JEWISH CAMPING, a gathering of the faithful, is a concept that has taken many shapes at points in time, historically, until it has evolved into what we know about it today. Retreating into a camp, a confined environment, away from the bustling and noisy world has served many purposes: group meditation, observing festivals fervently, study camps, or simply a protected space away from the public and prying eyes. Today, in its most familiar form, it has become a denominational backbone, shaping and strengthening the different sect of global Judaism.

The United States, with the highest number of Jewish adherents, hosts the highest number of modern campers. There are camps in some parts of Europe, in Israel, Australia, and South Africa. These camps, most of which own permanent locations, operate periodically, mostly during the summer holiday period. When active, camping activities last for two to three months and are coordinated by trained management teams consisting of counsellors and volunteers.

Depending on one’s sect affiliation, individuals from different countries or regions can be admitted to attend camp and participate in the daily routines, which keeps the gathering vibrant and effective. Among these campers are the Abayudaya Jews from East Africa, who have attended summer camps in the United States for over a decade. The Abayudaya, which means “people of Judah” in the Luganda language, mostly inhabit the eastern parts of Uganda. Originating in Mbale, the cradle of Judaism in the country, they have spread out to both the north and central regions and further westward beyond Kampala, the capital of the country, fondly referred to as the pearl of Africa due to its magnificent and scenic topography, excellent weather, and natural lakes and mountains that boost its tourism potential.

During the government of Idi Amin, thousands of followers of the legendary Semei Kakungulu, who was the patriarch of Ugandan Judaism and who passed away in 1929, faced enormous threats for practicing their faith. This pressure intensified as relations between the State of Israel and the Ugandan government deteriorated. In July 1976, Israel mounted a daring rescue effort when Air France airliner with Israeli and Jewish passengers was hijacked and forced to land at Entebbe Airport. The military operation eventually freed the hostages in a dramatic overnight raid. It was led by Yonatan Netanyahu, the head of the elite Sayeret Matkal squad and the older brother of Israel’s current prime minister. Furious with both the rescue and Israel’s defiance, Idi Amin increased his hostility toward anyone perceived to be connected to Judaism or Israel, leaving the Abayudaya communities even more vulnerable.

When news broke out about the location of some citizens practicing the Israeli Judaism religion in some remote parts of Mbale, the tension was shifted to these rural-dwelling Jews. Without any chance to withstand the government’s brutal force, the majority of them abandoned the religion; some fled, while the few who stayed back gathered and prayed in secret in a cave-like structure inside a forest in Nangolo. However, after the dictator was deposed and the situation calmed down, the first historic kibbutz camping was established, which became a rallying point that helped recall and reunite the Abayudaya, providing the necessary push for their re-emergence and survival.

From the kibbutz in Mbale to the summer camps in the United States, and now to a historic first modern type of camping in Busabala near Kampala—this is the story of the Jews in Uganda. Initially starting out in Mbale, there are now flourishing communities spread out, thanks to new waves of conversion, marriages, and new births, as well as the multiple sects existing in the country. But unlike most camps abroad, this inaugural camp was designed to unite Jewish children, youths, and adults from all sects, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, under one roof for learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

The camp organizers at Busabala in Uganda embraced the idea of starting small and gradually expanding, echoing the well-known saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. There is no need to wait for the entire light to turn green; with willing individuals and a few dedicated volunteers, it requires a determined leader to take on the role of a pathfinder to reach the desired outcome. When the call was finally made, numerous individuals responded and signed up, turning the dream into reality.

On December 13th, 2024, from different corners of the country, all roads led to Busabala, in the Wakiso district. Participants from Nabugoye and Nasenyi, both in Mbale, and from Mukono in the central region, as well as Kampala, made it to camp. The venue was at St. Peter’s High School, with an excellent dormitory facility for campers and a secured and beautiful surrounding with trees adding to its beauty.

The camp lasted for the next 2 weeks, during which a total record number of 105 participants, including campers, facilitators, volunteers, and counselors, were present. The campers, made up of children, teenagers, and youths, ranged from the age of 5 to 28, inclusive of male and female. Being the first time, the stakes were high, with high expectations of achieving a fulfilling gathering while keeping the children engaged and motivated. For some of the officials, it was truly their first time volunteering, so it was an opportunity to learn on the job, especially after the brief training and orientation they had received before the camping commenced.

