Friedberg JCC's Camp Ga'avah thriving

A new camp introduced by the Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside recently completed its third summer program and has grown into a year-round platform for LGBTQ children ages 6 through 17.
Camp Ga’avah (Pride) began as a pilot program in 2018 with a grant from the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York and had nine children and teens enrolled for a one-week summer camp. In 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic, 13 people took part in the camp over a seven-week span, including five newcomers.
“The only difference between this year’s camp and the first two was the location,” said Stephanie Abrams, the director of camping services at Friedberg JCC. “Instead of at the campgrounds in Wheatley Heights, it was held on site here at Friedberg JCC. It’s exciting to have new kids on board. We still had arts and crafts, sports and fireside chats where they all really bond.”
Abrams described the camp, which starting in 2021 is increasing to eight weeks beginning on June 28, as a safe, welcoming place for kids who identify as LGBTQ as well as gender fluid, gender creative and gender questioning. Allies, such as a sibling or friend, are also encouraged to join. She said year-round activities, with the exception of a weekly virtual meeting, are on hold due to Covid-19, and in the past they have featured field trips to Broadway shows, museums, ice skating, hiking, nature walks and guest lecturers. Campers also partake in community service projects.
Lizzie Rabin, a 2020 Long Beach High School graduate, was a Camp Ga’avah participant for each of its first two years and worked as a counselor this past summer. “The first year was only one week, but all of us at the camp were close to the same age and we really bonded,” Rabin said. “We hung out a lot after camp ended and remain friends. It’s a fun camp and I’m planning to return to work as a counselor next summer.”