Celebrating Strength, Community, and the Path Ahead

Dear Camp George Community,

Today marks one year since the fire that destroyed our Chadar Ochel on January 2nd. It was a moment none of us will ever forget—one that shook us deeply, and also revealed the extraordinary strength, heart, and resilience of our Camp George family.

Standing here a year later, I am filled with immense gratitude. Guided by our shared values and commitment to one another, we created a temporary space that allowed camp to thrive this past summer and beyond. 

More importantly, we rediscovered who we are when we come together: a kehillah rooted in care, courage, and Jewish purpose. In the face of loss, we chose connection. In uncertainty, we chose hope. And in challenge, we chose to show up for one another.

Camp has always been a place of transformation. For so many of us, stepping onto our beautiful space on Maple Lake for the first time was a defining moment—an experience that shaped our sense of self, our Jewish identity, and our understanding of community. This past year has been its own kind of transformative journey. Much like a summer at camp, it pushed us out of our comfort zones, asked us to trust one another, and reminded us that growth often comes through uncertainty.

As we move forward, we want to share an update on where things stand. We continue to work closely through the insurance process, which remains an important part of the rebuilding journey. We are deep into the design phase of our new Chadar Ochel, thoughtfully imagining a space that will once again serve as the heart of camp life. We can’t wait to share our plans with you! We look forward to sharing more details with our community as plans continue to take shape in the months ahead.

We are guided by a mission that calls us to nurture Jewish identity, knowledge, and values through joyful, immersive experiences—and to build community that extends far beyond our gates. That mission has never felt more alive than it does now. It is present in the way we care for one another, in the spaces we envision, and in our commitment to ensuring that Camp George continues to be a place where lives are shaped, relationships are formed, and belonging is felt deeply.

With your partnership and trust, this next chapter will be transformative, rooted in who we are and inspired by the future.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and best wishes for 2026!

Jeff Rose
Director, URJ Camp George