FIDF’s Legacy Summer Camp, a signature FIDF program, is a unique trip to the United States provided every year to B’nai Mitzvah age children and siblings of fallen soldiers. It provides a chance for bereaved kids to feel normalcy among others who have undergone similar loss, a memorable and meaningful experience that they will keep with them for the rest of their lives. We are gearing up to launch our 18th summer of Legacy Camp, which will be hosted by FIDF’s Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Philadelphia/South Jersey chapters, from July 11th-25th.
The trip will begin with a welcome pool party at a donor home in Merion Station, PA with music, games, barbeque and more before heading to the campgrounds at Capital Camps in Waynesboro, PA. The children will enjoy a fun-filled 10-day experience where they will join welcoming American campers in a full range of camp activities. On Sunday, July 16, the camp will host Midatlantic, Maryland and Philadelphia chapter board members for a day of crafts, singing and other interactive activities. Next will be a visit to D.C. where the children will tour the capital and enjoy Shabbat with the D.C. community. The trip will culminate with a visit to NYC, and a pool party in Westchester, before the group heads home.
While campers are enjoying a gamut of activities, what is most valuable is their ability to share in this experience with others who have also lost loved ones. In fact, all of the counselors staffing the delegation are soldiers in their last year of military service who also lost loved ones and attended the very same program when they were B’nai Mitzvah age. In addition, the delegation is led by officers from the IDF’s Casualty Unit, who accompany the camp’s participants and counselors throughout.
“It is an absolute privilege for those of us in Baltimore to participate in the Legacy Camp program and show all of the campers and accompanying soldiers how important they are,” said Jenn Goldmeier, past host and Legacy Camp Co-Chair. “We want the group to return to Israel knowing and sharing the message that the FIDF loves and supports them.”
Let Us Know What You Think