Camp Be’chol Lashon 2020 Update

May 13, 2020

Dear Camp Be’chol Lashon Families:

We hope that everyone is safe and surrounded by loved ones. We have heard from some of you, and there is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic is complicating all of our lives in a variety of ways. With that in mind, we are reaching out to touch base with you regarding Camp Be’chol Lashon this coming summer 2020.

Our top priority is the safety of our campers, staff, and CBL families. Therefore, given that the campsite at Walker Creek Ranch remains closed at this time, and that many of our campers need to travel far to reach us, we will be unable to provide in-person, on-site activities for camp this summer. While we are deeply saddened by this necessary change, we are working to provide an online, interactive Camp Be’chol Lashon for campers and their families during our original camp dates, July 19th-August 2nd, 2020.

When we started Camp Be’chol Lashon 11 years ago, the goal was to create a place where diverse Jewish kids and families could find community and belonging. Over a decade later, we are proud of the stellar program we have built and it remains true that there is no other place in the world quite like Camp Be’chol Lashon. Community has always been at the core of our mission, and we recognize the crucial role connection plays in times of uncertainty or crisis.

Our team is currently exploring ways to safely, effectively, and joyfully create a CBL experience this coming summer in a virtual setting. Although we don’t have all the answers, one thing is certain: we are committed to hosting a Camp Be’chol Lashon summer that will connect campers and staff with their CBL community in a meaningful way.

Our goal for virtual camp is to provide a supervised, interactive and guided online experience for campers. We are working with our amazing staff on what it means to connect with and mentor their campers online this summer. Campers will be able to explore their identities and express themselves in a safe space with their peers and beloved staff.

Each summer, we virtually explore diverse Jewish communities around the world through a variety multimedia resources. Fortunately, some of our “Passport to Peoplehood” content about Jewish communities around the world is already online, and our staff is expanding other resources to create a fulfilling virtual camp experience. This summer, programming will highlight and celebrate each camper’s unique and diverse Jewish identity, and enrich everyone’s experience by empowering them to include their families and share their home environments.

We hope that your camper is interested in joining us for a virtual CBL experience this summer. For those who have already paid camp deposits and fees, there are several options:

1. Any camp fees can be applied to virtual camp, with any difference in fees refunded to you.
2. If you would like to put all or part of your camp fees toward a tax-deductible donation we would greatly appreciate your help to ensure our sustainability for 2021 and beyond.
3. Camp fees can be transferred to registration for summer 2021 (at the 2020 rate).
4. A full refund is available to those who request it.

As summer 2020 plans become concrete, we will email more information about the options for programs and the associated costs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

L’chaim,
The Camp Be’chol Lashon Team