The days at Busabala were structured yet fluid, filled with a vibrant buzz of activity that blended learning with recreation and discipline with joy, from sunrise until well after the stars came out over Lake Victoria, which lies a few kilometres distant. Every morning, counselors reviewed the day’s agenda, followed by spirited shacharit prayers with melodies mixing Hebrew with the local Luganda in a unique, uplifting harmony. Next is breakfast, before proceeding to the next round of the morning session. As the camp went on, both the participants and the facilitators got used to the rhythm, creating an atmosphere of excitement, adventure, and unity.

Jewish education formed the sacred core of each day. In small, age-appropriate groups, campers delved into Torah study, exploring stories and lessons to enrich their knowledge. Hebrew classes echoed in the classrooms, with children enthusiastically practicing the alephbet and common phrases, while teenagers worked on conversational skills. The highlight of the week for many was the challah-making workshop for the girls. Flour-dusted hands worked joyfully, braiding dough for Shabbat, the smell of baking bread filling the surroundings, signalling the coming of Shabbat. The younger girls were filled with extreme joy as they learned firsthand from the women who taught them how to bake bread, emphasizing its importance to Jewish womanhood.

The camp put a lot of focus on leadership and personal growth, in addition to spiritual growth. It organized leadership workshops that encouraged shy teenagers to speak up and work together by having them solve problems. Campers took part in small-group workshops where they did affirmations and spoke about things in groups to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Roleplaying helped them figure out what they were good at, and group reflections made them want to create personal objectives. Many of them had never stood in front of their peers to express an idea or lead an activity before, and these experiences had a lasting effect on their confidence.

The Health and Wellness Workshops were just as important because they were meant to help young people deal with genuine problems. Qualified facilitators led practical discussions on HIV/AIDS awareness, cancer prevention, personal hygiene, and overall well-being. Campers learned how important it is to get regular checkups, keep things clean, and adopt healthy kosher eating habits. The sessions were interactive, with demonstrations, question-and-answer segments, and group activities that made the learning fun and memorable. Later, parents testified to the positive behavioural changes observed in their children after camp.

The mid-afternoons buzzed with interactive joy, especially the playing times that came after the learning sections. Friendly competition thrived through football matches and relay races, with the onlookers cheering their preferred teams from the stands. After this, collaborative cooking sessions, often supervised by the elderly women, taught both kitchen skills and the value of shared effort. These moments of pure fun and learning were not mere recreation; they were the glue that fused diverse individuals from different communities and sects into a single, supportive kehilla.

Evenings were dedicated to interactive activities—campfires, storytelling, games, and cooking sessions. These end-of day activities aimed to ensure cemented friendships, create laughter-filled memories, and foster a sense of belonging among all participants. And as the flames of the campfire lit up the night sky, the voices of children and young adults singing Jewish melodies blended beautifully with the quiet rustle of trees surrounding the compound.

Similarly, creativity through art and craft was embraced in the camp, where campers learned to create decorative items using beads. These sessions did more than teach skills; they strengthened cultural pride and encouraged innovation. Many campers proudly carried home the items they crafted—necklaces, bracelets, purses, and small bags—as souvenirs of their time together. In addition, they also demonstrated how to make use reusable sanitary pads for girls.

By the end of the program, it was evident that this camp was more than just an event; it was a turning moment. One of the main goals was to train young leaders who would go back to their home synagogues equipped with new skills, confidence, and knowledge. Now that the seeds have been planted, the goal is for these campers to grow into responsible leaders who help their families, make their communities stronger, and help make Uganda’s Jewish future bright.

Apart from South Africa, Uganda is not the only country that is hosting a Jewish camp, as Nigeria has one in its capital. “Camp Sarah” has continuously operated for three years since its founding in 2023, welcoming campers from all over the federation. Headed by Debbie Issar, Camp Sarah is an organization that aims to replicate the model of Jewish camps in the United States for Jewish communities in Nigeria, providing local camping opportunities since many individuals cannot participate in camps abroad. Inspired by the concept of teaching children playfully, after the camp Sarah 2025, being a third summer of Jewish learning and fun, sister camps have spread to other parts of Nigeria, such as Port Harcourt and Ebonyi State, indicating interest to follow suit.

