21 Camps, Over 3,000 Campers, 198 Sports Clinics

Earlier this month, the Maccabiah Camp Experience brought the spirit of the Games  to Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, California and New York campers. The iconic Maccabiah torch made stops at: Camp Ramah in California, Ramah Day Camp LA and Camp Alonim (CA); Crane Lake Camp (MA); Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp (NY);  Camp Golden Slipper; URJ Camp Harlam; CA Camps, and BT Camps (MD).

As part of the successful, long-standing partnership of Maccabi World Union with the JCC Association and BBYO, the project also reached the Camp Kadima at the DPJCC, Camp Sol Taplin at the MARJCC, Camp J Miami (FL), Lessans Camp at the Bender JCC and J Camps Baltimore (MD), and BBYO CLTC and Kallah at Perlman.

Campers from grades 1-11 enjoyed an unforgettable experience training with Maccabiah athletes in futsal, basketball, tennis, rugby, karate, baseball, and soccer. They learned about the Games, joined sports workshops and competitions, took part in a moving torch ceremony, and received specially designed medals.

Amir Gisin, MWU CEO: "Maccabi, as the global Jewish sports organization, is deeply committed to Jewish education and values. By bringing Israeli and international Maccabiah athletes to Jewish summer camps, we give Jewish youth a unique opportunity to meet inspiring role models who strengthen their sense of belonging - to their community, to the Jewish people, and to the State of Israel".

The impact was clear: "The kids learned that the Maccabiah is like an Olympic Games for Jewish people, and were so excited to discover they could be part of it one day", explained Marleny Rosemberg, Camp Sol Taplin camp director. "It was a very valuable experience for them".

"The campers loved trying new sports and especially enjoyed the team-building activities and the enthusiastic energy of the Maccabi coaches", added Sara Nussbaum Schumacher, CLTC Site Director, BBYO CLTC Perlman. "They also learned about the global Jewish sports movement, fostering a stronger connection to Jewish community. Several mentioned how inspired they felt hearing about Jewish athletes and feeling like they were part of something bigger". 

What began as an initiative to bring the spirit of the Games to Jewish summer camps has now become a flagship program, inspiring thousands of children to dream bigger, play harder, and embrace their Jewish identity with pride. The excitement on the campers’ faces, the bonds they built, and the stories they took home are the strongest proof of its success and the lasting impact Maccabiah Camp Experience leaves on the next generation of Maccabi athletes. 

"I learned to work in a team, play, shoot, and even enjoy basketball – a sport I didn't like before!", said Maya, a camper. Florence, another camper, added: "This is one of the things I'm most looking forward to next year – because it was really fun! I loved getting to play sports with kids who really wanted to be there – it made everything more enjoyable and focused".

The professional athletes leading the sports clinics — including Ofek Kapua (Soccer, Maccabi Tel Aviv), Powell Schneider (Futsal and Soccer Maccabi USA), Lindsay Gilbert (Basketball, Maccabi USA), Nofar Shalom (Basketball, Israel), Sydney Slotkin (Soccer, USA), Caren Lesser (Karate, USA), Solomon Margolis (Baseball, USA), Olivia Snyder (Rugby, USA), Shiran Zairy (Basketball, Israel), and Philip Tepper (Tennis, USA) - described how meaningful it was to inspire Jewish youth, combining sports with Jewish identity and values.

"This was my opportunity as a professional athlete to influence Jewish youth and teach them a way to connect their Judaism with sports", said Ofek Kapua. "I wanted to introduce them to soccer in more depth, and share the Judaism and Eretz Israel that I bring with me".

Neal Slotkin, Maccabi USA, Digital Media Director, shared: “Documenting the Maccabiah Camp Experience and interviewing campers and staff, I’ve seen firsthand how the project is introducing kids to the spirit of the Games and to Jewish athletic role models. My daughter (Sydney Slotkin) also led sports clinics and had a wonderful experience inspiring campers. I hope the program keeps growing to reach thousands more young people, deepening their love for Judaism, Israel, sports, and camp life”.  

After an incredible season of 21 camps, more than 3,000 campers, 198 unique sports clinics, and such amazing feedback from participants, athletes and staff — there’s no doubt: the Maccabiah Camp Experience once again proved its power to build pride, teamwork, and Jewish connection – on and off the field.

Preparations for next year are already underway – with plans to visit even more camps, including Canada for the first time! Be part of this growing journey that inspires thousands of Jewish youth worldwide. For more details and to secure your spot, please contact Lior Witlin at [email protected]