We are a progressive summer camp and year-round community creating vibrant Jewish life for children ages 7-18. Our unique participatory, youth-led model creates a lively, profound and empowering experience, where campers can be themselves, build community, and bring the change they want to see in the world. Our camp is located in Big Bear Lake, CA, and our year-round community is active in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area.
WE ARE...
INTENTIONALLY
Inclusive
We are a warm and inclusive community that values cultural, gender, and socioeconomic diversity. Our education inspires our campers to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and loved.
WE ARE...
Spirited
ENERGETIC &
We create magic! We play in costumes, sing at the top of our lungs, and find ways to bring energy and creativity to the ordinary. Today we’re in Wonderland... tomorrow we’ve transformed lunch into a rock concert!
Thinkers
CRITICAL
We engage in creative, challenging experiential learning that uses art, drama, role playing, and thought-provoking games. Our camp adventures encourage us to be curious and think critically. Guided discussions allow us to reflect and learn to be open-minded and empathic.
Jewish
VIBRANTLY
We aim to create a vibrant, inclusive environment for all expressions of Jewish life. We root our understandings of justice and change in Jewish values and tradition. We’re committed to a vision of Israel as a progressive and democratic society.
Leaders
EMPOWERED
From the youngest camper to the oldest counselor, the community is ours to shape. We all do everything at camp - from cleaning and building, to creating our Shabbat experience with our peers. Empowered by our sense of shared responsibility, we gain the tools & drive to create the ideal community we envision together.
CHANGE
Makers
We dream big and see the world as a place where we should and can make a difference.
We emerge from the
Gilboa experience inspired, empowered and equipped to make the world a better place.
