By: Shepard Englander, Chief Executive Officer & Kim Adler, Chief Operating Officer
Four years ago, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s (JFSM) Board decided that in order to connect all the age groups in our community, we had to launch a Jewish day camp. Last month, the Federation made good on that promise, as we successfully completed the inaugural season of Camp Yonnie.
“My kids came home every day excited about their time at Camp Yonnie! They recited Hebrew songs while recalling the English translation, gushed about the counselors, proudly displayed their crafts and projects, and came home worn out by the day’s activities. I am looking forward to sending them again next summer and excited for the camp’s new facility!” said one Camp Yonnie parent.
In 2019, JFSM commissioned Brandeis University to perform a study of Sarasota-Manatee Jewish residents to better understand the composition of the community, their needs, and their wants so the Federation could better serve them.
The results? Close to 4,000 Jewish children live in our area, with one out of every six Jewish households having at least one child under the age of 18. 60% of children in Sarasota-Manatee hadn’t participated in any Jewish camp, youth group, or other form of informal Jewish education up until that point, and less than 20% of families belonged to local synagogues. This left these children with few chances to learn about Jewish traditions and culture, and to make Jewish friends.
To provide families with an opportunity to engage their children in Jewish traditions and culture, and to create a sense of belonging, Jewish pride, and foster involvement in the Jewish community, the Federation Board decided to create a Jewish day camp – Camp Yonnie.
On July 8, Camp Yonnie burst into summer under the imaginative guidance of our Camp Director, Shelly DeCesare, and enthusiastic counselors. Kids from kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed face painting, sliding down huge water slides, learning Hebrew songs, and celebrating Shabbat each week. Campers created meaningful memories with new friends.
Favorites included field trips to the Big Cat Habitat and visits from firefighters and police K9s. Each week, learning and activities highlighted a different Jewish value, like courage, friendship, and spirit. We knew we had created a magical experience when several campers that were originally signed up for just two weeks, begged to extend their stay.
The joy of seeing happy children is the immediate win, but creating a platform where we can connect with hundreds of young families is the vision that inspires us.
If you loved Camp Yonnie this year, you can mark your calendars for June 9 – August 1, 2025 for our second annual summer camp! Early bird registration is open now through December, 2024. If you sign up here during early bird registration, you’ll get 30% off. We can’t wait to see everyone again next year!