Download our brochure!
Summer 2012: June 27 - July 22!
"I had such a great time at JGR, I want to go back and stay forever!"
-Ellie, age 11, GA
brochure2010.pdf
Scholarships for Capital Region Campers made possible by the
JGR 2011 Campers! Click the link below to submit your preferences for creative clubs:
Dates & Rates
An extra 3 days this year!
Wednesday, June 27 - Sunday, July 22, 2012
2012 Camp Session: $2500
Early Bird Discount! $2400 if you pay in full by May 1, 2012!
Other Fees:
$180 registration fee (secures your daughter a spot and covers laundry and t-shirt fee)
$60 suggested canteen money
$65 extra trip fee for Pioneer/Lamplighter program (8-9th grade)
*Click here to read about outside scholarships you may qualify for!*
"JGR has been a one of a kind experience for my girls--the warmth, excitement and love of being Jewish is the essence of JGR. The sensitivity and nurture for each girl's unique needs and character is extraordinary. No matter where you fall on the religious spectrum.....this camp is an amazing Jewish experience to give to your child." -Emunah Sohn, mother
Accommodations
The summer retreat overlooks the Hudson River and is located on the grounds of the Sage College campus. Our facilities include sports fields, beautiful bedrooms, lounges and a social hall. Three delicious Kosher meals and snacks are served daily. The college employs security officers for around-the-clock safety.
Each bedroom is dorm style with 2-4 beds per room, a sink, closets, dressers and a shared bathroom in the hallway. Each floor has a lounge for girls to relax in, and counselors are always available in rooms nearby.
"JGR isn't just an ordinary summer camp, its a family! Every child becomes part of the family as a whole. This camp is about having real fun, making true friends and becoming a mature young woman. " -Zelda Gutnick, staff member for four years
Our Divisions
In order to create a new and age appropriate program year after year, our camp is divided into divisions:
YALDAH - leaving grades 3&4: Campers discover talents and develop social skills in a warm, nurturing and safe environment. They explore their Jewish self through a fun and exciting program. Special attention is given to helping girls adjust to overnight camp and new social situations.
BMC - leaving grades 5&6: A one-of-a-kind program to explore what it means to be a blossoming young Jewish woman in the modern world. Girls explore their role as a "Bat Mitzvah", young Jewish women.
TLC (Teen Leadership Camp) - leaving grade 7: This teen program is integrated with the rest of the camp, but also offers our teen campers extra privileges, trips and night activities.
PIONEERS - leaving grade 8: Our Pioneers program is focused on the special needs and issues of teens. The pioneers have a separate schedule with personlized trips, discussions, and art workshops with later wakeup and bedtime. Pioneers, together with our Lamplighters, are taught leadership skills and take leadership roles in camp.
LAMPLIGHTERS - leaving grade 9: Our oldest campers, the Lamplighters, have a combined schedule of special programs and workshops with the Pioneers, while practicing leadership roles in our camp movie and camp program.
WAITRESSES - leaving grades 10&11: A select group of responsible 10th and 11th graders will come to camp as waitresses. Their sole responsibility will be helping in the kitchen and waitressing, but they may join camp for specific programs and trips.
"Camp is like one big family, and we are all close. We are taught how it is to be a Jewish woman and that each mitzvah is very important." -Rebecca Hertzberg, camper
Schedule
Stay tuned for a detailed Summer 2012 schedule!
"JGR is a professional and exciting educational experience for girls, imbuing them with Jewish values by actually living Jewishly while having lots of summer fun." -Esty Frimerman, founder of Bat Mitzvah Clubs International
Our Staff
Our counselors are the key to the incredible experience at Jewish Girls Retreat. They care for each camper individually with unmatched warmth, dedication and companionship that is difficult to express in words. We have a staff-camper ratio of 1-3, giving each camper valuable individual attention. Many staff members return year after year, lending experience and continuity to all programs. Each counselor is a role model for the girls, promising them friendship which will last forever. Our experienced and hand-picked counselors come from all around the world to spend their summer at Jewish Girls Retreat.
