Pinemere Camp: Where Best Summers Happen, Every Summer!
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Pinemere Camp offers children a magical summer experience where Jewish traditions, lifelong friendships, and personal growth flourish amidst the great outdoors.
Imagine a place where friendships bloom like wildflowers, where Jewish traditions come alive under starry skies, and where every day brings new adventures in the heart of nature. This is Pinemere Camp – a gateway to unforgettable summers in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania!
Pinemere Camp was named a Philadelphia Family 2024 Family Favorite Overnight Camp thanks to nominations from local parents in our Community who love and trust them:
“Pinemere has been one of the most positive influences in my children’s lives. The kind and friendly atmosphere was a life changing experience for my youngest son. Until that first summer at Pinemere, my son had few friends and had little interest (or ability) to make new ones. He developed social skills during that 3 week period that carried into his school year and beyond. […] Our family certainly feels blessed to have Pinemere in our lives.”
– Dalton
Since 1942, Pinemere has been more than just a summer camp; it’s been a second home where children discover their best selves, forge lifelong friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime. This authentic Jewish overnight camp experience combines the rustic charm of the great outdoors with innovative programs that spark creativity, build confidence, and nurture Jewish identity.
A Family Away From Home
Pinemere prides itself on its intimate, family-feel atmosphere. With roughly 300 campers each session, the camp creates a close-knit community where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to shine. As Carly Schrager, a Pinemere alum and parent, shared:
“My girls, now 15 and 12, have been going to Pinemere since age 8. As a Pinemere alum, it is SO special to pass the magic onto my kids and share in so many of the camp traditions plus learn of the wonderful growth that the camp has incorporated.”
A Tradition of Excellence
Pinemere is known for its rustic charm, vibrant spirit, and enduring traditions that have been carried on for over eight decades. The camp’s #1 goal is simple yet powerful: to give campers their BEST SUMMER, EVERY SUMMER!
Flexible Session Options
Understanding that every family’s summer plans are unique, Pinemere offers a variety of session lengths to suit different needs:
- 3, 4, or 7-week sessions are offered for ALL campers
- Two 2-week Pioneer sessions for the youngest campers (Rising 1st-3rd graders)
- Click here for a full list of dates and rates.
A Day in the Life at Pinemere
Mornings at Pinemere are spent attending activities with bunkmates, fostering close friendships and a sense of community. In the afternoons, campers have the freedom to choose their own electives on a weekly basis, allowing them to explore new interests and develop skills in areas they’re passionate about. Click here to see a sample daily schedule.
Diverse Activities for Every Interest
Pinemere’s activity areas are designed to challenge, inspire, and excite campers of all ages and interests. Check out their program videos:
- Creative Arts at Pinemere Camp
- Performing Arts at Pinemere Camp
- Waterfront activities at Pinemere Camp
- Adventure at Pinemere Camp
- Sports at Pinemere Camp
Through these diverse offerings, Pinemere aims to help campers learn new skills, foster deep & meaningful friendships, and build the confidence to be their best selves yet!
Nurturing Jewish Identity
At Pinemere, it’s important for campers to experience their own Jewish identity while celebrating Shabbat and immersing themselves in the magic of Jewish camp culture. The welcoming and inclusive environment allows children to connect with their heritage in a fun and meaningful way.
Amie Ewald, a Pinemere parent, emphasizes this aspect:
“Pinemere has provided my kids the opportunities to not only make new personal connections with kids from all over, but also to connect at a deeper level with their religion. The opportunity to discover themselves in a ‘no technology’ atmosphere is invaluable.”
Unplugged and Connected
In today’s digital world, Pinemere offers a refreshing break from screens. This technology-free environment allows children to form genuine connections and develop essential social skills.
Carly Schrager notes the value of this approach:
“A summer with no screens, tons of outdoor time and a focus on ‘old fashioned’ socialization where kids get to relate in real life. The growth that happens in their summer home cannot be replicated outside of camp.”
Growth and Independence
Pinemere Camp is more than just a summer getaway—it’s a place for personal growth. Campers learn new skills, build confidence, and develop independence.
Dalton, another Pinemere parent, shares a powerful review about the camp’s impact:
“Pinemere has been one of the most positive influences in my children’s lives. The kind and friendly atmosphere was a life-changing experience for my youngest son. Until that first summer at Pinemere, my son had few friends and had little interest (or ability) to make new ones. He developed social skills during that 3 week period that carried into his school year and beyond.”
Lasting Friendships
The bonds formed at Pinemere often last a lifetime. Dalton further describes the unique friendships their children have made:
“While both my kids have great friends at home, there is uniqueness in the kind of bonds that have developed with their Pinemere friends. I wish everybody could be so blessed with such deep and sincere friendships. Our family certainly feels blessed to have Pinemere in our lives.”
A Life-Changing Experience for Campers and Staff
For many, Pinemere becomes a transformative part of their lives, extending beyond just the camper experience. This is largely due to the camp’s exceptional staff, often referred to as the “secret sauce” of Pinemere Camp.
The camp takes great pride in the selection, development, and retention of some of the best staff in camping. The team is a diverse mix of Pinemere alumni and newcomers, representing more than 15 different countries. All staff members are hired for their character and commitment to making Pinemere an amazing Jewish overnight camp.
Pinemere’s leadership team goes to great lengths to ensure the quality and safety of their staff:
- Each staff member is carefully screened, interviewed, and selected by the camp’s Directors.
- All staff complete a rigorous Orientation & Training Program before camp and participate in Pinemere’s in-service training throughout the season.
- Every staff member is required to pass three different background checks, including an FBI fingerprint check.
This commitment to excellence in staffing creates an environment where both campers and staff can thrive and grow. Josh B., a counselor from London, shares his experience:
“I came over to Pinemere to be a counselor for Summer 2022 and I can say without any doubt that I had the best summer of my life! I made SO MANY friends from around the world who I still speak to daily. I would (and have!) recommended everyone to work at Pinemere, it 100% will be the best summer.”
Hunter Segal, who has been part of the Pinemere family for over a decade, adds:
“Being a counselor at Pinemere is like having a second family! Over the last 10 years I have had the opportunity to be a camper, counselor and then supervisor on the Pinemere team. Working at camp changed my life & that is something I’ll never forget.”
These endorsements reflect the life-changing impact Pinemere has not only on its campers but also on its staff members. The camp’s commitment to creating a supportive, diverse, and growth-oriented environment benefits everyone involved, fostering a community where lasting memories and personal development go hand in hand.
Join the Pinemere Family
Whether a child is outgoing or shy, athletic or artistic, Pinemere Camp offers a supportive environment where they can thrive. As the camp’s motto goes, they’re committed to giving campers their “Best Summer, Every Summer!”
Ready to give your child an unforgettable summer experience? Contact Pinemere Camp today to learn more about enrollment and to schedule a visit. Your child’s best summer is waiting!
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