Why we love Camp Newman

Later this month, several Jewish Healdsburg families will be spending a three-day weekend of prayer and fun at Camp Newman, a Jewish immersion getaway in the hills north and east of Santa Rosa.

The facility is part of a proud lineage of reform Jewish camping on the West Coast: the Union for Reform Judaism family of camps and youth programs 

It also happens to be a great spot for families to have a really good time.

Camp Newman offers several different programs throughout the year. One of those programs—the Spring Family Camp—will be held from Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 2.

On the surface, this endeavor is a retreat: a community of acceptance where families with kids ages 2 through 12 can model positive behaviors and acknowledge that every person is vital. Camp organizers say they live by the value of b’tzelem Elohim, which says each of us is created in the image of God.

Dig deeper and camp experience at Camp Newman is all about helping guests build self-confidence and a stronger connection and commitment to faith 

Shabbat itself is a community affair filled with prayer, singing, and, of course, delicious food. Later in the weekend there are additional opportunities to come together and worship, discuss the teachings of Torah, and get to know other family campers 

Camp Newman also prides itself on outdoor activities 

The facility has a beautiful campus to explore on foot; depending on rainfall there might even be wildflowers in certain areas when Jewish Healdsburg members visit.

There’s also a pretty serious ropes course that challenges participants with climbing, rappelling, balancing, and more. Some of the kids and parents who try the course find themselves as high as 50 or 60 feet above the ground. In the picture that accompanies this post, you can see Mackenzie Kelley on top of the world.

Families come to Camp Newman to have an immersive Jewish camping experience where they can develop a strong connection to their heritage, build lasting friendships, and learn valuable life skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We are Jewish Healdsburg are delighted to be a part of this tradition. Stay tuned for updates on how our visit goes.