Rabbi Avraham Laber
Director
Rabbi Avraham Laber studied and received Smicha from the central Lubavitch Yeshiva in Brooklyn. He spent four summers as director of a 4 week overnight camp in Moscow, Russia and can speak Russian fluently. In September 1996, he became the Rabbi of Beth Tephilah Synagogue. Rabbi Laber is also a historian specializing in early American Jewry. He is the founder of the website www.jewishdata.com. He has also done extensive research on the rescue of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe from Nazi occupied Poland. Rabbi Laber gives adult Torah classes and is the Bar Mitzvah instructor at the Beth Tephilah Hebrew school. He is also everyone's favorite storyteller, especially at Jewish Girls Retreat, and is currently working on producing his first story CD, called Chassidic Adventures.
Mrs. Nechama Laber
Nechama grew up in Brooklyn, NY and studied at the Beth Rivkah School. Nechama traveled each summer from the age of 15 to various Jewish camps around the world to be a counselor. She spent summers in Suffern, NY; St. Louis, Missouri; Rochester, NY; Denver, Colorado.
She received a degree in education from the Chaya Mushkah Teacher's Seminary in Montreal, Canada. She continued her studies in lesson planning and special education at Touro College in Brooklyn, NY. After completing her teaching degree, Nechama spent four months doing community service in Charkov, Ukraine; to study with children and adults about their Jewish heritage and to head a day camp and one month overnight camp.
Before moving to Troy, she taught at the Beth Rivkah schools in Montreal and NY. She has also been a Hebrew (Sunday) school teacher at the Free Hebrew for Juniors in Montreal, Beth Israel of Schenectady, NY and with her husband, Rabbi Laber, reopened the Beth Tephilah Hebrew School in 1997.
Nechama is a teacher at the Maimonidies Hebrew Day School and since 1998 has taught all grades from nursery through High School. She founded the Capital Region Bat Mitzvah Club in 1998 and the Bat Mitzvah Camp in 1999. Nechama and her husband, Rabbi Avraham Laber, are the co-directors of Chabad of S. Rensselaer County and have lived in Troy since 1996 with their 8 beautiful children, Baruch Hashem. "It has been such a joy to be a part of the growing JGR-BMC family. We welcome all Jewish girls to join the BMC experience." says Nechama Laber.
Mrs. Dini Gordon
Camp Mother
Dini Gordon, a native of California, lives in Albany with her husband and four chilren. She teaches at Maimondes Hebrew Day School, and is Camp Mommy during the summer at the Jewish Girls Retreat. Dini joined the retreat in 2007, and and won the love of campers and counselors. Her devotion to the physical and emotional wellbeing of camp is felt by everyone. Besides for coordinating delicious home-made food for the retreat, Dini is always available as a listening ear or a Mommy away from home.
Mrs. Sara Esther Crispe
Sara Esther Crispe is the creator and editor of the womens site www.TheJewishWoman.org, a project of www.chabad.org where she is a featured writer. Additionally, she is a well-known lecturer and leading speaker of womens issues. She has spoken across America, as well as Europe, Canada and South America. Known for her clear and direct approach, she is able to take current and provocative issues and make them meaningful and personal to audiences of various backgrounds. Sara Esther recently moved back to the States after living in Jerusalem for eight years where she and her husband were the directors of Torat Chesed: The Institute for Advanced Learning for Jewish Women. She has her BA from the University of California, San Diego in Literature/Writing and studied for her Masters at Brooklyn College in Literary Theory where she was a lecturer of Composition. Sara Esther is currently working on a book celebrating gender difference according to Kabbalah. She lives with her husband and four beautiful children in
Merion, PA.
Sara Esther joined the Jewish Girls Retreat in 2009 where she gave workshops to campers and counselors on Judaism, communication, creative writing, and more. Sara Esther makes sure campers have a smooth transition into overnight camp, and we're delighted to have her back for Summer 2010.
Leah Larson
Director of Communications
Leah Larson, of Sharon, MA is the founder, editor, and publisher of YALDAH magazine. At age 11, Leah had the powerful experience of attending a Camp Gan Israel in Milford, MA and was inspired to embrace Judaism with passion. As she continued to learn more about her beautiful heritage, she wanted to share this with other Jewish girls like herself. She founded YALDAH magazine at age 13. YALDAH now has readers worldwide and is sold in hundreds of bookstores across the country. Over 90 girls have served on YALDAH's yearly Editorial Board.
