About Perlman

Mission Statement

B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp exists to provide children with a safe, fun and enriching summer camp experience in a Jewish environment.

Vision Statement

Perlman Camp offers a fun and inclusive family atmosphere, which provides opportunities for growth and the development of a sense of self.  Our hallmark is a pluralistic Jewish environment that enhances teamwork, cooperation and leadership in the camp community and beyond. We offer a traditional camping experience that encompasses athletics, arts, aquatics, outdoor adventure, and fosters Jewish values, morals and ethics.

Our History

Perlman Camp is located in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, just 3 hours from New York City and Philadelphia and 5 hours from Washington DC. Our lush fields, pristine forests and spring-fed lake, form the perfect backdrop for an exceptional summer of friendship, learning and fun.  Camp B'nai B'rith opened in Starlight, Pennsylvania in 1954. When B'nai B'rith International opened a second camp in Wisconsin in 1977, we were renamed Perlman Camp, in honor of Anita and Louis Perlman. Although our mailing address was reassigned as Lake Como in 2005, our true home will always be under the blanket of stars that makes Starlight famous.

B'nai B'rith International, a non-profit Jewish organization committed to the security and continuity of the Jewish people, is universally recognized as one of the world's largest and oldest human rights, community action, and humanitarian organizations. As a B'nai B'rith camp, we strive to unite Jewish youth and enhance their Jewish identities through high-quality programs and positive role models. Our non-profit status allows us to offer quality overnight camping at fees far below those of private camps; yet, our facilities, programs and spirit rival the finest in the country.

Perlman Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and a member of the Wayne County Camp Association and the Association of Jewish Sponsored Camps.

Our Philosophy

Perlman Camp provides the ultimate camp experience in a fun-filled summer of arts, athletics, aquatics and outdoor adventure. We maintain a safe and healthy environment where campers are encouraged to:

* Build a sense of respect for themselves and others

* Enhance their decision making skills

* Increase their knowledge of Jewish history, traditions and culture

* Discover new interests

* Improve existing talents

* Develop new skills

We promote positive values that help campers to strengthen their individual identities while becoming positive and contributing members of a group. Through friendship and activity, campers gain independence and self-confidence.

Family Atmosphere

Our family-oriented atmosphere provides a warm and caring environment that embraces campers and guides them to self-awareness, self-confidence and self-fulfillment. Campers are able to gain independent living skills and experience the democratic process that is part of group living.

Through the years, Perlman has become a second home to campers and staff, forming a family where support, love and trust are the keys to success. And while our primary goal is to have fun, we maintain a healthy environment where campers feel safe to explore new interests and develop new skills.

Perlman Camp is not only a place where campers return each year to spend time with the life-long friends they have made, but one where new campers are welcomed and quickly integrated into camp life. Our unmatched spirit and sense of tradition make Perlman simply the best place to spend a summer!

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A Jewish Environment

The Jewish program at camp focuses on learning through activity. Our staff uses creativity to incorporate Judaic components into our daily program. Each experience becomes a unique and meaningful opportunity for all campers, regardless of background, to connect with the rich culture and heritage of the Jewish people.

We promote positive values that help campers to explore their own identities and develop meaningful relationships with one another. Through 'Kavod' (respect and honor), 'Chevra' (friendship and community), 'Tikun Olam' (caring for our environment; repairing our world) and 'Shalom Bayit' (peace and harmony in the home), campers learn to succeed in community living.

Shabbat is a very special time at camp. We welcome Shabbat on Friday evening with the lighting of the Menorah, camper-led services and Shabbat blessings, a traditional Shabbat dinner and Israeli singing and dancing. Saturday morning services include Saturday Torah Live, a puppet show depicting the Parsha of the week. Each Unit participates in an age-appropriate program designed to introduce the lessons, history and vocabulary of the Torah and its relevance to everyday living. Non-instructional sports and swim time and a beautiful Havdallah service by the lake complete the camp Shabbat experience.

We are a pluralistic camp whose focus is on celebrating Judaism through traditions and practice of our shared history, values and culture. Our ongoing Jewish spirit weaves a positive message of learning and sharing into everyday life. Our program includes Hebrew Word of the Day, blessings before and after meals, observance of Tisha B'Av and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring (must be pre-arranged with the camp office). Israel Day is a popular program that gives our Israeli staff the opportunity to bring the beauty and culture of their country right here to camp. Judaic elements and themes integrated into our evening activities and special event days provide an enriching experience in a warm Jewish environment.

B'nai B'rith Camping Jewish Mission Statement

Judaism at Camp strives to be welcoming and embracing. It is fun and promotes individual growth in a Jewish environment that is an enriching experience.This experience is values-based and community-focused.

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