On October 23, hundreds of community members flocked to Camp Deeny Riback in Flanders to participate in the 5th annual Tour de Summer Camps NJ bike ride and the new Challenge + Fun Zone of 20+ awesome camp activities that comprised CAMPERTHON. Combined with volunteers, virtual participants, sponsors and donors, an incredible 1,000 people were engaged in CAMPERTHON 2022 to raise funds for One Happy Camper grants and scholarships so that more Greater MetroWest children can attend Jewish day and overnight camps.
The event was planned in conjunction with 20 leading day and overnight camps serving the community, which also raised awareness of and excitement about the amazing array of camps that are available. Activities ranged from a ninja challenge course, a color run, soccer with the NY Red Bulls and a home run derby to a dino dig, making hummus, a bubble show, and many more that appealed to all ages. In addition, Federation’s Holocaust Council and Next Gen groups led a service project tied to The Daffodil Project in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust, and Federation’s rishonim (young Israeli Emissaries) led an Israel Army Training Experience.
There was also a special tribute as part of the bike ride for Susan Ratner z”l, who passed away recently. Susan was a founding co-chair and inspiring leader of Tour de Summer Camps NJ, which so beautifully combined her passion for cycling and fitness with the mission of sending more children to Jewish camp to ensure a strong Jewish future.
Jewish campers become future Jewish leaders. Combined with support from the Paula and Jerry Gottesman Greater MetroWest Jewish Camp Endowment of the Jewish Community Foundation, leading donors Cooperman Family Fund for a Jewish Future and Rocker Family Foundation, Federation’s Annual Campaign, the proceeds from CAMPERTHON comprise the annual $1 million budget that enable Greater MetroWest to offer one of the most comprehensive Jewish camp initiatives in North America, helping to ensure a strong Jewish future.
Thank you to everyone who has supported CAMPERTHON to date, helping raise $180,000 toward the goal of $200,000. Donations are being accepted through December 31.
For the CAMPERTHON photo album, click here.
Learn more about One Happy Camper and our grants and scholarships to provide a Jewish camp experience for all Greater MetroWest children.
Donate to CAMPERTHON here.
Event Co-chairs: David Kanarek, Jay Sabin, and Ilyssa Tepperman
Event sponsors: Paula and Jerry Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation, Cooperman Family Fund for a Jewish Future, Susan z”l & Evan Ratner, Rocker Family Foundation, Jewish Camp Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Eisenberg Family Foundation, Debra & Ron Eisenberg, Rebecca & Marty Eisenberg, Irving and Lena Gall Jewish Camp Scholarship Fund, Foundation for Jewish Camp, Terri & Michael Goldberg, Ellen & Alan Goldner, Dr Lynne B Harrison, Hillmann Consulting, LLC, The Hirsh Family, Doris B. Katz, Shelly & Neil Mitchell, Randi & Eric Sellinger, Fani & Alan Weissman