they want to hang out with, which activities they want to dive into more deeply, and which parts of the day they will “tolerate.” Nehalim campers have a bit more unstructured time, but still follow a clear schedule. We encourage them to choose what they like during their choice-based programming … and we also recognize that some kids just want to be with their friends, so we make sure there’s a balance of both. Campers are encouraged to help lead younger campers in some activities, play competitive games (whether in sports or Magic: The Gathering), and share their passions at a much higher level in our weekly all-camp talent shows. Cabin cohorts can get a little larger (up to 14 campers) and campers are able to feel some “controlled” freedom – beginning to walk around camp on their own, share their ideas with camp leadership, and be responsible for their personal items without a lot of guidance from staff. (Well, we can hope!) Bedtime is generally between 9:15 and 10:00 pm.
Harim
Entering grades 9 and 10
High schoolers live in our award-winning Eco-Village. In addition to all the fun, there’s a much larger emphasis on becoming who they want to be, how camp can help them learn more about their passions and their personal identities, and what it means to be part of a larger collective society both within camp and outside of our “bubble.” We talk about role-modeling behaviors for younger campers and we provide opportunities for being a leader in the camp community. There’s more unstructured free time and a few times when Harim teens can “takeover” their daily schedules, expanding camp’s offerings to meet their own needs in ways that are authentic to who they are as individuals and as a group. Campers travel campus on their own, are expected to know (and follow!) the schedule, and are personally responsible for their belongings and actions. Bedtime is generally between 9:30 and 10:30 pm.
Havaya Israel
Entering grade 11
Over the course of four weeks, teens encounter varied experiences and viewpoints that help them build personal connections and make up their own minds. They explore all areas of Israel – seeing tourist sites and more out-of-the-way places, eating ice-cream and climbing mountains, surfing in Tel Aviv and celebrating Shabbat in Jerusalem. And they learn about creating a shared society with Jews and Arabs together at Givat Haviva, visit Bethlehem and Tekoa to hear from local residents on both sides of the security barrier, and meet Israelis from a myriad of backgrounds who help them gain a better understanding for what life is really like in this complicated and amazing place. Throughout, we aim to provide inspiring, empowering, and fun opportunities that help prepare them to speak thoughtfully and passionately about Israel when they get to college and beyond.
Daily Schedule
We squeeze a lot into the day!
While each day of the summer is unique here’s how a “typical” day looks….
7:30 a.m.
Boker Tov / Good Morning
We work hard to make sure that each camper can play hard. Every detail is in place so that they can have the time of their life—every single day.
8:00 a.m.
Aseyfah / Shakharit
Some mornings we share a song and a story. Other mornings we have a short musical service. Once a week, campers choose their own ways into prayer. Some days there are morning games where general silliness is the rule. Whatever happens, it’s a great way to get the blood flowing and prepare everyone for a fun and exciting day.
8:30 a.m.
Arukhat Boker / Breakfast
Campers sit together with their cabin to begin the day with a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Sample Breakfast Menu
Arukhat Boker Menu
- Warm croissant sandwich with fried egg and cheese
- Shakshouka (Israeli breakfast of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs)
- Breakfast burrito
- Waffles and syrup
- Scrambled eggs and hash browns
Our breakfast bar is available daily, including cottage cheese, fresh berries, hot and cold cereals (with dairy and Soy milk), hard boiled eggs, and cheese
Soynut butter, jelly, and whole wheat bread are available throughout the day, as is fresh fruit.
9:15 a.m.
Nikayon / Clean Up
Clean-up contests (with prizes, of course!) help make daily “chores” more fun and rewarding.
9:45 a.m.
Middot / Values-Based Experiences
Campers focus in fun and engaging ways on values, tikkun olam (social action), MESSH (mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health), nature, STEM, and topics that impact their lives throughout the year. From choosing values through jelly beans and ice cream to board games about living in two civilizations with dice the size of your head, we encourage each camper to explore our traditions and today’s world to discover what being Jewish means to them.
10:45 a.m.
Sports
Soccer, basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, street hockey, ga-ga, volleyball, softball, lacrosse, kickball, and more.
11:45 a.m.
Omanut / Arts
During the course of the week, campers learn from visiting artists-in-residence, cook amazing food (often with vegetables from our garden), sing new songs and old favorites, create works of art in one of our studios, try out Israeli dances, and find their creative side.
12:45 p.m.