Leah has received awards including Next Step Magazine's 'Super Teen', Microsoft's Start Something Amazing Award, and Tzivos Hashem's 'Power of Children'. She also founded her own graphic design business, LL Design, at age 16. She is currently studying in Tzfat, Israel.
Leah has been part of the Jewish Girls Retreat team since 2006. She leads writing and graphic design clubs in camp and as director of communications runs the JGR website, creates brochures, newsletters, press releases, and publicity materials.
Zelda Rieber
Assistant Director
Zelda Rieber has been an integral part of the Jewish Girls Retreat staff since 2005 and has formed long-lasting relationships with campers as they grew in JGR. Her energy, organization, creativity and dedication to the campers makes each retreat a success. In addition to her years as a counselor and head staff member, she has experience working with girls as a dorm counselor and teacher. Zelda recently finished chef school and added catering to her busy schedule. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.
"One of the great things about JGR is the positive role models that my daughters look up to and grow to love." -Ilana Kovach, mother
FAQ
What Jewish backgrounds to campers come from?
Our campers come from diverse Jewish backgrounds and all levels of observance. Our dynamic program emphasizes the unity of all Jews. Our camp is right for all Jewish girls that wish to express their Jewish self through fun, adventure, creativity and the arts. Our campers learn to accept one another in a loving and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Who are your staff?
Our staff have years of experience as counselors and as leaders in their communities around the world. They are so devoted to each campers and truly make our camp the "happiest place to be." They are role models for our campers in every way.
What are the accommodations?
Girls stay in the comfortable Russel Sage College dorms, with 2-3 girls per room. Every room has a sink, and bathrooms are dormitory stylenear each set of bedrooms. Visit our accommodations page for more information about the location of the Retreat.
How much learning do you have at camp?
After prayer in the morning, we always have a 45 minute workshop which introduces the theme for the day through icebreakers, discussions, creative writing stories about great woman, and songs. Most of our learning is integrated into the activities and trips. We learn through action and hands-on activities. We conclude camp with a production that brings out the lessons from the summer.
What is the security on the college campus?
The Russel Sage College Campus is empty during the summer, but we still have college security at all times. Buildings are locked and you need a special card to enter the buildings.
What is the kashrut supervision?
Kashrut will be supervised by Rabbi Avraham Laber, Chabad of Troy, NY. All meals are glatt kosher and Chalav Yisrael.
Can I come for just one week?
The retreat is designed for girls to attend the entire time, but in special circumstances girls can come for part of the time. Please contact us for more information.
Do I have to pay all at once for camp?
No, you can send in head checks that will be cashed by the end of camp.
Are there scholarships?
We have a limited amount of scholarships. We run a very expensive and top notch program and can only give a limited amount of discounts when absolutely necessary.It's a good idea to see if your local Jewish Federation offers scholarships.
What happens after I register?
Once we receive your registration and payment, we will contact you a few days later to let you know if you've been accepted to the retreat (if not you will be refunded). Then you will receive e-mail updates with important information about the retreat until we see you there!
What is your refund policy?
The Retreat payment may be refunded if a camper that was enrolled is ill (G-d forbid) and therefore cannot attend. A doctors letter attesting to such illness must be sent with a request for a refund of payment. In all other cases that a camper does not attend the retreat, to an illness or for any other reason, no refund will be issued.
Why do you need my e-mail address?
After you register we will be sending important information about the retreat to the e-mail address you provide. Please give a valid e-mail address that you check often.
What should I pack?
We will e-mail you a packing list and post it online closer to the summer.
Where do I drop off my daughter for camp?
Drop-off is at the camp dorms - Russel Sage Hall. You'll be able to help your daughter bring her things to her room and get settled.
"Taking personal interest in each girl, JGR develops leadership and poise in the young girls by building up their self image and esteem. " -Rabbi Yisroel Rubin
Click here for updated, day-to-day photos from JGR 2010!
"I had an amazing time and met so many girls and women that have really put my life in perspective. It truly was a life-changing summer experience where all the girls there grew, and it really felt like heaven met earth!" -Chana, age 13, MA
Register
Before registering, make sure to pay the $180 registration fee. Click here!