Apart from South Africa, Uganda is not the only country that is hosting a Jewish camp, as Nigeria has one in its capital. “Camp Sarah” has continuously operated for three years since its founding in 2023, welcoming campers from all over the federation. Headed by Debbie Issar, Camp Sarah is an organization that aims to replicate the model of Jewish camps in the United States for Jewish communities in Nigeria, providing local camping opportunities since many individuals cannot participate in camps abroad. Inspired by the concept of teaching children playfully, after the camp Sarah 2025, being a third summer of Jewish learning and fun, sister camps have spread to other parts of Nigeria, such as Port Harcourt and Ebonyi State, indicating interest to follow suit.

Just as Debbie serves as a pathfinder for Camp Sarah, Abigail Businge plays a similar role for the first Uganda camp, which is hosted by the Hatikvah Jewish Centre, an organization she founded. Together with her dedicated team, they envisioned a space where Jewish individuals, including orphans, marginalized youth, and less privileged community members, could come together to study Torah, celebrate Shabbat, and engage in interactive activities that build both character and community. At the core of its organizational objectives is empowering Jewish youth to thrive after school, building confidence, skills, and community through innovative programs, mentorship, and Jewish values.

When we asked Abigail how she managed to run the last camp, she was filled with excitement, recalling memories of the past. “My husband is passionate about charity and acts of supporting children and proved his generosity through his donation for this course. One of my brothers, with some other folks he brought, manned the security post throughout the duration. And the transportation of participants from Mukono was sponsored by members of the Tzion Beth Hamitzvot community.”

The vision behind Uganda’s first Jewish camp is aimed at empowering a generation and shaping its future through youth engagement and leadership training. In the actual sense, the rise of camping initiatives in Nigeria and Uganda is evidence of a continental awakening, an effort of resilience and revival, which deserves to be recognized. The result is a call for support to encourage broader and more consistent camping that positions youth for success through these gathering concepts, similar to those found in other parts of the world.

The post Jewish Camping Efforts in Uganda: A New Chapter Begins first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

All Photo Credit: Camp Sarah

The third edition of Camp Sarah, hosted once more in Abuja, Nigeria, was truly an astounding achievement. For 3 years and still going strong, it resembles fine wine that grows richer with each passing day. This year’s camp commenced on August 11 and concluded on August 22, 2025. On a sunny Monday morning, filled with enthusiasm and a desire for meaningful Jewish learning and adventure, the campers, volunteers, and camp management convened at Tikvat Israel Synagogue in Kubwa Abuja to go live with the third Jewish summer camp outing in the country. 

Since Jewish camping arrived in Nigeria with the opening of camp Sarah in 2023, the camp has consistently improved its activities and programs, as well as its leadership and management strategies. This unique camp for younger children and teenagers is known for providing a blend of Jewish learning, morals, and fun for its campers. Over the years, it has increased its capacity to conducively host over 70 children and young adults, which is quite a leap, increasing its capacity by over fifty percent within three years.

This year, more than 78 children and young adults aged 4–16 registered across four Edots (age groups) for the August camping, with over 80 percent being returning participants from the first and second camps. Six international volunteers attended the camp, fostering diversity, building friendships across borders, and promoting unity and alignment with the global Jewish community. A counselor-in-training (CIT) program was introduced for the first time at Camp Sarah, catering to 14 youths aged 17–19. The CITs resided at Tikvat Israel, engaging in a program that emphasized leadership skills, preparing them to become future counselors.

Each day of camp was centered on a core Jewish value that guided the activities and learning. The ten themes emphasized throughout the program were:

1. Shalom – Peace
2. Ve’ahavta et re’echa camocha – Love your neighbor as yourself
3. Ahdut – Unity
4. Shmirat halashon – Guarding one’s speech (mindfulness in the use of words)
5. Shabbat
6. Emunah – Faith
7. Tsedakah – Charity/Justice
8. Teshuva – Repentance/Responsiveness
9. Tikkun Olam – Repairing the world
10. Hakarat hatov – Gratitude/Recognizing the good

Daily Camp Structure:
The daily schedule was carefully organized to reflect and reinforce these values through a balanced mix of spiritual, educational, and recreational activities:

• Morning Tefillah – A joyous prayer service enhanced by music
• Yahadut – Jewish learning sessions held within each edah (age group)
• Group Activities – Collaborative programs conducted by edah
• Lunch

• Elective Activities – Campers selected from a range of options including music, dance, arts and crafts, sports, games, yoga, creative writing, and tallit making

Closing Circle – The entire camp community gathered together, with groups often presenting songs, plays, or other creative work developed during the day

Before the start of the annual summer camp, the camp management organized a leadership training for counselors, which took place from August 6 to August 8, 2025, aimed at enhancing the quality of programs. The counselors hailed from various states across Nigeria. The host venue, Tikvat Israel Synagogue, showcased a fresh appearance during the camping. In a conversation with Kadmiel, one of the counselors, he revealed that Camp Sarah sponsored the repainting of the synagogue and installed synthetic grass on the floors to create a safe and welcoming environment for the campers.

