Camp Ideal

05/29/2025

PLEASE SHARE WITH ANYONE LOOKING FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER FOR THEIR KIDDOS!

Join us a Camp Ideal in South Bend, Indiana! For over 70 years, we've created a summer day camp experience rooted in Jewish community values. Participate in exciting workshops and outdoor activities that foster creativity & leadership. Two 3-Week Summer Sessions: June 16th through July 3rd & July 14th through August 1st!

Learn more: https://thejewishfed.org/what-we-do/campideal.html

03/28/2025

Meet new friends and find out what's special about Camp Ideal at the Jewish Federation—a summer tradition for local youth since 1954!

Families are invited to a special open house on Sunday, April 6 from 3:00-5:00 PM to meet Camp Ideal Director Kim Cossman and Senior Counselor Omer Karavani, with archery, arts & crafts, hiking, campfire s'mores, and more!

RSVP at https://thejewishfed.org/.../06/camp-ideal-open-house/519866

More info about Camp Ideal at https://thejewishfed.org/what-we-do/campideal.html

For over 70 years, we have created a pluralistic camp environment rooted in Jewish community values, where campers participate in exciting workshops and activities that foster creativity and leadership.

03/02/2025

Registration is Now Open for Camp Ideal 2025!
Session I: June 16-July 3
Session II: July 14-August 1

For over 70 years, we have created a pluralistic camp environment rooted in Jewish community values, where campers participate in exciting workshops and activities that foster creativity and leadership. Don't miss the opportunity to join us at Camp Ideal this Summer!

Click here for more - https://thejewishfed.org/what-we-do/campideal.html

04/24/2024

Looking for the most fun for your child this summer? See what Camp Ideal has to offer at Back to Camp Night at the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley on Wednesday, May 1st, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Kids and families are welcome to meet Camp Director Abbee LaPlace and her team of counselors. There will be a group activity, campfire snacks, and so much fun!
More information about Camp Ideal at http://TheJewishFed.org/Camp

03/22/2024

☀️ Camp Ideal returns June 17-July 5
Click here for more information - https://CampIdeal.com

At Camp Ideal, we believe in creating a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and embraces shared values. Our Camp Director Abbee LaPlace and her staff of counselors are preparing an amazing three weeks of FUN for your children.

Here’s why your family will love being part of our camp:

OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS
Jewish Roots, Universal Love: While our foundation is rooted in Jewish values, we warmly welcome campers of all backgrounds and beliefs. Our camp is a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and stories, where everyone is respected and cherished.

A CAMP FOR ALL
Diverse Camper Mix: Last summer, over half of our campers were not Jewish. This rich blend of perspectives and friendships makes every day at Camp Ideal exciting.

EXPLORING BEYOND BOUNDARIES
Field Trips with a Twist: Hop aboard our trusty bus, driven by a friendly local school district driver. Together, we explore nearby wonders, from adventure parks to art centers and even our local zoo. The journey is as thrilling as the destination!

SUN, SAND, AND SMILES
Our Private Lakeside Oasis: Picture this—a secluded beach nestled by a serene private lake. It’s our little slice of paradise, where laughter echoes across the water and memories are etched in sandy footprints.

LEARNING FROM THE PROS
Workshops with Local Experts: We believe in hands-on learning. That’s why we invite local professionals—artists, craftspeople, chefs, and more—to share their passions with our campers. Imagine creating pottery, metal forging, or whipping up culinary delights!

NATURE BECKONS
Outdoor Adventures Await: Whether hiking through our lush forest, playing a round of gaga, or learning to tend our Unity Garden, our days are spent under the open sky. We embrace the great outdoors, nurturing curiosity and resilience.

RAINCLOUDS? NO PROBLEM!
Plan B, Always Ready: Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but we’ve got it covered. Our backup plans ensure that rainy days are just as exciting. Indoor scavenger hunts, hands-on art activities, and cozy crafts await.

SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS
CPR-Certified Staff: Your child’s safety is our top priority. Our dedicated team of counselors is CPR-certified and trained to handle any situation.

JOY UNLEASHED!
Smiles, Laughter, and New Adventures: Camp Ideal is where friendships bloom, imaginations soar, and hearts fill with joy. Our campers leave each day with sun-kissed cheeks, new skills, and hearts brimming with stories.

Register at https://CampIdeal.com

05/25/2023

Register for Camp Ideal at least one week prior to your camper's first day. Deadline is June 5th, if you plan on joining us for the start of Camp Ideal on June 12th.
Click here to register - https://thejewishfed.org/what-we-do/campideal.html

05/25/2023

One of the major questions that arises in planning activities for camp is how fun, engaging activities can be turned into “teachable moments” while including the values that we believe to be important. “Jewish Teachable moments,” a term used and described by Cohen and Bar Shalom (2010), describe the style we incorporate in everyday activities at Camp Ideal. While we could play Gaga, do a scavenger hunt in the woods, cook pita on the fire, and host a watermelon eating contest and campers would be ecstatic, we believe finding ways to incorporate life skills, teamwork dynamics, and holistic Jewish education are what make us unique in the region. The fact we can share these values with campers of all backgrounds and faiths creates amazing opportunities for further learning through interpersonal conversations amongst campers.

Register for Camp Ideal - https://thejewishfed.org/what-we-do/campideal.html