Arukhat Tzohorayim / Lunch
With open seating, campers can sit with friends from home, older siblings, or a favorite counselor.
Sample Lunch Menu
Arukhat Tzohorayim Menu
- Grilled cheese, tomato soup, and homemade kale chips
- Vegetable quiche, chickpea salad, and quinoa salad
- Cheese pizza with topping bar (including sauteed onions, mushrooms, and peppers)
- Potato latkes and cheese blintzes, served with applesauce and sour cream
- Salad bar
Our fresh and plentiful salad bar is out at every lunch and dinner. What we offer changes daily: romaine lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, olives, beets, baby corn, edamame, cheese, avocado, mushrooms, black beans, mandarin oranges, tuna, and hummus are some of the most popular offerings.
Soynut butter, jelly, and whole wheat bread are available throughout the day, as is fresh fruit.
1:30 p.m.
Shuk / Canteen
All campers are given funds to “purchase” Camp Havaya gear such as sweatshirts, stuffed animals, and water bottles, along with toiletries and any other needed items. No food is sold at the shuk!
1:30 p.m.
M’nukhah / Rest Hour
With such a busy day, we all need a rest!
2:30 p.m.
Mayim / Aquatics
Swimming lessons in our heated pool, boating on the lake, jumping on the water trampoline and blob, standup paddle boarding, and more fun in the water.
3:30 p.m.
Breira 1 / First Elective
Every week, campers of all ages choose from more than 30 different activities. From archery to sewing to Magic the Gathering, from journalism to Zumba to swim team, from lacrosse to Quidditch to painting, there’s something for everyone.
4:15 p.m.
Hofshi / Free Time
All of camp gathers together to hang out, swim, play ga-ga, or just sit under a tree and read … and, of course, to have a snack.
5:00 p.m.
Breira 2 / Second Elective
Like before, campers choose from nearly 20 different activities each week. Harim campers (entering freshmen and sophomores) spend this time hanging out in the Eco-Village.
6:00 p.m.
Miklakhot / Showers
Need we say more?
6:45 p.m.
Arukhat Erev / Dinner
Campers sit together with their cabin for another delicious meal – and for weekly theme nights.
Sample Dinner Menu
Arukhat Erev Menu
- Chicken marsala, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables
- General Tso’s tofu, jasmine rice, vegetarian spring rolls
- Fish tacos, jicama and cabbage slaw, cilantro and lime rice
- BBQ with chicken breast, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad, green salad, and watermelon
- Curry tofu, aloo ghobi, basmati rice, naan
- Salad bar
Our fresh and plentiful salad bar is out at every lunch and dinner. What we offer changes daily: romaine lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, olives, beets, baby corn, edamame, cheese, avocado, mushrooms, black beans, mandarin oranges, tuna, and hummus are some of the most popular offerings.
Soynut butter, jelly, and whole wheat bread are available throughout the day, as is fresh fruit.
At most dinners, we offer plain pasta with red sauce for campers looking for a more simple meal.
7:30 p.m.
Aseyfah / Ma’ariv / Evening Gathering / Services
Just like in the morning!
7:30 p.m.
Peulat Erev / Evening Program
There’s always more fun to be had, whether at a pool party or a talent show, running around for capture the flag or a scavenger hunt, performing in the Camp “Sing” or singing your heart out at a concert.
8:30 p.m.
Z’man Tzrif / Cabin Time
At the end of each day, campers check in with friends and counselors in their cabin, share great experiences from the day, and begin to look forward to another great day tomorrow….
9:30 p.m.
Kibui Orot / Lights Out
With such a packed day, a good night’s rest is just the recharge needed before another day full of memories begins…
With a ton of special programs,
the fun never stops!
Campers go tubing during morning pontoon boat rides, participate in inter-camp sports tournaments, sleep under the stars on overnight camping trips, dress up for Pirate Night and other theme nights, perform in the Camp “Sing,” build team spirit for Maccabiah (Olympics), and travel the world on International Day. They go on fun field trips (can you say waterpark?), sing their hearts out at amazing concerts, learn from skilled artists-in-residence, have late night pool parties, and perform in “Shabbat Unplugged” (our weekly all-camp talent show).
With so many things going on, the biggest challenge at Camp Havaya is figuring out what’s the most fun!
Join our community
Camp Havaya is a truly extraordinary place—your kid will feel part of something bigger than themselves, and they’ll want to experience that magic year after year.