The Camp JORI experience: building enduring friendships

Camp JORI is Rhode Island’s only Jewish overnight summer camp. Located in Wakefield, this co-ed Jewish camp provides summer experiences for campers from around the world and the 75-acre facility and campus includes playing fields, a stage and theater, a rec/dining hall, multiple swimming pools, and a beautiful waterfront.

The Jewish Alliance and Camp JORI have been longstanding partners working to ensure camp fun and funding needs are met each summer. Camp Director Kara Liberman said, “The partnership between Camp JORI and the Jewish Alliance is one that everyone at JORI attaches deep value to. Their unwavering support in a plethora of ways, alongside our shared commitment to fostering unity within the Jewish community, has been beneficial to many individuals well beyond our organizations. The leadership team at the Alliance has consistently provided ongoing guidance and resources, along with help in mapping what the future of all our partner organizations can look like when we work together.”

Last summer, I was fortunate enough to witness Camp JORI in action. As I walked around the campground, I noticed each activity included happy, involved, included campers. Whether watching the gaga match or the intense basketball game, every activity encouraged full camper and counselor participation, which speaks volumes to the camp’s culture so every camper can feel a part of the entire experience.

One of my favorite things about the camp was hearing directly from campers where they traveled from to attend. Kids from all over the United States and beyond proudly attend Camp JORI, and some return year after year. Jewish summer camps are where kids build enduring friendships and find easy, welcoming entry points into Jewish life. As a former Jewish overnight summer camper myself, I know it is a vital connection in today’s world as it links youth from all over the globe, learning with and about one another. Counselors travel from far and wide too, which makes the experience even more invaluable.

One cannot measure fun the way a summer camper can, and all of this is made possible through contributions to the Alliance Community Campaign, which supports Camp JORI and other essential local and overseas partners in their efforts to sustain an accessible and more supportive Jewish community. We invite you to become involved in this important work through committee membership or by donating to the Community Campaign.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

For more information on ways to contribute, visit Jewish Alliance’s donation page or contact Brad Swartz, Fundraising and Partnership Manager, at bswartz@jewishallianceri.org.