For 90 years, Camp B’nai Brith has remained true to its mission to provide a Jewish camping experience to the children of Montreal’s Jewish community. In its positive and nurturing environment, children enjoy the opportunity to develop self-esteem, friendships and memories that are cherished for life.

Until 1929, when it acquired its present site about 100 kilometres north of Montreal, the camp changed locations almost every year. In 1943, Camp B’nai Brith became a constituent agency of the forerunner of FEDERATION CJA and began to receive financial assistance with its operating costs from the community-wide annual campaign. With the introduction of the Governors Ball (which has become the Gift of Summer Gala), the camp started to receive a steady source of capital funds which were used for expansion and modernization.

By the mid-1960s, the camp mushroomed to accommodate over 1000 boys and girls in three three-week sessions. Those eligible for scholarships were given priority, and over 90% of the campers paid between $1 and $5 per week, depending on the family’s finances. Today, nearly 80% of all campers are subsidized.

Camp B’nai Brith adopted a cutting edge philosophy during this period by investing in modern structures to create a village concept, housing campers according to gender and age, as well as investing in creative programs designed to foster a spirit of camaraderie and sense of achievement amongst staff and campers.

Since its inception, the size of the camp has grown to over 500 acres. It is extremely proud of exceptional programming that marries a full slate of sports with creative arts and a Jewish cultural program. It houses a full library and a Holocaust center located next to a granite sculpture that depicts the 6 million who were lost. Adjacent is the lovely Spinder Synagogue, which has served to make Shabbat services more meaningful.

The camp expanded the Israeli program in 1983 when it began accommodating children of Israeli veterans as guest campers. The boys and girls are 12 and 13 years of age, and many actually celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvoth at camp.

Many years ago, a seed was planted in the minds of those at the camp’s helm: it was felt that, while children were been taken care of, there was a pressing need to provide a country respite for Montreal’s senior citizen community. It would be affordable, provide delicious meals, and stimulating programming that seniors could enjoy. It was decided to build a senior citizen enclave on site and to offer something extremely innovative – intergenerational programming. Thus, Vatikim was born. For 13 years, this program has served thousands of seniors, in two -week sessions.

Nineteen years ago a new, modern residence was built. Today, an activity center and an indoor swimming pool complete the complex. Four hundred senior citizens attend camp each summer, side by side with 1000 children.

In 1992, in answer to a call from the community, a program for children with special needs was introduced. It was a success from the get-go and has increased in enrollment year after year. Camp B’nai Brith truly reaches the entire spectrum of the Jewish community – from children to seniors.