Camp Young Judaea Texas
| Camp Young Judaea Texas | |
|---|---|
| Location | Woodcreek, Texas, U.S. |
| Type | Summer camp |
| Operated by | Young Judaea |
| Established | 1952 |
| Website | cyjtexas |
Camp Young Judaea Texas, commonly known as CYJ Texas, is a Jewish overnight summer camp and retreat center located in the Texas Hill Country. Founded in 1952, CYJ Texas is affiliated with Young Judaea.
History
Camp Young Judaea Texas was established in 1952. In its initial year, approximately 100 children from across Texas attended the camp, which was then rented from "Camp Christian" in Center Point, Texas. The establishment of the camp was made possible through a combination of bank loans and donations from concerned Jewish individuals throughout the state.[1]
In 1971, the camp moved to its current location in Woodcreek, Texas.[1]
The camp's 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]
In 2024, the camp offered scholarships to 16 Israeli campers, in response to the October 7 attacks on Israel in 2023.[3]
Campus and facilities
CYJ Texas is situated on a campus in Woodcreek, Texas. Key facilities include:
- Dining Hall (Chadar Ochel): The 10,400-square-foot dining hall has a seating capacity for 600 campers and staff.
- Camper Cabins (Tzrifim): The camp has 22 cabins,[1] designed to accommodate up to 28 campers and eight staff per session.
- Auditorium (Bar Yadin Beit Ha'am): A 15,000-square-foot auditorium used for communal gatherings and events.[4]
- The Jodi Braham Center for Arts, Crafts & Design (Merkaz Omanut)[4]
- Aquatic Center: Features a large free-form pool with a mushroom water feature and two waterslides (one open, one closed). The camp also offers waterfront activities at a lake, including paddleboarding, boating, and fishing. Future plans include an expanded Aqua Park.[4][5]
- Ropes Courses: Includes both a low ropes course for teamwork and a high ropes course (approximately 50 feet high) with three different levels and a zip-line element. Future plans include a "Vertical Ropes Playground" with 36 climbing elements.[4][6]
- Sports Center: An 18,000-square-foot facility with a basketball court and an indoor soccer pitch. The camp also has outdoor sports facilities.
The camp also serves as a retreat center outside of the summer season, hosting events such as family reunions, corporate conferences, and religious retreats.[7] In 2017, the camp announced plans to build a new "retreat village," which would add 42 rooms to the campus.[8]
Programs and activities
CYJ Texas offers a range of programs and activities during its summer sessions, designed to engage campers in sports, arts, outdoor adventures, and Jewish learning. Mornings at CYJ are structured around "chuggim" (electives), where campers choose three activities based on their interests. These electives can be swapped weekly.
In addition to summer camp, CYJ Texas also offers other programs throughout the year, such as Family Camp, Spring Camp, Man Camp, and Passover Camp.
References
- ^ a b c "History of Camp Young Judaea, Jewish Summer Camp in Texas". cyjtexas.org. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Camp Young Judaea makes tough decision to cancel camp in 2020". Jewish Herald-Voice. 2020-05-22. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ Gross, Hannah (2024-08-22). "Israeli children find fun, respite from war at Camp Young Judaea". Jewish Herald-Voice. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ a b c d Corson, Caroline (2025-04-08). "CYJ Texas Unveils $10 Million Vision for Its Future". Shalom Austin. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Swim in the Pool or Lake, Paddleboard, Fish, or Boat at CYJ". cyjtexas.org. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Ropes, Rock Climbing, Camping, Israeli Scouting, Ziplining". cyjtexas.org. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Jewish Retreats for Adults & Jewish Family Camps at CYJ TX". cyjtexas.org. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ Duke, Michael C. (2017-03-30). "New 'Retreat Village' coming to Camp Young Judaea Texas". Jewish Herald-Voice. Retrieved 2025-06-27.