"What a summer - acting, swimming, davening, learning, eating, beading, baking, storytelling, singing, and best of all, making friends and keeping them. It was the most wonderful experience of a lifetime it really changed my life." -Zahava, age 10, NY
Scholarships
We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to go to camp but recognize that some families might require a little help. Because of the costs of running such a high-quality program, we can only offer a limited number of need-based scholarships. However, there are many other ways you can receive grants and lower your camp tuition. Click the links on the left to find out more.
Raise Your Own Tuition
Here are several ways to raise money for your own camp tuition!
CAMPERSHIP RAFFLE
Drawing on July 3rd
Enter for a chance to win two round trip tickets to Israel and a week say in one of Israel's luxury hotels! Visit jgrraffle.weebly.com to buy tickets and for more more info.
By selling tickets you can raise your own tuition. 50% of your ticket sales goes towards your camp tuition! (So sell 20 tickets and get $500 off tuition!)
Sell tickets to friends, neighbors, grandparents, relatives, teachers -- anyone who values and supports the life-long impact a Jewish camp can have on its campers.
You will receive a refund check for 50% of your sales.
One Happy Camper Grants
One Happy Camper incentive grants ranging from $700 to $1,500 are a bold statement about the importance of the overnight Jewish camp experience to the future of our community distributed.
Eligibility for a One Happy Camper program grant is determined by your local sponsoring Jewish organization in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp and is based on:
-Where you live
-Past overnight Jewish summer camp experience
-Type of school your child is currently enrolled in
-Grade they will enter the fall after camp
Contact information:
To find out more about the many One Happy Camper Grants available indifferent communities, visit www.OneHappyCamper.org .
Jewish Federations
Many local Jewish federations also offer scholarship programs for Jewish camps. If you are from the NY Capital District, you can receive financial assistance from the Northeastern NY Jewish Federation through JGR.
To find a Jewish Federation near you, click here .
JGR Mini Grants
These grants and discounts are available directly from JGR:
$200 JGR Grant for those who are elligible - click the icon to download grant application.
$200 Sibling Discount
$25.00 JGU Member Discount
scholarship_app.pdf
Contact Us
Contact: Nechama Laber
614-JGR-CAMP
nechama_jewishgirlsretreat.net
Year-Round Office:
Jewish Girls Retreat
2155 13th St
Troy, NY 12180
Summer Mailing Address
Name of Camper
C/O Jewish Girls Retreat
45 Ferry St
E-mail a Camper: jgrcamper_gmail.com (put camper's name in subject line)
www.jewishgirlsretreat.net
"JGR has given my daughter such a positive outlook on being Jewish. It really brings out the fun and inspiring parts of Judaism for her." -Nanette Brenner, mother
One is Not a Lonely Number
A Jewish Girls Retreat Movie
for Women & Girls Only
Thirteen-year-old Talia Shumacher is the only child of a wealthy orthodox couple, known for their hospitality. As Talia becomes a teenager, her parents open-door policy begins to irritate her. When Gabrielle Markus, an eccentric twenty-three-year old ballet dancer shows up one day, Talias life is turned upside down. Convinced that Gabrielle is harboring a secret, Talia and her friends set out to uncover it.Talias gift for math and her unusual way of thinking about numbers is woven into the story along with themes of friendship, individuality, and acceptance.
Dance, drama, and choir by the campers of Jewish Girls Retreat 5771/2011.
Buy Now
$18.00
A Greater Life
Rochel, the daughter of a wealthy man, has dreams of marrying a great Torah Scholar. He friends and family are shocked when she chooses a penniless goatherd, Akiva, but her faith in him propels him to become the greatest scholar of his time.
Dance, drama, and choir by the campers of Jewish Girls Retreat 5770/2010.
One Woman's Strength
Chana Rivka and her husband are childless and peniless, but when she hears about a cause that needs thier tzedakah, she is determined to find a creative way to help. Chana Rivka's strength motivates her to give up her only valuables for the sake of others.
Dance, drama, and choir by the campers of Jewish Girls Retreat 5769/2009.
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