This year’s camp featured a standout moment with the introduction of a football match, bringing a fresh element to the program. This innovative introduction offered a special enjoyment out of the camp walls as Maccabi FC Nigeria takes part in Camp Sarah 2025 activities. Solomon ben Yakov, the coordinator of the Eden Class at Gihon Hebrew Synagogue stated that the camping was a giant success.

A football match was incorporated into the camping activities, resulting in a highly enjoyable experience for the campers. This will be the first time a football match is introduced to the camping activities. The football match between Maccabi Football Club of Nigeria and Legacy FC enriched the camping experience, with the best part being a 2:1 historic victory.

The camp was characterized by its international flavor, comprising both Africans and non-Africans. Six international volunteers took part in the program, which promoted diversity. Rabbi Gershom Sizomu from Uganda was invited to attend the camp, and his presence significantly influenced the campers, who freely shared their experiences during the event. In a phone conversation with Debbie Isser, the director of Camp Sarah, she highlighted the significant benefits of having a rabbi at the camp, particularly in the realm of teaching.

“We were very fortunate to have Rabbi Gershom Sizomu from the Ugandan Jewish community serve as our resident rabbi, where he taught Yahadut sessions to all of the Edot, building on daily themes. He is a wonderful teacher, and his presence was a real highlight for everyone.”

Rabbi Gershom, the first ordained rabbi in Uganda, is currently the spiritual leader at the Stern Synagogue in Mbale, Eastern Uganda. Gershom enjoyed the children’s camp so much that he would like to establish a branch of Camp Sarah in his community in Uganda and promote counselor exchanges with Nigeria. During his farewell speech on the closing day, he affirmed, “We are working on it, and pending funding, we plan to hold a camp in Uganda in January.”

Kaim Ben Mikael, a camper and student of the Eden Hebrew Class, shared his experiences learning from the rabbi. Thereafter, he spoke about personal improvement after he was inducted into the Counselor in Training (CIT) category, among many others.

“We learned about Kashrut and Tikun Olam from Rabbi Gershom. His presence boosted our spiritual life throughout the camp. This year’s Camp Sarah was a wonderful experience for me as a Counsellor in Training. I learned about love, impacting Torah values on young ones so that they will grow to love the Torah, and being kind and helping young people. I learned teamwork, among other things, so as to achieve success. Camp Sarah 2025 was fun and impactful to me.” 

In addition to its core programs, Camp Sarah also provides opportunities for leadership development and training. The camp’s counselors-in-training program, for example, allows young adults to develop their leadership skills and gain hands-on experience in counseling and mentoring. The dedication and hard work of Camp Sarah’s organizers, counselors, and volunteers contribute to its success. Their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment has made a lasting impact on the campers. One camper, Sarah bat Sarah, noted, “Camp Sarah is more than just a summer camp—it’s a community, a family.” Camp Sarah’s programs will continue to play a vital role in shaping the lives of Jewish youth in Nigeria. With its unique blend of Jewish learning, morals, and fun, Camp Sarah has established itself as an exemplary model of innovative and Jewish education.

Each camping expedition presents its own unique characteristics, whether they are completely new or simply modifications from earlier editions. This year, we can observe that, alongside changes in learning instruction patterns, there has been an increase in the number of participants and a facelift of the venue. Other outstanding features worth mentioning: besides the members of the Maccabi Football Club making a debut in the camp activities, there was a group hiking up a rocky mountain standing over 600 feet, a distance of more than a 45-minute walk from the Synagogue to the mountain peak. Furthermore, the last day in camp was designated a cultural day, which saw campers display different cultural attire, showing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Nigeria, and traditional music was played to mark the end of another Jewish campaign.

In conclusion, the summer camp was a resounding success; it was marked by innovation, growth, and a deep commitment to Jewish values and principles. As the program continues to expand and improve, it is clear that Camp Sarah will remain a beloved and transformative experience for generations of Jewish youth to come. Camp Sarah, with its strong leadership, dedicated staff, and passionate community, is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come. Bridging borders, widening horizons, and blending Jewish learning with leisure.

