Camp White Pine has a proud and long-standing tradition as a Jewish camp dating back to its beginning in 1956. Through programming, ritual, and community involvement, campers learn about their rich and storied heritage.
Prayers
We begin every meal at Camp White Pine with a musical prayer that combines Hebrew and English.
Bat-Mitzvah and Bar-Mitzvah Lessons
For girls and boys preparing for their Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs, we offer one-on-one tutoring during the summer so that campers have a chance to practice their Torah and Haftorah portions.
Shabbat
We mark each Friday night with a camp-wide Shabbat service. Campers enter the dining hall quietly in clean white shirts to sit down to a traditional Shabbat meal. The service begins with Hebrew prayers over bread, grape juice and candles, and continues with a short themed presentation by a section of campers. After dinner, we host a traditional camp singsong in the dining hall that ends with Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem.
Following the singsong in the dining hall, campers gather in their sections for educational activities and games in which they learn about Jewish culture and religion.
Saturday mornings at camp run on a different schedule to differentiate Shabbat from the other days of the week. We offer a buffet breakfast and serve bagels and lox (smoked salmon), a traditional Jewish favourite, which campers love.
Also on Saturday morning, we have a special event, such as a Sing Song, “Israel Day”, or other distinct program that involves all the campers and staff. This Jewish programming educates campers on the history and tradition of Judaism, Israel and our culture. At lunch on Saturday, we have “Brother-Sister Lunch”, where campers have a chance to sit with family members of all ages to reconnect.
Staff
Camp White Pine is committed to providing quality Jewish programming through the hiring of our staff. Over 60% of our staff attended Camp White Pine as campers, thereby enabling them to carry on the Jewish traditions they grew up with. Many of our staff attend/attended Hebrew day and/or secondary school, and have continued their Jewish studies at University. A number of our staff have participated in organized group trips to Israel through the Birthright and March of the Living organizations. Through these means, our staff is able to provide quality Jewish programming.
ShinShinim
We participate in the United Jewish Appeal’s ShinShinim program, hosting Israeli young adults who volunteer in the Toronto Jewish Community for one year prior to their compulsory military service. The primary focus of their involvement at camp is to work with staff to develop education for campers about Israel and Judaism.
Staff Duties
Staff have specific duties that help promote a Jewish culture and Jewish traditions at Camp White Pine. Staff sit down with their campers at the beginning of every session and teach the campers the mealtime Hebrew prayers.
Staff are also responsible to give daily Bar and Bat Mitzvah lessons to children who require assistance with their Torah and Haftorah portions. The help of all staff is needed in this area, as many campers are practising for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. On Friday afternoons, staff are required to prepare a Friday night Shabbat evening program where campers learn about Israel, Judaism, Jewish history and Jewish Culture. Also on Fridays, staff work with campers to create Shabbat presentations for the entire camp. Judaism, Jewish values, diversity and charity are promoted on a daily basis throughout the camp culture and community.
Staff and campers together are expected to plan various programs that focus on Jewish content. These events occur at various times throughout the summer. In nightly cabin circle time, counsellors are expected to tie in religion and tradition to the activities of the day.
Food
At camp our food is Kosher Style. We do not mix milk and meat products, or serve pork or seafood.
Camp Towhee
Situated across the lake, Camp Towhee was started in 1968 by Joe and Doreen Kronick, the founders of Camp White Pine. Camp Towhee is a residential therapeutic program for children and youth with learning disabilities and related psychological difficulties. Every summer, campers in our Counsellor In Training Program participate in week long placements at Camp Towhee, working with the staff there to plan programs for the campers. Campers from Camp Towhee also come to Camp White Pine to participate in activities with the White Pine campers.
Tzedakah (Charity)
As part of our Jewish tradition we teach charitable actions (Mitzvot) to our campers. Through “Camp White Pine Kids 4 Kids”, campers and staff participate in and lead various charitable events both at camp and within the community.
Camp White Pine sponsors campers from economically disadvantaged families, both privately and through scholarships. Please contact us directly to find out about financial support that may be available for your family. We are proud to offer spaces in 2016 for Syrian Refugee Children free of charge. Please call our office to inquire about space.