Camp Yavneh

Camp Yavneh (Hebrew: מחנה יבנה) is a 65-acre residential Jewish summer camp in Northwood, New Hampshire.^[2] It was established in 1944 by the Boston Hebrew Teacher College under the leadership of Louis and Leah Hurwich, initially as a Hebrew study camp.^[3][4]

Camp Yavneh
Camp Yavneh Location within New Hampshire
Location	Northwood, New Hampshire
Coordinates	43°10′57″N 71°9′57″W
Elevation	496 ft
Campus size	65 acres
Established	July 5, 1944; 81 years ago (1944-07-05)[1]
Website	campyavneh.org

Yavneh is accredited by the American Camp Association. It offers children aged 8–17 a camp environment where Jewish values and activities are emphasized. The camp is not affiliated with one religious movement, considering itself K'lal Yisrael (lit. 'all Jews are one').

Divisions (אדות)

The whole camp is divided into age groups (אדות):

Gurim (lion cubs): Rising 3rd and 4th graders

Gefen (grapes): Rising 5th and 6th graders

K'firim (young lions): Rising 7th graders

Arayot (lions): Rising 8th graders

Levi'im (lions): Rising 9th graders

Ma'alot (rising): Rising 10th graders

Kerem (vineyard): Rising 11th graders

In addition, there are three divisions for those too young for Gurim whose parents work at the camp.

Gan (garden): Infants

Nitzanim (buds): Toddlers

Parparim (butterflies): Young children

Na'aleh

Rising 12th graders have the option to participate in a six-week educational trip to Israel. This trip is called "Na'aleh" (נאלה). The trip is usually staffed by one or two mature counselors, who have worked at the camp for multiple years.

Counselors (מדריכים) and Rashei Eidot (ראשי אידות)

18-year-olds have the opportunity to return to camp as counselors. Sometimes, counselors return for multiple years as a counselor.

Every division has multiple counselors and one or two Rashei Eidot ("roshes"). Roshes must be a returning counselor, because they need more experience than their co-counselors.