The post Camp Sarah 2025: A Third Summer of Jewish Learning and Fun. first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

A children’s playground for arts, sports, singing & dancing, leadership training, and learning Judaism:

Jewish camping, as an activity, aims to provide participating individuals, families, and groups with an unforgettable camping experience that encompasses Jewish culture, traditions, and educational values. It is common to observe that these camps blend recreational activities with Jewish learning, cultural immersion, and community building to create delightful memories. In the majority of campgrounds in the United States, camping often takes place during the summer vacations and stretches out over a period of time that can be as long as ninety days.

On the other hand, there are no regular, structured summer camps that take place annually anywhere from the west coast of Sub-Saharan Africa to the central and eastern regions of Africa. Because of this, the establishment of a Jewish camp in Nigeria in 2023 was a commendable effort on the part of the organizers, and it was a great accomplishment for the black Jewish communities, particularly those in West Africa. According to its objective, Camp Sarah is a Jewish organization that teaches Judaism to children between the ages of five and sixteen. The organization’s mission is to promote unity among Jewish communities for the purpose of enhancing Jewish life in Nigeria and beyond.

Prior to making the decision to establish a Jewish summer camp in Nigeria, the organizers of Camp Sarah first sponsored a number of young people to participate in summer camps across the United States. Now, the primary mission is to achieve a greater impact by allowing more individuals to enjoy the experience of camping in Africa rather than just taking a select few children to the United States.

In the summer of 2023, the inaugural summer camping event took place in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, at Tikvat Yisrael Synagogue at Kubwa, a suburb of the federal capital territory. The camping program debuted as a one week gathering, running from August 21st to 26th, accommodating a record of forty campers who shared in living, learning, praying, and celebrating together. Nevertheless, after that ground-breaking debut, the camp organizers held two additional events before the next summer camp. Firstly, the camp organizers sponsored a joint Hanukkah festival service at the Gihon Hebrew Synagogue, one of the earliest Jewish communities in the country. Then next was a Purim event, which was brightened by a Camp Sarah colorful children celebration in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue.

Between August 5th and August 16th, 2024, children mostly from the Jewish communities in Abuja had another amazing and unforgettable summer camp experience in Tikvat Yisrael Synagogue. The second edition of summer camping began with a 3-day leadership training program hosted inside the social hall at Gihon Hebrew Synagogue. Prospective camp workers, volunteers, and instructors received a briefing on the planned activities for the 2-week camping period. Selected individuals were drawn from 2 synagogues in Abuja and from at least 4 other synagogues outside the capital territory.

The final day of the leadership training coincided with the start of a National Youth Shabbat, which was hosted in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue. This special Shabbat was attended by youth from nine different states across the country. It was indeed a super weekend for the youth, with lots of activities beginning with a colorful Shabbat candle lighting and ending in a high-spirited musical havdallah. On Sunday, the following day, spectators gathered in a field to witness the road to the Maccabi Games as a Nigerian youth soccer team was set to make its debut in the Jewish Olympics.

Camp Sarah officially opened the following day at Tikvat Yisrael Synagogue in Abuja, where preparations were made for the event. This year’s camp hosted a total of 79 children, who were separated into four age groups: ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16, with around 20 children in each group. Each group was supervised by counsellors who were volunteers. A total of eight international volunteers from three continents and three nations provided assistance to the camp. These volunteers were Rotem from Israel, Degania from Denmark, Aviv, and five others from the United States of America. In addition, the success of the camp was primarily attributable to the involvement of twenty-two Nigerian volunteers. These volunteers included Shlomo Ben Yaakov of Eden Hebrew Class, Kadmiel Ben Emmanuel, Olachi, Edina Bat Emmanuel, and a number of other enthusiastic youth teachers.

While speaking with Mrs. Debbie Isser, the director of Camp Sarah, during an interview at the Tikvat Israel Synagogue, the venue of the camping, she disclosed that Camp Sarah generated funds for its activities through donations and fundraising. She mentioned that Rabbi Kerrit’s son Micah had his bar mitzvah this year, and for his bar mitzvah project, he asked people to contribute to Camp Sarah. She also said that people contributed to Camp Sarah in memory of her mother, Charlotte (Sarah) Isser, a renowned Jewish educator who has contributed immensely towards Judaism. She laid emphasis on Camp Sarah’s mission of fostering a sense of community, strengthening the bond between campers, strengthening Jewish identity, and promoting leadership skills while having fun.

