Summer camp focuses on active living and nutrition

A new Jewish camp is slated to open its doors in the summer of 2014, but it might be a little different from the summer camps that many of us remember. Unlike the Sloppy-Joes-and-tetherball camps from days of yore, Camp Zeke will offer gourmet cuisine and a personalized schedule focused on active living and culinary arts.

After eating a breakfast of organic fresh fruits and strawberry French toast soufflé – made with local, cage-free eggs, of course – campers will choose from energy-filled activities like capoeira, Israeli dance, strength training, and yoga. Gone are the days when playing traditional competitive sports was the only way to have an active summer. And if you thought cooking at camp meant making greasy burgers on outdoor grills, think again. At Zeke, campers will have the opportunity to put on an apron and cook elaborate dishes with a professional chef.

“Active living and whole foods have become really popular,” explains Founder Lisa Kravitz. “We’re catering to families who bike or hike together, enjoy farmers’ markets, create meals with fresh, local ingredients, or just want to learn more about holistic wellness.” Recognizing the lack of camps serving this demographic, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Jim Joseph Foundation, and AVI CHAI Foundation accepted Camp Zeke into their “Specialty Camps Incubator.” As part of this program, the camp will receive $1.16 million dollars over the next five years, along with extensive support from experts in Jewish camping. The foundations’ goal is to cater to Jewish kids and teens who choose not to attend traditional camps.

“Many kids want an active summer but don’t like playing sports,” explains Founder and Director Isaac Mamaysky, “and many other kids love the idea of cooking with a real chef in a professional kitchen.” Camp Zeke will offer both of those things in an environment where all the food is healthy. “Of course, we’ll still have the delicious foods that kids love,” explains Isaac, “but the pizza will be made of whole wheat dough, and the ice pops will be made of real fruit – and that’s something parents can love too.”

While active living and nutrition have recently become hot topics, the idea for Zeke finds its roots in ancient Jewish teachings of shmirat haguf, or taking care of the body. The name, Zeke, is an abbreviation for the Hebrew name Yechezkel, which connotes immense strength. “That’s our motto,” explains Lisa, “strengthening the Jewish people, one camper at a time!” It is no surprise, then, that Zeke’s kitchen will be strictly kosher. The camp will also emphasize the connection between physical and spiritual wellbeing. As one famous Jewish thinker put it, “only if the body is healthy is it an efficient instrument for the spirit’s activity.” Camp Zeke plans to help campers embody these words.

The Zeke team is finalizing plans for a site located near the New York Metropolitan Area. Camp Zeke is holding kickoff events focused on fitness and nutrition in communities across the country. To join their mailing list or learn more about the camp, visit campzeke.org. You can also follow Camp Zeke on Facebook (facebook.com/campzeke) and Twitter (twitter.com/campzeke).