We've sent out two children to this camp (which operates under the name Camp Gilboa) for around six years. They love it! The summer camp is sort of like a kibbutz - the campers all have a work assignment every day - cleaning the bathrooms, cleaning the dishes, etc. And the camp is run by youth leadership - the counselors and summer camp leadership are all college-aged (although there is also a small number of adults working in the health clinic and making sure everyone is staying safe). The youth leadership really knows how to run activities that the campers love! Every year our kids are looking forward to the next summer. And every summer is different, since new youth move into the leadership positions each year. There is also programming during the school year, to keep the community connected and (for high school-aged students) to pursue the goal of progressive activism and youth leadership development.
The camp motto is Be Yourself. Build the Community. Bring the Change.
I love the camp so much I said yes when I was asked to join the Board. It's an interesting board to be a member of - the other board members are so devoted and competent, but since it's a youth-led organization, we are mostly supporting the decisions of the youth. Luckily they generally make great decisions, because they grew up in a great camp.
Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa is an organization that brings out the creativity and leadership of its campers and counselors, providing a joyful camp experience every summer and a year round opportunity to keep in touch with friends all over the state and continue exploring their Jewish identities and connection to Israel. It touches the lives of all who are part of it and changes them forever.
Donations to Gilboa are used 100% for the benefit of our kids, and much of the work is done by dedicated volunteers.
Review from Guidestar