This year we reunited for another successful session of Camp Boston Sderot filled with laughter, learning, and many lasting memories. From the moment the bus pulled in through the gates, there was no doubt this year's camp would be something special. Our incredible group of counselors, made up of three young Americans and ten Israelis, joined as a team to make all 50 campers feel loved and included. It was truly inspiring to see our Israeli counselors, who grew up in the camp themselves, step confidently into their roles as leaders, modeling teamwork, compassion, and dedication for the younger participants.

As the campers ran off the bus, we saw a lot of returning faces as well as a significant number of new, younger campers. Instantly, both the counselors and older campers took the younger kids under their wings and welcomed them into our special community. By the second day, the new campers were not only feeling comfortable, but they were fully engaged in all camp activities, discussions, and traditions.
After two years of ongoing conflict and no camp, it was vital to inject new energy and ideas into camp. Color wars, a new activity during which campers of all ages competed in sports daily, brought the whole camp together, creating an even stronger sense of unity. Throughout the days campers shared stories about their families, their lives since October 7, and their goals and dreams for the future. In turn, we shared our own stories of being Jewish in America today and, among other things, about growing anti-Semitism, bringing us all closer in the understanding of each other’s challenging, different but uniting struggles. We spoke about how camp gave us all a chance to step away from daily routines, and experience a true sense of community and belonging. Whether it was through new friendships, thoughtful conversations, or moments of quiet reflection, the two weeks we spent together were transformative.

We’re grateful to our dedicated counselors, organizers and all the families and donors of the Russian Jewish Community Foundation who made this year’s camp possible. Most of all, we celebrate the campers who brought their energy, curiosity, and warmth—making Camp Boston-Sderot 2025 one to remember.