Jewish Life at Camp

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In addition to providing superb science and technology programs, 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy is a warm, immersive Jewish community. Our Jewish values increase our appreciation and aptitude for science and technology, and our understanding of science and technology principles heightens our approach to Judaism. Our community promotes the idea that STEM and Judaism can not only co-exist, but naturally complement each other. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, flexibility, and perseverance define our experience in both areas.

Our core values are:

  • Connection (kesher): We have a connection to a rich history of scientific and technological innovation by members of the worldwide Jewish community and in the State of Israel. We aim to provide positive contributions to both the Jewish and scientific communities.
  • Curiosity (sakranut): We are curious about the world around us, from the mundane to the spectacular, yearning to understand how and why things work for the purpose of preserving and improving 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 our work and relationships through respect and fairness builds personal character and 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! 

At Sci-Tech, we infuse science and technology into our important 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 the history of the world, we weave together science and Judaism through our values.

Our ark combines images from the worlds of science and technology, along with handles printed on our own 3D printer. The inside of the ark was designed by our own campers. Campers also have the opportunity to create Sci-Tech mezuzot out of test tubes, corks, and rulers.

Campers learn how Jews throughout history have contributed deeply to the body of scientific knowledge, and their connection to Israel is strengthened through the spirit of innovation present there. Our Israeli staff members (shlichim) also bring a personal connection to Israel, sharing their own stories, music, and experiences with our campers.

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.

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. At camp, they can experience what Judaism means to them.

6 Points Sci-Tech Academy is operated by the Union for Reform Judaism, which represents 900 Reform synagogues and operates 15 summer camps across North America.

Did you know? Israel has the most science and technology professionals per capita of any country in the world.