Camp Ideal: A Summer of Fun, A Lifetime of Memories!
Camp Ideal is a summer day camp sponsored by the Jewish Federation for children in the community going into Grades Kindergarten through 6th Grade.
For over 50 years, Camp Ideal has been dedicated to promoting and sharing the values and ideals of the Jewish tradition alongside its commitment to provide a safe, enjoyable and growth-filled summer experience for children on the Federation’s beautiful 27-acre campus. Our camp also enjoys field trips to fun and educational venues in Michiana, like the Healthworks Museum in South Bend, and the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, MI.
Time and Schedule:
Camp runs June 26th through August 4th, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. We also offer Early Care from 7AM-9AM, and Late Care from 4PM-6PM.
Camp Staff: Our camp staff is under the direction of our Youth & Family Program Coordinator and our Israeli Shaliach (Emissary). Our counselors are made up of high school and college students, many of whom spent years as campers at Camp Ideal! Our activities are run by specialists who have experience and passion for the programs they lead.
What is a camp day like?
Each day, between raising and lowering our flags, our campers have fun, learn, and grow through experience with art projects, music, sports on our baseball field, basketball and tennis courts, hikes on our nature trail and adventures in our garden, as well as many other exciting activities! Some days we take field trips to local Michiana spots that are chock full of other exciting activities for children.
What do the kids bring to camp?
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and closed-toed shoes are a must at Camp Ideal!
For lunch, we request that parents pack a dairy (no meat) or vegetarian lunch in an insulated bag.
On swim days, swimsuits and towel (a change of clothes is also suggested).We will let you know which days we will be going swimming before camp starts!
Camper registration for 2017 is now open!
For an editable PDF of our camp registration, click here.
To download a Microsoft Word version, click here.
For more information contact the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
3202 Shalom Way
South Bend, IN 46615
(574) 233-1164
Camp Scholarships Are Available
The Jewish Federation is committed to helping make Camp Ideal, Teen Israel Trips and Jewish Residential Summer Camp programs accessible to Jewish youth of all economic means. As part of this commitment the Jewish Federation has scholarships available to community members who qualify.
Click here to download a scholarship application. Applications for Teen Israel Trips and Jewish Residential Summer Camp programs must be returned to the Jewish Federation no later than March 31, 2017. If you have any questions, please contact the Jewish Federation.
Calling High School & College Students
16 Years of Age and Up
Now accepting Applications for Camp Counselors for Camp Ideal 2017!
Are you looking for a dynamic, fun, and rewarding job opportunity this summer? Do you enjoy activities like music, arts and crafts, sports, field trips, going to the beach? Does working with children as they learn and grow sound appealing to you? Why not apply to become a counselor for Camp Ideal 2017?
Click here to download a counselor application. Applications should be returned to the Federation, Attention Rowan, or emailed to rkelley@thejewishfed.org.
