Because of You, This Summer Changed Lives
As campfires begin to dim and backpacks will soon return home covered in dirt and memories, one thing is clear: this summer changed lives—and it’s all because of you.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, more than 840 children from Greater Atlanta experienced the magic of Jewish overnight camp. Whether it was their very first immersive Jewish experience or a long-awaited return to a place they call home, your support made it happen.
Because of you, campers sang Havdalah under starry skies. They built friendships rooted in Jewish values. They discovered resilience, leadership, joy, and pride in who they are.
“Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing a first-time camper’s life changed due to this experience,” shared Leah Stinson, Federation’s JCamping Manager. “These camps aren’t just fun, they shape Jewish identity in ways that last a lifetime.”
Your gift to Federation opened the gates of Camp Barney Medintz, Camp Ramah Darom, Camp Judaea, URJ Camp Coleman, and URJ 6 Points Sports Academy to every camper who needed support to get there. It also kept those gates secure: in response to rising antisemitism, your generosity enabled $104,000 in critical security upgrades at our camps, ensuring every camper could feel safe while being proudly Jewish.
And because of you, the summer echoed with a global Jewish heartbeat. Israeli campers—many navigating the trauma of war back home—found friendship and healing at Camp Barney through our partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel. Israeli shlichim (emissaries) brought their stories, spirit, and strength to every camp, even as missiles flew in the news back home. Their presence reminded our campers what it means to stand with Israel—and to never feel alone.
Every moment this summer was a testament to what your support makes possible:
At Camp Coleman, the oldest and youngest campers built lasting bonds in a buddy program that turned games and Shabbat into lessons in Jewish leadership. At Camp Judaea, teens embodied tikkun olam, volunteering with NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster to help families rebuild after Hurricane Helene. At 6 Points Sports Academy, campers ran a 5K and packed hundreds of backpacks and hygiene kits, raising over $18,000 to support families in need.
These aren’t just camp activities, they’re powerful Jewish experiences. And they’re only possible because you choose to give.
As we approach the High Holy Days, we carry forward the light and strength of this summer. The lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the Jewish pride ignited will ripple through the year—and the years to come.