Diversity & Belonging at Camp KEFF
Camp KEFF has quietly yet proudly served as the standard bearer for diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging for more than 50 years. Welcoming and honoring our diversely beautiful and vibrant camp community has been our mission for decades—because as a non-profit organization we exist to create a caring, safe space where we can be our authentic selves and belong, precisely as we are.
Our mission and programs are grounded in Jewish wisdom—not coincidentally aligning with universal principles. For decades, our priority has been the teaching and role modeling of empathy, honesty, balancing self with other, deep understanding and embracing of people similar and different than ourselves, and welcoming diversity as a critical communal strength and asset.
Our philosophy of belonging is founded on centuries-old Jewish wisdom and values, including Hachnasat Or’chim (Welcoming All)—creating a space where every camper feels safe and celebrated in being themselves. By treating everyone with empathy, understanding, and respect, we nurture an environment where campers can grow, evolve, and be their absolute best and authentic selves, naturally. No one need worry about not fitting in at Camp KEFF, we make ample space for everyone—exactly as we are.
And these core values point to another Jewish value: Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). By making our KEFF corner of the world an affirming and welcoming place that encourages growth, we make our community (and beyond!) a more joyful and more whole place for our local and global neighbors. We also understand Tikkun Olam as our charge to serve as peace makers for a world in desperate need of healing, empathy, patience, and kindness. At Camp KEFF, we understand that the individual experience is collective. When one of us overcomes, grows, achieves, our whole community is strengthened.
For more than fifty years, we’ve welcomed all to take part in our camp and its activities—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because we firmly believe that a welcoming and diverse community of campers and staff inspires kids to become confident, compassionate contributors to society. Trends come and go. Camp KEFF and our philosophy of inclusion and belonging have stood the test of time. And nothing makes us happier!