Our History: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Together Since 1942
Pinemere Camp, located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1942 by the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB), now known as the Jewish Community Center Association of North America (JCCA). The mission was to create a vibrant resident camp where Jewish children from across the Mid-Atlantic region could come together, connect with nature, and strengthen their Jewish identity in a warm, inclusive setting.
A Visionary Start
In the early 20th century, summer camps were primarily seen as a way to give city-dwelling children fresh air and open spaces. But by the 1940s, as Jewish families were settling across the United States, Pinemere offered something more — a unique overnight camp experience that combined outdoor adventure with a strong sense of Jewish community. Originally an all-girls camp established by a woman named Susan Cohen, the site of the camp was placed around a small lake named Pinemere (“mirror of the pines”).
With the support of the JWB, the Pinemere team quickly built a thriving community, drawing campers from small towns and suburbs where children had limited opportunities to interact with other Jewish kids. Pinemere soon became a beloved summer home where children could embrace their heritage, explore their surroundings, and build friendships that transcended geographic boundaries.
A Visionary Start
In the early 20th century, summer camps were primarily seen as a way to give city-dwelling children fresh air and open spaces. But by the 1940s, as Jewish families were settling across the United States, Pinemere offered something more — a unique overnight camp experience that combined outdoor adventure with a strong sense of Jewish community. Originally an all-girls camp established by a woman named Susan Cohen, the site of the camp was placed around a small lake named Pinemere (“mirror of the pines”).
With the support of the JWB, the Pinemere team quickly built a thriving community, drawing campers from small towns and suburbs where children had limited opportunities to interact with other Jewish kids. Pinemere soon became a beloved summer home where children could embrace their heritage, explore their surroundings, and build friendships that transcended geographic boundaries.
Evolving with Tradition
Today, Pinemere Camp welcomes campers from around the world, staying true to its founders’ vision of fostering Jewish identity and community in a beautiful natural setting. Campers can choose from sessions lasting seven, four, or three weeks, as well as a 12-day introductory option. Our program blends cherished traditions with fresh, innovative activities that make each summer unforgettable.
Just as our founders envisioned, Pinemere remains a place where each camper can discover their unique Jewish identity while forging lifelong connections — all within the “mirror of the pines” that has reflected generations of memories.
