B’nai B’rith Camp, a Jewish community camp located on the Oregon coast, serves children and adults of all ages and various denominations. Based in Jewish values and open to everyone since 1921, BB Camp is a home away from home for many generations of children because of its unique camaraderie. We provide safe, nurturing and fun experiences in a welcoming environment that inspires individual growth and enduring Jewish identity.
BB Camp’s youth-centered summer camps and year round programs for all ages build communities and offer exceptional leadership development. We strive to teach the values and ethics of Jewish living by example, experience, and creative expression.
Our goals for campers include:
Learning the values and ethics of Jewish living
Increasing self-reliance
Developing new skills; helping young people grow in a responsible, mature manner
Creating a democratic group experience within a Jewish atmosphere
Building friendships for life
Just plain having fun!
Explore our wide range of activities and programs:
Participating in programs such as Nature, Arts and Crafts, Singing, Drama, Dancing, and Creative Writing
Out-of-camp overnights and trips, including beach trips, whitewater rafting, the Ashland Shakespeare Festival, and a variety of field trips along the coast
B’nai B’rith Camp has consistently proven to be a great place for youth to learn about themselves, their identity, their environment, and how to relate to others.
B.B. Camp is Michelle’s childhood Camp, as she was a camper for eight years and on staff for nine years prior to her thirteen year (and counting!) stint as the Director and Executive Director. Previous to directing Camp, Michelle was the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Director for both Portland and Eugene Councils for six years, and Michelle directed the Mittleman Community Center’s Youth Services Department for five years. [expand title="Read More"]
Michelle’s husband, Loren is a Men’s Camper and their daughter, Ali, has been at Camp since she was six weeks old. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of California Santa Barbara and completed the Executive Leadership Institute program through the Foundation of Jewish Camp in 2007.[/expand]
Associate Director | Ben Charlton
Ben first joined the BB Camp family in 2013 as our Judaic educator, where he connected with campers through his love for both Judaism and BB Camp. A native of Maryland, Ben spent eight years in Buffalo, New York where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University at Buffalo in economics. Ben started his career as a middle school math teacher. While in Buffalo, he also taught at religious schools, advised youth groups, and worked at summer camp. Most recently, he was the Program Director of the Bureau of Jewish Education. Previous to that position, Ben was the Director of Informal Jewish Education at Temple Beth Tzedek. Of all his work experiences, Ben most cherishes his time spent with children with special needs, both in classroom and recreational settings. On a typical Saturday night, you can find Ben catching a Blazers game or eating large quantities of grilled cheese.
"Hosting Shlichim during the summers remains a wonderful experience for our family. Each year we meet dynamic and fascinating young Israelis with whom we maintain contact long after the summer has gone. Our kids are the greatest beneficiaries of the experience, finding in the Shlichim individuals who they come to regard as older siblings. It is an event we look forward to every year with good reason and plan on continuing for years to come."
- Soberman Family, The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp, Prosserman JCC
Connecting with Israel
“Although it was so new, Israel brought upon me a familiar sense of belonging much like what I feel at Camp Chi every summer. The ability to be in a place where one feels so free and proud to be a Jew is a feeling that makes me so proud to be involved in my Jewish heritage.”
- Joshua Krawitz, 17, Camp Chi, JCC Chicago
- Joshua Krawitz, 17, Camp Chi, JCC Chicago