Jewish Camping Experiences Abound on the Academy Campus this Summer
Originally featured in HaGesher, American Hebrew Academy's Monthly Newsletter

The American Hebrew Academy, long identified as a "home away from home" for Jewish students from around the world, will extend hospitality to nearly 700 visitors this summer including campers and staff from the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) and the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ). But for the fervent work by facilities personnel, the campus has been quiet for nearly 2 weeks since the departure of the American Hebrew Academy's 160 students.

On June 22, the first session of BBYO's CLTC (Chapter Leadership Training Conference) program and URJ's newly founded 6 Points Sports Academy came to a roaring start, bringing 200 Jewish youth, ages 9-15, to campus for the first of three consecutive, 2 week, summer sessions.

"Our mission is to make Jewish life and Jewish identity engaging for youth. The camping programs we have partnered to create this summer exemplify and fulfill this mission by utilizing our facilities, staff and alumni, all year round," said Glenn Drew, the Academy's Executive Director.

BBYO is in their fourth year of partnership with the American Hebrew Academy and URJ's camp has launched its inaugural program thanks to a generous grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Jim Joseph Foundation.

"We feel so lucky to call AHA our summer home for the 4th straight year. We feel this is the perfect environment to fulfill our mutual goal of creating Jewish leadership for the next generation," stated Ellen Goldstein, Director of the CLTC program.

Her sentiments were echoed by Randy Coleman, Director of 6 Points Sports Academy, when he stated, "Having the Academy's outstanding athletic facilities is marvelous for our intention of training athletes for life. It has also been a great partnership for us because the alumni and staff at the Academy who are assisting us with the camp truly lead by example of healthy body, mind and spirit."

This summer American Hebrew Academy graduates Lindsey Gedaly'09, Josh Goller'08, Amir London'07, Abby Kriegsman'09, Steve Robertson, III'09 and Adam Shore'08 are an integral part of the staff at 6 Points Sports Academy, helping to mentor, coach and instill in their campers the importance of community, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and Judaism. These remarkable young men and women are exceptional role models and continually make us proud.

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