In recognition of its success infusing Israel into a greater part of camp culture and experience, Camp B’nai Brith (CBB) of Ottawa was awarded the second annual “Goodman Prize for Excellence in Israel Education at Camp.” Along with four other camp finalists, CBB of Ottawa – a non-denominational community camp that just celebrated its 80^th summer – is part of the Goodman Camping Initiative for Modern Israel History. The initiative helped camps enhance and expand their commitment to modern Israel history and dynamic Israel education within all parts of camp, and helped campers build deep and meaningful connections with Israel.

The Goodman Camping Initiative was a partnership between the iCenter and Foundation for Jewish Camp with generous support from The Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundations, with contributions from the Marcus Foundation and the AVI CHAI Foundation. The Initiative engaged 36 camps at workshops, at seminars for shlichim, and with online tools that offer strategies and resources to help camps infuse modern Israel history into their camp’s educational program. Beyond specific programs, the Goodman Camping Initiative helped camps incorporate Israeli themes, images, or Hebrew language into their entire camp surroundings, including their gardens, their climbing walls, and their bunks. All of the initiative’s online resources and program models remain available online for free.

As part of the prize selection, camps had to detail how they’ve utilized the resources and training provided by the Goodman Camping Initiative to offer new Israel experiences to both campers and staff, and how their participation in the initiative has an ongoing impact at camp.

More Information about the Goodman Camping Initiative for Modern Israel History is here.