Camp Emeth Programming

Shabbat

Jewish themes and meaningful hands-on activities are part of our daily programming. Each Friday, we come together to celebrate Shabbat with a special all-camp tefillah service led by Shaare Emeth clergy, Israeli dance, and song session. On select Fridays, we will also have field trips and other special programs such as Yom Israel, Red White & Blue Day, and Yom Sport (our all-camp color wars).

Sports

Campers look forward to participating in our sports & games program several times per week. Activities are age-appropriate and engage our campers in non-traditional ways. The goals are to keep them active, develop good sportsmanship, and find unique ways to play traditional games.

Arts & Crafts

Campers can get crafty and tap into their inner artist several times per week at Camp Emeth. Our Arts and Crafts Specialist plans and oversees a summer full of fun activities to engage campers and build their confidence through creativity.

Shiur

Shiur, translated as “Jewish lesson”, is where our camp theme is explored. Through exciting programming, our Shiur Specialist integrates lessons of the Torah and Jewish teachings to engage campers to think about themselves in the context of Judaism and our theme. Past themes have included Adam Yachid (uniqueness of every human being), Kehillah Kedosha (holy community), Making Mensches, and Ometz Lev (strength of heart).

Music

Music is an integral part of the camp day, thanks to our talented and engaging camp songleader, Lucy Greenbaum (she is also Shaare Emeth’s Director of Music Engagement throughout the year). Our camp day begins and ends with song. Campers enjoy song sessions in smaller groups throughout the week and as an entire community on Shabbat. Song sessions mix old and new favorites, combining both Jewish and secular music.

Israel

Now more than ever, Camp Emeth is proud to feature Israel as an area of camp programming and to deepen our community’s ties to Israel through fun and engaging programming. We are thrilled that our Israeli shinshin Naomi, will be able to spend the summer with us here at Camp Emeth! She has called St. Louis her home away from home since the beginning of the 2025-26 school year and has worked to create meaningful programs and activities for Shaare Emeth youth during religious school, pre-school, and elsewhere. She will see many familiar faces at Camp Emeth and will welcome many new friends as well!

Our shinshin helps lead flagpole every morning and teaches a Hebrew word of the day. In addition to these formal roles, the most important part of the shinshin’s job is providing an opportunity for our campers to personalize their experience by forming a relationship with someone who lives in Israel. We think this will ultimately help campers develop a connection to Israel that is their own and understand the significance of Israel to each of them and the Jewish people.

Chuggim

“Chug” (pronounced “hoog”) is the Hebrew word for “elective” (chuggim is plural). Each week, campers spend part of their afternoon Monday through Thursday in their chosen activity. Each summer we offer a combination of returning favorites and new chug offerings to engage our campers and personalize their camp experience. Chuggim activities change each week and may include activities related to sports, performing arts, crafts, STEM, any many more!

Swimming

Spending time in the pool is a great way for campers to beat the heat in the summer, gain confidence in their swimming abilities, and to have fun in a safe and supervised environment. Our swim program includes free swim on certain days as well as swim instruction on other days each Monday through Thursday. For over 30 years, Forest Lake Tennis Club has hosted Camp Emeth for swimming in their outdoor pool, so we are excited to return this summer. We also partner with the Chesterfield Family YMCA to provide trained lifeguards and swim instructors for our swim program. Campers are shuttled via school bus to Forest Lake for their swim time and are supervised at all times by Camp Emeth staff. Most camp staff members are directly in the water with their campers, while others are assigned to supervise from the pool deck.

Field Trips

Field trips are a highlight for campers and camp staff alike! Several Friday field trips will be planned for summer 2026, and you can find specific dates and details on our Camp Calendar under Info for Parents as they are finalized leading up to camp.

Camp Emeth Shabbat

After the success of last year’s Camp Emeth Shabbat, we plan to bring it back for 2026! Campers are invited to stay for an extended day of camp, then join their families for a special kid-friendly nosh and Camp Emeth-themed Shabbat service in the sanctuary. We can’t wait to have a sea of tie-dye and beautiful voices fill the sanctuary once again this summer. The exact date will be announced and listed on the Camp Calendar when plans are finalized.