We started attending Family Camp when my daughter was in fourth grade. We were fairly new to the area and still finding our place in Portland. PJA Family Camp at BB Camp seemed like the perfect opportunity to meet people, unplug from our devices, and get a taste of Jewish overnight camp in Oregon.

As I unloaded the car that first year, my daughter immediately ran off to find her friends. Fifteen minutes later, she returned with a declaration: “I am going to go to summer camp here!” And this began our Family Camp story.

Over the last five years, Family Camp has become so much more than a weekend away. It became a place where Rose made friends, and where I made friends, too. It introduced me to people who soon became familiar faces in the Jewish community, deepening the sense of belonging that we were building together. It was also where I fell back in love with campfire singing and playing my ukulele!

Family Camp has been part of our family’s story in another way, too. I have fond memories of attending BB Family Camp not only with PJA, but also with Congregation Beth Israel. Those experiences brought friendships that extended well beyond the weekend itself. Some of those friends became people I would go on to celebrate Jewish holidays with. There is something special about a weekend away turning into friendships that become part of your traditions. What began as a way to meet people in a new city became a way to build lasting connections across our Jewish community.

This last Family Camp was especially meaningful as I watched Rose step into a leadership role designed especially for the middle schoolers. Alongside another eighth grader and a parent volunteer, she led activities for the third and fourth graders, guiding and connecting with the younger kids. Seeing her embrace this opportunity with excitement and confidence filled me with pride. Family Camp had not only given Rose a chance to belong, it also gave her the opportunity to lead, grow, and soar, becoming someone the younger kids could look up to.

This is the magic of Family Camp. Kids of all ages make friends, explore in a safe, device-free environment, and build relationships across grades and generations. They have the freedom to roam, discover, and simply be kids. Parents find comfort in knowing that our children are surrounded by people who care about them and who look after one another. We all learn something new along the way, too, this year, I learned how to play chess!

Since Rose heads into high school next year, this past Family Camp was our fifth, and sadly, our final Family Camp with PJA. I will carry memories of walks to the cove, attempts to climb the rock wall, singing, yoga, games, laughter, and friendships I might never have found otherwise. These are the moments that turn familiar faces into friends and a Jewish community into something that feels like family.

Rose will carry her own memories of friendship, independence, and belonging. She will remember the freedom of putting away her phone for three days and being fully present in the world around her. Most of all, I hope she carries with her the knowledge that she is part of a community where she is known, supported, and loved.

We came looking for community. We found a place to belong, friendships that will last beyond the childhood years, and memories we will carry into whatever comes next. As Rose enters high school and beyond, she will remember that Family Camp was part of our family’s story.

Written By Rikki Kass

Rikki Kass loves serving the Jewish community and helping it thrive. She is a devoted Girl Scout Troop leader, a passionate cyclist, and an enthusiastic ukulele player.