We provide a high quality Jewish experience for children and young adults that is safe, fun, and promotes personal growth.
SLC Mission
Surprise Lake Camp’s mission is to provide a high-quality camping experience primarily for Jewish children which fosters their social, moral, cultural, physical, and emotional education and development. This is achieved through wholesome recreation, Jewish ritual, environmental education, diverse program opportunities, responsible supervision, and healthful surroundings. Surprise Lake Camp is committed to serving families regardless of their ability to pay.
SLC Values
Instilling values is a process involving teachable moments and modeling through everyday actions. At SLC, values are woven into the very fabric of camp life. We guide campers to embrace our five core middot. These aren’t just words on a plaque. They’re the compass guiding camper choices, from the sportsfield to the campfire — and serve as the foundation for character development. Once campers are back home, life’s challenges become new opportunities to embody the values learned at camp.
The magic of camp is rooted in caring, courage, confidence, and community.
Every day we enrich the hearts and souls of every member of our community in profound ways proven to develop character, facilitate growth, nurture independence, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
Role models inspire and nurture growth.
Our well-trained, caring staff strive to enhance each child’s sense of discovery, connection, and achievement–and help teens grow as leaders and role models for younger campers.
Shared Jewish values and experiences cultivate appreciation and pride.
Our families come together from diverse Jewish backgrounds—identifying as “just Jewish,” interfaith, Reform, Reconstructionist, Humanist, Conservative, and Orthodox, among others—to create a vibrant, joyful community, connected to nature, Israel, and each other. At Surprise Lake Camp, Jewish life is engaging, welcoming, and fun—and even a year-round home for many families.
Safety and camper care is our top priority.
Our entire team is dedicated to excellent care, with an emphasis throughout the camp on physical and emotional well-being. Leaders of the effort, our Camper Care Team includes the staff of our excellent, well-equipped Health Center and two full-time summer social workers.
Unplugging from technology and connecting with nature are vital in today’s world.
A few weeks away from screens is a mental and emotional gift. Here, young people rediscover the beauty of direct connections with each other and nature, fostered in dozens of physical and/or creative activities and electives.
The power of Jewish camp should be accessible to all.
As a nonprofit institution, Surprise Lake Camp and its many generous donors invest in affordability and tuition assistance for camp families who qualify.
