Camp Countdown!

Camp Chaverim is not just an ordinary day camp. Camp Chaverim is a place where your child can make long-lasting connections, be creative, try new things and become a part of our UJC family.

Our mission is to promote and build high self-esteem, positive values, personal growth, along with a strong sense of identity. As a Jewish day camp, we infuse our camp with values, traditions, and holiday celebrations. 

Camp Chaverim is a proud member of the American Camping Association. ACA helps member camps provide:

• Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences
• Discovery through experiential education
• Caring, competent role models
• Service to the community and the environment
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth 

We strive to foster growth through learning new skills and interacting with others in a safe, challenging, diverse and stimulating environment. 

Camp Chaverim operates Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. A typical camp day will consist of activities including arts and crafts, swimming, athletics, team-building, outdoor programming, and a weekly Shabbat experience. Our goal is to give your child a summer to remember!

Camp Chaverim utilizes a mobile communication tool called MyCampApp. This wonderful app is specifically designed for our summer camp program. We will be able to share photos, notes, updates, and videos privately with our camp families. Parents/guardians can also easily stay in contact with staff as well as utilize the app to update your child(ren)'s camp needs.

You can also call the UJC front office with questions or concerns:

Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5pm

Fridays, 8:30am-4pm

We know that the key to a great summer is the quality of the staff. Our staff nurture the potential of each individual camper, creating an environment that fosters engagement, inclusion, and community. 

Staff members model and teach positive behaviors for our campers such as teamwork, active listening, leadership, problem-solving, empathy and enthusiasm. Our staff range from students entering 11th grade to college graduates and older.

Prior to the start of our summer season, staff undergo multi-day professional training which includes learning to work with children of various ages, program planning, CPR/First Aid safety training, positive behavior support and management, emergency preparedness/situational awareness, and an overview of UJC campus policies. Together our staff forms a unified bond, where everyone is supported and challenged to be their best selves! 

Bring the basics: dairy lunch, water bottle, sunscreen (please apply prior to arriving at camp each morning), hat, swim suit, towel, and a change of clothes. All items should be labeled with your camper's name. A more detailed list of items will be included in the parent handbook and will be sent to families before the first day of camp.

Your child's safety is our number one priority. We will implement plans based on the recommendations by the state of Virginia, the American Camp Association, and the CDC.

Our program will participate in mitigation practices such as daily screenings, mask wearing, social distancing, increased handwashing, and frequent cleaning and disinfecting. As the summer gets closer, additional information will be sent to parents/guardians via email. 

Yes! Camp Chaverim strives to provide experiences for children and families regardless of financial ability.

Jewish Family Service (JFS) provides a full spectrum of services to meet the health, education and welfare needs of Hampton Roads residents.

For questions about financial assistance please contact:

Libby Batten, MSW at 757-223-5635 or

Naioki Wood at 757-930-1422.

The deadline to apply for financial assistance for summer camp is May 1, 2023.