On a summer afternoon, laughter echoes across long tables as a group of friends finish decorating tambourines and settle in for an Israeli-themed lunch of warm pita and fresh falafel. Some are returning alumni, others are new this summer, including one camper who traveled all the way from Harrisonburg, VA, just to be here! They chat and laugh and squeal with delight when a friend passes around chocolate for the taking.
At first glance, it feels like any classic summer day camp. But these campers range in age from 57 to 87 and are proving that you are never too old to find your summer happy place. They’ve come to the Pozez JCC for the weeklong Camp Gadol, a half-day summer camp for adults.
The idea was conceived in 2024, when Shari Berman, the J’s Adult Enrichment Director, stumbled across a newspaper article about a summer camp for adults. She found herself asking a simple, powerful question: “Why should only kids get to go to camp?”
After learning how other JCCs offer camps for seniors, the Adults Services team developed Camp Gadol. The goal wasn’t just to fill an afternoon; it was to recreate the fun and deep camaraderie of childhood summer camp, blended with meaningful Jewish learning and space to try new things.
The idea resonated within the Jewish community. What started with nine adventurous campers in its first summer, grew to 16 this year, including seven from the previous year’s cohorts who were excited to return.
Ask the campers why they signed up and the answers are varied. Some were nudged by friends; others wanted to relive the spark they felt at summer camp in their youth. Above all, most were looking to combine doing something for themselves while making new friends.
“I thought it would be a really good way to connect with people at the Jewish Community Center,” said camper Rebecca.
Ronnie, who lives several hours away, was looking for vacation ideas when she found Camp Gadol online. “When I saw that there was an adult day camp, I said, ‘Ronnie, this is for you.’ And I signed up within minutes.”
Observing a typical day at Camp Gadol is not so different than a day at one of the J’s three summer day camps designed for children and young adults. Campers engage in activities like arts and crafts, singalongs, games, and pool activities. It’s a safe, welcoming space built around one core permission: to try new things and play freely.
This summer took campers around the globe with the theme, “Around the World in 5 Days.” They baked traditional injera bread and learned to play Mancala on Ethiopia day; enjoyed getting henna tattoos and practicing yoga on India day; created Moorish-inspired mosaics on Spain day; and ate fresh falafel and crafted colorful tambourines on Israel day.
Integrated each day was a touch of Jewish learning, which many campers didn’t expect but said was one of their favorite aspects. Camp culminated with a heartwarming Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday that included discussing Sabbath rituals, decorating candlesticks, sharing blessings over wine and challah, and singing Shabbat songs together.
Camp Gadol, like any Jewish day camp, aims to create community and facilitate camaraderie and friendship. Mission accomplished, said this year’s campers.
“It’s kind of like your Cheers place, [where everyone knows your name],” said Joanne. “I’ve met new people that I didn’t know, and I’ve reconnected with friends that I haven’t seen for a while.”
“You make friends in a very short period of time,” agreed Abby.
Camp friendships are some of the strongest friendships, and that’s true whether you’re 15 or 65. By Thursday, campers were already trading phone numbers and email addresses, making plans to see each other again.
For non-members, the program also introduces them to the warmth and benefits the JCC offers. “When I came last year, it inspired me to join the JCC,” said B. “I’ve lived here 100 years but had never really gotten involved in the JCC. Coming here to camp got me to understand what it’s all about.”
An added benefit of Camp Gadol is the freedom it gives adults to simply step back and focus on themselves.
“You’re helping others in your life to be playful for many years. You’re helping others to feel joyous and tap into their creativity,” said Marcia, alluding to many campers’ lives as parents and caregivers. “Now we have time, and we can fill it with joy, with creativity, with playfulness, with study. It’s a gift.”
For this group of fun-loving adults, Camp Gadol has become the highlight of their summer, reconnecting them with good friends, their younger selves, and the spirited J community. Much like young campers at the J’s Camp Achva, Camp Kesher, and Sunrise Day Camp, the campers at Camp Gadol are already anticipating next summer’s fun.
“Are you doing it next year?” Ronnie asked Shari toward the end of Camp Gadol. “Because if God gives me one more summer, I’m coming back!”
Stay tuned for next summer’s Camp Gadol. In the meantime, check out the J’s upcoming adult learning and culture programs at https://thej.org/learning-culture/.
