Our Federation proudly led advocacy efforts, along with the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California and the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, that recently secured $141.2 million in this year’s state budget. These funds will address vital issues such as the rebuilding of both Jewish and secular camps across the state that have been ravaged by wildfires over the past few years. Below are testimonials from some of our partners who will benefit as a result of our work on behalf of these treasured outdoor spaces.
This new funding from the State of California has put us one big step towards turning our ashes from the Woolsey Fire into blossoms. With tremendous gratitude, the Shalom Institute community thanks Jewish Federation Los Angeles and the Jewish Caucus for all their support and efforts to secure these funds not only for us, but for five other camps destroyed in wildfires over the last five years. For decades to come, this financial support will not only benefit thousands of children and adults who will continue to be impacted by the transformative Jewish camp experience, but also others like our Farm Fellows, young adults with diverse abilities employed at our social enterprise Shemesh Farms. As we move forward turning our ashes into blossoms, we are inspired and grateful.
Rabbi Bill Kaplan
Executive Director
Shalom Institute
On behalf of Camping Unlimited and the thousands of people with disabilities we serve (as well as their families and caregivers), and have served for more than 64 years, please accept our gratitude for your support.
Alex Krem
The CZU fire devastated our beautiful camp, and this initiative will make the long and difficult process of rebuilding so much easier.
Thank you.
Executive Director
Camping Unlimited
The entire Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps community is grateful for the tireless work that Jewish Federation Los Angeles and the Jewish Caucus engaged in to ensure the future of Jewish Camping. The recognition from the State of California of the invaluable work camps do to help children, teens, and even adults learn, grow, and become better people is reflected in this financial support. We move forward with gratitude and excitement to continue our mission to engage, educate, and make the world a better place.
Douglas Lynn
Executive Director
Camps and Conference Center
Girl Scouts of Northern California is so appreciative of the funding awarded in the State budget for California camps that were affected by the devastating wildfires over the past few years. This financial boost will help the camps rebuild and once again bring youth and families back into the great outdoors.
Michelle McCormick
Our premier camp, Skylark Ranch, suffered significant damage in the CZU Lightning Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains in August 2020. It has remained closed for the past two years as we watch to see how much of the forest is going to survive and when it will be safe to rebuild. However, we can’t afford to wait much longer. Now more than ever, girls are suffering from stress, isolation, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They need a place to decompress, interact with other girls, gain skills and confidence, develop new interests, and nourish their souls through being in nature. With funding from the State we will now be able to launch our recovery plan.
Again, our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this funding possible.
Chief Mission Delivery Officer
Girl Scouts of Northern California
