In addition to offering superb science and technology programs, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy is a warm and immersive Jewish community that draws from the rich and welcoming tradition of Reform Judaism. Our Jewish values enhance our appreciation and aptitude for science and technology, and our understanding of scientific principles deepens our approach to Judaism. Our community promotes the idea that STEM and Judaism can not only co-exist, but naturally complement each other. Campers leave with a sense of connection to the Jewish community, having built friendships with other Jewish children and having participated in camp’s vibrant Jewish life.
Some ways Jewish Life shows up in our core values:
- Connection (kesher): We have a connection to a rich history of scientific and technological innovation by members of the worldwide Jewish community and in Israel, the country with the highest number of science and technology professionals per capita of any country in the world. We aim to provide positive contributions to both the Jewish and scientific communities. Campers learn about the significant contributions that Jews have made throughout history to the body of scientific knowledge.
- Curiosity (sakranut): We are curious about the world around us, from the mundane to the spectacular, yearning to understand how and why things work, in order to preserve and improve our world.
- Discovery (taglit): We seek discovery through new pursuits and ideas, embracing creative approaches to problems, and challenging ourselves to maximize our skills, talents, and self-understanding.
- Respect (kavod): Our ethical approach to work and relationships, characterized by respect and fairness, fosters personal character and cultivates a sacred and caring community.
- Patience (savlanut): In a world of instant gratification, we must recognize that something we build or design may not work right the first or even second time. We must exude patience for ourselves and with our fellow campers, as we explore, learn, and work to achieve a common goal.
- And the 6th unique Value that every person brings with them to camp!
We also infuse science and technology into our essential ritual objects:
The Sci-Tech Torah is a manifestation of our connections between science and Judaism. With selections from Genesis and facts from our modern understanding of world history, we weave together science and Judaism through our shared values.
Our ark combines images from the worlds of science and technology, along with handles printed on our own 3D printer. Our own campers designed the inside of the ark!
Our campers also grapple with big questions, like “Can the Big Bang and the Torah story of creation co-exist?”, “What does science teach us about Judaism and what does Judaism teach us about science?”, “What does Judaism say about space exploration?”, “If DNA and proteins are the building blocks of life, who built DNA?”, and “Are we playing God when we genetically modify food or organisms?”. Judaism and the camp environment allow and encourage our campers and staff to ask these big questions. Campers may find some answers and think of even more questions, as they are guided by our staff and visiting Rabbis, Cantors, and Educators to discover how they can live a life where science and Judaism both have meaning.
We also support b’mitzvah practice for those who are approaching this momentous lifecycle event! Many campers join us the summer before they become B Mitzvah, and we are happy to be able to provide support for their studies. While we do not teach new content, we can help campers practice and review what they’ve already learned. We are happy to support B Mitzvah practice for campers who are becoming B Mitzvah between the end of a camper’s time at camp and the end of the year.