Our Vision

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Our goal is to strengthen the Israeli-American community by creating a Hebrew-speaking summer day camp that connects our children to the Hebrew language, the Land of Israel, and the broader Jewish world.

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We believe that summer camp is a magical and transformative experience - a safe, welcoming space where every child can truly be themselves. It’s a place to grow emotionally, build lasting friendships, engage in meaningful, hands-on activities, and learn through joy and exploration. We see camp as one of the most impactful educational environments for nurturing identity and community. The memories made here become empowering moments that campers carry with them - and proudly pass on to the next generation.

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At the heart of our educational program is a dedicated team of Hebrew-speaking counselors, most of whom come from Israel. Hebrew is the official language of camp, and our programming is designed to strengthen each child’s connection to Israel, foster a love for the land, and celebrate our shared culture.

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Who's Behind Camp

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Camp Kimama-Bereisheet is the result of a unique partnership between two experienced organizations: Kimama, an international leader in Israeli-style summer camps with programs in Israel and around the world, and Bereisheet, a community-based organization known for developing meaningful educational programs and events for the Israeli-American community in Bergen County.

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Together, they bring deep expertise, shared values, and a passion for creating impactful experiences that celebrate Israeli culture, language, and connection.

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About Bereisheet

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Bereisheet is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 and fully run by dedicated parent volunteers from the Israeli-American community in Northern New Jersey.

Its mission is to support families in preserving and strengthening their children's connection to Jewish and Israeli heritage, culture, and the Hebrew language. Through year-round programs and events for children, adults, and families alike, Bereisheet transforms personal values into a shared community journey.

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The organization is led by a volunteer executive team, with each member overseeing various initiatives and activities that serve the local community. Every aspect of Bereisheet’s work is powered by volunteers, united by a passion for building a vibrant and connected Israeli-American community.

For more information about Bereisheet click here

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Program & Activities

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Campers will enjoy a dynamic range of on-site activities designed to spark creativity, build skills, and foster teamwork. These include rock climbing, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, nature exploration, cooking, and Tsofyot (Israeli Scouts). They’ll also enjoy open play spaces, sports fields, and courts for soccer, basketball, and volleyball.

In addition, campers will take part in enriching, Hebrew-led programs such as music, theater, dance, sports, and activities designed to deepen their connection to Israeli culture and identity.

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Pool activities are conducted in small groups with close supervision by counselors and continuous oversight by certified lifeguards. Towels will be provided by the camp.

On rainy days, we are fully equipped with a fun and engaging indoor program to ensure the day stays active and enjoyable - rain or shine.

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CITs - Counselor-in-Training Program
For Ages 14–16

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Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is designed for teens aged 14–16 who are interested in developing leadership and counseling skills in a fun, hands-on camp environment.

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The course runs from July 1 to July 26, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and includes four weeks of engaging workshops and practical experiences. Participants will build skills in group guidance, public speaking, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leading activities. They'll also gain valuable experience in content development, training, and motivating younger campers.

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At the end of the program, participants will receive a Counselor-in-Training Certificate. Graduates who volunteer at camp will also receive a letter recognizing their hours toward community service requirements.

• Age 15 participants will continue into the second year of the course.

• Those who excel and demonstrate readiness may volunteer at camp.

• At age 16, eligible candidates will be invited to interview for staff positions.

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Participants who successfully complete the course will have the opportunity to volunteer at camp in August, gaining additional experience and community service credit.

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Course Fee: $1,600
Course will open with a minimum of 8 participants.

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Food and Nutrition

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All meals served at camp are kosher and prepared in accordance with all required health and safety standards. Our menu is thoughtfully designed to strike a balance between kid-friendly favorites and parents’ expectations for healthy, nutritious meals - in other words, it’s both fun and wholesome!

Each day, campers enjoy:

• A mid-morning snack at 10:00 a.m., featuring fresh fruit or other light options

• A hot kosher lunch at 1:00 p.m.

• An afternoon snack at 3:00 p.m. to keep energy levels up and spirits high

Our counselor team closely monitors each child’s nutritional well-being. If a camper has any medical, dietary, or personal needs, we are fully prepared to respond with care and flexibility. Please notify us in advance so we can make any necessary accommodations. Sample Menu 

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Getting to Camp

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Campers from New Jersey may arrive between 8:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Parents are welcome to drop off their children in the designated parking area.

Campers from New York City and Riverdale will travel to camp via organized, air-conditioned buses, departing from pre-arranged pick-up locations near their homes. Buses generally begin arriving at camp around 9:00 a.m., and the fun starts right on board with songs and interactive games led by our staff.

Please note: Transportation is available for an additional fee.

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Health

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Our on-site clinic is fully equipped and staffed by a certified medical team of nurses, ready to respond promptly to any medical need that may arise. The health and safety of our campers is our top priority.

We take proactive measures to ensure campers stay hydrated, protected from the sun, and maintain proper hygienethroughout the day. Cold water stations are available at multiple locations across the campgrounds to encourage regular hydration.

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Security & Safety 

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The safety and well-being of our campers is our top priority. We follow clear, detailed, and widely recognized security protocols throughout the camp day. A significant portion of our pre-summer staff training is dedicated to these procedures to ensure they are implemented with care and consistency.

Security personnel are present on-site at all times:

• A guard is stationed at the main entrance, monitoring and verifying all individuals entering the camp grounds.

• An additional guard patrols the camp throughout the day, maintaining a visible and active presence to ensure a safe environment.

Our counselors remain constantly vigilant, ensuring campers stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary sun exposure during peak heat hours.

All camp activities are fully insured for the entire duration of the program.

 

Summer Bus Stops

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Campers travel from central pick-up locations in Manhattan to our beautiful campgrounds in Alpine, New Jersey. Stops are listed by neighborhood and do not reflect finalized routes. Exact bus routes and schedules will be confirmed during the week prior to your camper’s first day.

• Morning pickups may begin as early as 7:45 AM

• Afternoon drop-offs may begin as early as 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday

• Each route takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic

Please note: Stop locations may shift slightly (by a block or corner) due to traffic patterns or one-way streets. All stops and routes are subject to change based on camper enrollment and logistical needs.

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Changes & Cancellation Policy

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• A minimum of 2 weeks registration is required (weeks do not need to be consecutive). Changes may be made based on availability.

• Weeks may be converted to Kimama-Bereisheet Israel at no additional cost until May 30, 2026, provided at least 2 weeks remain booked at Bereisheet NJ.

• A $500 deposit per family is required to secure your child’s spot and lock in early bird or discounted rates. This deposit will be charged immediately upon completing online registration.

  • The remaining balance will be automatically charged in monthly installments between January and May.

  • Full payment must be completed before the start of camp.

• Additional weeks may be added during the summer, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted by Thursday of the preceding week (at least 4 days prior to the session start date).

  • Rates for additional weeks will reflect the current pricing at the time of the request.

• Cancellations made before February 29, 2026  are eligible for a full refund.

• Cancellations made after February 29 may be eligible for a refund if requested at least 4 weeks before the start of the affected session, while maintaining the 2-week minimum registration.

• All cancellations and change requests must be submitted in writing.

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