Site Improvements Coming to Camp Gilboa!
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Some much-needed physical improvements are coming to Camp Gilboa!
The most exciting development for Summer 2026 will be solar power! Camp Gilboa was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Adamah LA Sustainability Fund and $50,000 from the Jewish Solar Challenge. Camp Gilboa was highlighted in publicity about these awards.
This grant represents a pivotal step forward in strengthening Camp Gilboa’s infrastructure and long-term sustainability. Camp Gilboa is entirely off the grid, with regard to power, water, sewage, and telecom. Until now, we’ve relied on propane generators to power the camp. While they’ve allowed us to operate independently, they’re not the most efficient or sustainable solution. Investing in a more reliable energy system will help us protect our food supply, maintain consistent connectivity, and ensure we can stay seamlessly connected to families and emergency services when needed.
Solar panels and batteries on the chadar ochel (dining hall) will make the most energy-hungry building at camp fully powered by solar power. In addition, there will be batteries located at the Lodge so power can remain on when we turn the generators off. Camp will be more clean, efficient, and secure!
These grants will pay for less than half of the total cost of the project; the remainder is funded by our generous donors and by federal tax credits.
In addition to solar, we soon will be upgrading our power infrastructure with a new and more efficient generator. Depending on how long the permitting process takes, the new generator will be installed before or shortly after camp this summer. Again, these changes will make camp more secure, cleaner, and lay the groundwork for future improvements.
Another project we hope to complete before or shortly after Summer 2026 is putting a roundabout in front of the Lodge and moving the parking lot to make camp more attractive and safer for our campers.
Improvements from last year include the new and improved mirpeset (deck) behind the chadar ochel (dining hall), rebuilt with generous support from the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles after the 2023 winter storm, various interior upgrades to the Lodge, and a small pavilion built by last summer’s Madatz kvuzta (counselor-in-training cohort).
Future plans include an expanded chadar ochel (dining hall) and mitbach (kitchen), as well as a new mirpa’a (health center). Our overall goal is to enhance the camp experience; to make camp safer, more efficient and sustainable; and to lay the groundwork for future growth. For more information about our camp improvements, contact plan@campgilboa.org
Comments