Who We Are
Summer Camp for All
Camp Achva prides itself on having a diverse camp community where campers of various backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and needs can come together in one safe space to have a summer of fun and growth. Our staff understands the importance of a child’s mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical health and places these needs first. Camp Achva sets aside time to get to know each camper individually and works with campers and their families to ensure a successful summer for all, within unique definitions of success.
Finding Community
We believe that it takes time to become part of any community, which is why we have developed the 3-week model of inclusive camping at Camp Achva. At Camp Achva, coming for 3 weeks is essential to building community, fostering personal growth and development, and creating connections with others and to Camp Achva itself. To learn more about our 3-week model, please see our “Daily Life @ Camp” page or reach us by phone at 703.537.3092.
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Camp Groups
Age Divisions
Yeladim (Rising Kindergarteners)
ילדים, ye-la-DEEM, Children
Our youngest campers participate in our wonderful traditional camp specialties throughout the day, such as arts & crafts, Israeli culture, sports, and more. We support the growth of each Yeladim camper as they find new passions, create, make and play during each session of camp.
Tzofim (Rising 1st Graders)
צופים, tzo-FEEM, Scouts
Campers in Tzofim continue to enjoy camp activities each day, including participating in camp specialties each day. Each new week and session offer something different to enjoy, including special in-camp events. Tzofim is designed to help build friendships amongst campers and to create a close knit kehillah (community).
Chalutzim (Rising 2nd Graders)
חלוצים, khah-loo-TSEEM, Pioneers
Chalutzim features more options for campers from our in-camp specialties. The added specialties focus on developing age-appropriate skills, building on creating a stronger kehillah (community) amongst campers, and nurturing the passion of their favorite pastimes. Chalutzim campers also participate in at least one field trip during each session.
Alufim (Rising 3rd – 4th Graders)
אלופים, ah-loo-FEEM, Champions
Becoming a champion is no small feat! Alufim campers learn how to become their best selves through engaging and dynamic programming. Additionally, the Alufim experience comes with additional in-camp specialties options, as well as at least one field trip during each session.
Giborim (Rising 5th& 6th Graders)
גיבורים, gee-bo-REEM, Heroes
Giborim campers take full advantage of Camp Achva specialties and special events. As campers age into this division, their experience at Camp Achva becomes more self-guided with increased opportunities to hone individual skills through specialties, and to participate in a variety of special events. Giborim campers will also have at least one field trip during each session.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) (Rising 7th – 10th Graders)
Being a CIT at Camp Achva is an exciting and rewarding summer experience working directly with campers and staff and participating in learning and leadership opportunities each week. This is a hands-on program designed to simulate what it means to work with kids, facilitate community stewardship, and foster personal growth. Acceptance to the CIT program is based on the applicant’s interview with a Camp Achva staff member, as well as space. Each applicant will be required to have an interview so that they can hear more about the CIT program, and Camp Achva can learn more about their interest in participating in the program.
Camp Achva groups campers in bunks within each age division. Each bunk is supervised by Camp Staff as they spend their days experiencing camp through our Traditional Camp programming model. All bunks participate in specifically designed age-appropriate activities led by Camp Activity Specialists, Camp Staff, and outside vendors.
Meet the Team
Camp Contact
Main Office:
703.537.3092
CampAchva@theJ.org