Our YJ.
Our Future.
Let’s Build it together.

Deep in the Hills: Building our Future

YJ is Where It Begins.

Where campers build independence. Where friendships form that last a lifetime. Where Jewish identity is lived - not just taught.

For generations, YJ has shaped young people into confident leaders, proud Jews, and lifelong members of our community.

But today, the physical spaces that support this magic must evolve. The next chapter of YJ requires bold investment so that the camp we love today can inspire campers for decades to come.

A Bold Investment in the Future of YJ

The Deep in the Hills Capital Campaign will ensure that Camp YJ remains a place where campers grow, connect, and thrive for generations to come.

With a goal of $6 million, this effort will transform key areas of camp — enhancing daily life, expanding programming, and creating spaces that match the energy and spirit of YJ.

Through this campaign, we will create:

A watercolor illustration depicts a lively outdoor scene at a summer camp with children and adults playing various outdoor games in front of wooden cabins surrounded by tall trees.

A Modern Boys Area designed for comfort, connection, and growth

A digital rendering of a sports complex with multiple activities including an ice rink, a basketball court, and an outdoor hockey rink with a shaded roof structure.

A Multi-Purpose Complex to expand sports, programming, and community life

Large indoor gathering of children and teenagers sitting at tables, waving and smiling, under flags of various countries hanging from the ceiling.

A 21st Century Dining Hall to serve as the heart of the camp experience

A digital illustration of a community park with a large modern building featuring a sloped roof and extensive glass windows, surrounded by trees, a basketball game in progress, and people walking and sitting on benches under a partly cloudy sky.

A Refreshed Ulam Levine for gathering, celebration, and creativity

Modern Cabins. Modern Bathrooms.

Outline of a house with a triangular roof and a chimney
A watercolor illustration of an outdoor summer scene showing a group of children and adults playing touch football on a grassy field in front of multiple wooden cabins surrounded by tall trees, with more people sitting on decks or walking in the background.

Modern Boys Area

Building on the unique and special aesthetic of Camp YJ, we are taking a hybrid approach that blends the best of new construction with thoughtful refurbishment and sustainability. In the Lower Boys’ Area, where our youngest campers reside and where there is more space, we will introduce modern cabins similar to those in Girls’ Area. These cabins will be designed for comfort, durability, and connection to the natural environment.

In Upper Boys’ Area, we are committed to preserving the character of the space and as many trees as possible. Existing cabins will be comprehensively referbished, adding full bathrooms and expanding the footprint of the alcove.

These upgrades will enhance our campers’ summer experience and ensure that Camp YJ maintains its welcoming atmosphere and stays a competitive choice for future campers. 

A simple line drawing of a house with a gabled roof and four windows, with three small squares above it.
Line drawing of a bathroom with a sink and a toilet

In-Cabin Restrooms

Four dark blue arrows pointing outward towards the corners from the center.

Modern Cabins

Expanded Footprint

New and Improved Acoustics. New Air Conditioning.

Icon of a spoon and fork crossed.
A large indoor gathering with many children and teenagers sitting and standing at tables, waving and smiling at the camera. The ceiling has multiple flags hanging from it, including the flags of the United States, France, and others. The room is well-lit with natural light coming through large windows.

21st Century Dining Hall

Revitalizing the Camp YJ dining hall is an investment in more than just a building — it’s an investment in community. Every meal is a chance to bring campers and staff together to eat, laugh, sing, and celebrate. 

Our upgrades will make the space more comfortable and functional year-round. Soundproofing will make it easier to hear and connect. Year-round windows will improve comfort and energy efficiency. And air conditioning will provide relief on hot summer days.

Together, these improvements will transform the dining hall into a gathering space that strengthens the heart and spirit of Camp YJ.

Speaker icon with sound waves and a jagged line representing an audio signal or volume.
A dark blue snowflake icon on a black background.

Year-round Windows and Air Conditioning

Soundproofing for Better Conversation

Enhanced Play. Enhanced Comfort.

Illustration of various fruits, including bananas, apples, and grapes.
3D rendering of outdoor sports facilities including an ice skating rink, a basketball court, and a hockey rink, with a large covered shelter and trees in the background.

Multi-Purpose Complex

Campers thrive when they are active and outdoors — rain or shine. Our new covered Mulit-Purpose Complex will ensure that no matter the weather, camp life stays vibrant and in motion.

The complex will feature spectator areas and multi-sport facilities for basketball, hockey, volleyball, and more, as well as flexible spaces for Shabbat services, Israeli dancing, and all-camp gatherings. It will provide shelter from the heat and rain, while also creating a dynamic, versatile space where campers can come together.

With this new complex, we’ll keep Camp YJ moving for years to come.

Silhouette of a group of people under a roof, representing a community gathering or event.
Two animated figures dancing or jumping with arms raised, one larger and one smaller, against a white background.

Hub for Activities

Icons of two crossed hockey sticks and a hockey puck.

Covered Complex

More Sports Options

Refreshed Outdoor Areas. Refreshed Performance Spaces.

Close-up of a blue embroidered logo on dark fabric.
Illustration of a park with walking paths, trees, and a modern building with a large glass roof. People are walking, sitting, and playing games such as basketball on the outdoor court.

Refreshed Ulam Levine

We’re reimagining Ulam Levine to match the energy, creativity, and ruach of today’s Camp YJ, while honoring the spirit and memories that have made it a beloved cornerstone of camp life for generations.

With a refreshed design, a dedicated stage, and flexible gathering spaces, the new Ulam Levine will remain the place where we cheer, sing, dance, and connect. From talent shows to rainy-day dodgeball to all-camp celebrations, it will continue to be the heart of Camp YJ — just now brighter, more versatile, and ready to inspire the next 85 years of memories.

Simple line drawing of a stage with curtains and an empty space in the center for a performance
Icon of three stylized people standing together.

Gathering Spaces

Icon of a paint palette with a paintbrush

Dedicated Stage

Arts and Athletics Hub

Together,
We’ll Build the Future of YJ

The challenge before us—and the opportunity—is to build a stronger, more vibrant camp for the next generation. This campaign is not simply about facilities; it’s about ensuring that the ruach that defines YJ, continues to thrive.

If you are interested in supporting the campaign or having a conversation about your involvement, contact us at ourfuture@campyj.org