In recognition of the constraints the current economic environment has put on families across the country, B’nai B’rith International (BBI) has announced that it will fund scholarships for an important component of Jewish identity in a child’s life – summer camp.
BBI will donate $150,000 to help 90 returning campers enjoy a summer at B’nai B’rith’s Beber Camp in Mukwonago, Wis., and Perlman Camp in Starlight, Pa.
“The summer camp experience is a necessity in that it helps kids build strong values and friendships,” said BBI Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. “These camps are an important part of our organization’s mission, as they help Jewish kids find and maintain their religious and cultural identity. We are proud to be able to help bring back campers who otherwise may have had to miss out on the experience, given the status of the economy.”
"The major increase I've taken note of is families that have sent their kids full-session and can no longer afford it because a spouse lost a job, or they're sending their kids to college, or the funding they had put aside is now going to paying the mortgage," said Lewis Sohinki, director of B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp. "We're seeing kids that have been going for six or seven summers and culminating their camping experience by asking for scholarships."
B’nai B’rith also created the “Camp Passport” program in 2003 to give scholarships to Israeli kids whose families have been touched by terrorism. BBI funds the entire experience for the children, between 11 and 16 years old, so that they can experience a fun summer at either Perlman Camp or Beber Camp, forging friendships and learning that there are American Jews who love and support them.