’We begin every day with a big circle and end every day with a big circle; we have songs and other different activities, including leadership skills and bonding, as part of our daily activities.

The creation of a unique Camp Sarah Siddur by Anya Herzberg, daughter of Debbie Isser, is an interesting feature of the summer camp that took place this year. The Camp Sarah Siddur, which is a collection of prayers and blessings that members of the camp community recite as part of their daily routine, was used in teaching the youngsters who were present at the camp. The prayers in the Siddur aim to fulfil Jewish obligation and strengthen the Jewish bond within the camp community. The Siddur is dedicated to Charlotte (Sarah) Isser (zichrona l’vracha), whose creativity and innovation as a Jewish educator inspired the establishment of Camp Sarah.

During an interview, one of the campers expressed that the activities at the camp provided her with a sense of belonging and opened up opportunities for her to interact with other Jewish children from other parts of the country as well as children who had travelled from abroad to participate.

My name is Batyah. I am one of the campers. What interests me the most about Camp Sarah is their high level of principle when it comes to management, organization, and time management. I learned so many new things, like bead making and painting, and I am most excited about the opportunity to socialize with Jews from all walks of life. Camp Sarah made my holiday enjoyable and memorable.

In an interview with a guardian of some children who were at the camp, Mr. Kaim, who introduced himself, expressed his reasons for enrolling his wards in the camp. He conveyed his wish for them to expand their Jewish connections and fully embrace their Jewish identity by engaging with the instructors’ insights. He emphasized his belief that the experiences at Camp Sarah Summer Camp would enhance the Jewish identity and understanding of the children. Their ability to respond to questions and defend their Jewish identity was important. In another brief discussion, Sar Habakkuk, the leader of Tikvat Isreal synagogue, expressed his joy regarding the impact that Camp Sarah has on the upbringing of Jewish children in Nigeria. He asserted that Camp Sarah’s vision surpasses his own vision for Judaism in Nigeria because it includes ambitious plans for the younger generation, who are poised to become the future of the Jewish faith. He admired the effort the camp organizers are putting into raising our children to become leaders, and as a result, his message for Camp Sarah is one of encouragement.

Activities such as singing, art and painting, various types of presentations, public speaking, meditation, sports, and Jewish education are among the most important activities that take place within the camp. With these regular exercises, the children’s mental, physical, and spiritual abilities are said to be transformed and enhanced. The organizers of the camp had implemented a standard grade system in order to monitor and evaluate overall performance, and they had also encouraged teamwork in order to accomplish their objectives.

Anya Herzberg, who is an international volunteer for Camp Sarah, acknowledged that her involvement with the Nigerian Jewish community had a huge impact on her spiritual life during another important chat. Anya Herzberg is a member of the Camp Sarah international volunteer program.

The prayers and singing are very inspiring for me and so much more beautiful than my community in the US because it is so lively and seeing the kids really know and dance to the songs. It’s a very spiritual experience for me; I haven’t felt this connected to Judaism.

According to all the evidence, it is evident that both campers and volunteers expressed good responses, highlighting the sense of belonging, socialization, and Jewish connection that they were able to cultivate. A number of children who are currently residing outside of Abuja, in the more faraway parts of eastern and southern Nigeria, have expressed interest in enrolling and attending subsequent summer camps. Parents also expressed their hopes that future editions of the camp could take place in parts of the country with significant Jewish populations.

On top of that, given that it is the only Jewish summer camp in West Africa, it would not be strange to learn that Jewish children from nearby nations like Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, and Cote d’lvoire would be just as excited to come and get some important experience as their counterparts from Nigeria.

From all indications, Camp Sarah is more than just a summer camp—it’s a beacon of hope, inclusivity, building Jewish literacy, and addressing Jewish continuity. With only two years of existence in Nigeria, Camp Sarah has demonstrated outstanding commitment in their sacred mission for Jewish children. The camp’s on-going growth and evolution will impact future generations as these children grow to become knowledgeable leaders and devoted Jewish adherents. With adequate funding, future editions will not only include children and counsellors from various regions of sub-Saharan Africa but also extend the camp duration to a minimum of 30 to 60 days. Building bridges within and beyond the Nigerian Jewish community—Camp Sarah will strengthen Jewish identity, build a stronger connection to Israel, and increase participation in Jewish community leadership.

The post Inside Camp Sarah in Nigeria first appeared on African Jewish Voices.