Despite all that may be going on in the world, there is one place on earth renowned for being a haven where young Jewish people can be their best selves. As it has done for nearly 130 years, JLGB Summer Camp has once again proven to be a phenomenal experience for 750 campers from all over the UK who were immersed in a whirlwind of adventure activities, skill development, personal growth, and community spirit—leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

A Week of Unmatched Activities 
From the moment campers arrived, they were greeted with a warm welcome and an array of exciting activities and evening entertainment extravaganzas.

Thrills and Spills: Adventure Activities and Water Sports

JLGB Summer Camp once again delivered adrenaline-pumping fun with its signature adventure activities and water sports! Campers soared through the air on giant swings and zip wires, sharpened their skills with archery, and enjoyed the thrill of paddleboarding and canoeing. The giant inflatable Total Wipeout water course stole the show as campers navigated obstacles and splashed their way to victory. These tried-and-true favourites brought out the best in teamwork, courage, and unforgettable camp memories.

Creativity and Teamwork  

Campers showcased their creativity and teamwork in various activities, such DJing, graffiti dance and participating in the lively Knowledge Knockout quiz. The Board Game Café provided a relaxing yet engaging environment with both life-sized and regular board games, as well as daily optional activities like bingo, glass painting, and friendship bracelets.

Social Action and Community Building

The camp also focused on social action, with inspiring visits from 8 communal Jewish charities and a special visit by JLGB President Lord Levy, who spoke about his lifetime of supporting those in need through charity work. These sessions empowered campers to design and initiate youth-led volunteering projects, fostering a sense of responsibility and community service.

Star-Studded Fun  

The presence of Countdown’s Rachel Riley and her husband, former Strictly professional Pasha Kovalev, added a touch of star power as they joined in the fun and interacted with campers throughout the day before acting as guest judges at the Talent Show. Campers also had the opportunity to meet JLGB alumni Mitch Winehouse, father of the late Amy Winehouse (also a former JLGB member), as a host of supporters and community guests joined JLGB for a special tour of the camp.

A Shabbat Experience Like No Other

As the week culminated, campers and leaders prepared for a peaceful and joyful Shabbat experience, including a camp-wide Friday Night Dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat service. This was a time to reflect on the week’s experiences and look forward to more adventures ahead before an epic last night silent disco commenced.

Our Young Adventurers: JLGB Juniors 

In addition to our tweens and teens, nearly 100 JLGB Juniors from school years 3-5 brought boundless energy and excitement to the camp. These young adventurers eagerly joined in all the fun, embracing new activities with enthusiasm and making lasting memories. For many, it was their first-ever camp experience, making it truly unforgettable.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers

JLGB Summer Camp wouldn't be possible without the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers and staff. Over the past year, countless hours of planning and preparation went into making this camp a reality, ensuring that every camper had an unforgettable experience. This year, in response to the overwhelming demand for our sell-out summer camp, we launched a special campaign to recruit even more volunteers. The response was nothing short of tremendous. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers, both returning and new, whose commitment and enthusiasm have made this camp such a success.

Looking Ahead  

Plans for JLGB’s winter camp, launching soon, are already underway as JLGB fast approaches its 130th anniversary. JLGB continues to provide a nurturing environment for thousands of young Jewish people to grow, learn, and make lifelong friendships. This week has been a testament to the spirit and resilience of the next generation, and JLGB will be there every step of the way to see how they carry these experiences forward.

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