CAMPAIGN 2026

Supporting the Next Generation of Camp

Dear Alumni, Friends, Families and Supporters of BB Camp:

 For more than 70 years, B’nai Brith Jewish Community Camp has been a cornerstone of Jewish life, personal growth, and community connection. Nestled on Lake of the Woods, BB Camp provides a safe, inclusive, and values-driven environment where children build independence, leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and a strong Jewish identity.

 Today, BB Camp is thriving with full cabins for Summer 2026 and a strong, experienced, and dedicated staff in place. At the same time, the Camp faces aging infrastructure, escalating operating expenses, the impact of climate change, and legacy debt that must be addressed to ensure financial sustainability.

 We are asking our Camp community to consider supporting Campaign 2026, a strategic investment in the future of BB Camp.  

Why Campaign 2026

  • Many core buildings date back to the World War II era and no longer meet modern expectations for safety, comfort, or staff retention.

  • Climate-related challenges - including extreme heat and wildfire smoke - increasingly impact camper health and program delivery, necessitating improved air quality measures and sun protection.

  • Legacy debt from the campsite acquisition places ongoing strain on operating cash flow.

  • BB Camp is committed to accessibility, which limits the ability to offset rising costs through fee increases.

Campaign Priorities

  1. Facility Renewal: Upgrading security systems, cabins, staff housing, recreational spaces, and waterfront infrastructure.

  2. Program Support: Investing in equipment and spaces that strengthen core wilderness, cultural, and leadership programming.

  3. Debt Repayment: Eliminating legacy debt to restore financial flexibility.

  4. Operating Stability: Supporting camperships, essential repairs, and unavoidable operating pressures.

 Community Impact

Jewish summer camp is a fundamental pillar of the Jewish community and BB Camp plays a unique role in Jewish life. Fewer than 30% of our campers attend Jewish day schools, making Camp a primary connection point to Jewish community, culture and identity for many families. Research from the Foundation for Jewish Camp confirms that Jewish overnight camp is a proven builder of Jewish identity and lifelong communal engagement. Former campers are significantly more likely to attend synagogue, donate to Jewish causes, maintain Jewish ritual practice, and feel connected to Israel. We proudly see our alumni in leading roles within the community.

The Talmud tells us that kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, meaning, all of Israel are responsible for one another. This powerful statement encapsulates the idea of communal responsibility and unity within Jewish values.  Our Board of Directors, a group of fourteen dedicated volunteers, and our senior leadership will continue to work hard for the benefit of Camp, enhancing and protecting our incredible facility to ensure that our community’s youth have a safe, Jewish space to come to each year. 

Campaign Goal

$2.5 million will allow BB Camp to complete critical capital projects, retire debt, and strengthen its operating foundation. Wherever possible, campaign funds will be leveraged through matching and capital grants to maximize donor impact.  This is a broad campaign; campaign funds will be allocated to identified projects based on a priority schedule set by the Operations Committee.

 Specific Projects:

Debt Repayment: $550,000

Operating Fund: $350,000

Tripper Shack / Depot Renovation: $300,000

Supervisory Staff Housing & Washhouse: $262,500

Operations Staff Housing Replacement: $225,000

Cabin Electrical Upgrades & Air Conditioning: $185,000

Sports Court Rehabilitation: $185,000

Waterfront Resource Centre: $175,000

Swim Dock & Kayak Infrastructure Repairs: $84,000

Water System Upgrade: $65,000

Staff Recreation Building Improvements: $50,000

A/V Equipment for Gadol: $25,000

New Kubota Tractor with Backhoe: $20,000

Migrash Gaga Pit: $10,000

Paddling-Specific PFDs: $10,000

Recognition

Donations will be recognized on a permanent Donor Wall at Camp.  Donor categories for Campaign 2026 are:

Donor Category

Amudim (Pillars): $250,000

Arevim (Guarantors): $100,000

Bonim (Builders): $50,000

Shutafim (Partners): $25,000

Meginim (Protectors): $10,000

Shomrim (Guardians): $5,000

Madrichim (Guides): $2,500

Ma’aminim (Believers): $1,000

Tomechim (Supporters): $500

Chaverim (Friends): $250

Campaign 2026 is a strategic investment in people, safety, sustainability, and mission. By modernizing infrastructure, reducing financial strain, and strengthening operations, BB Camp will be positioned to serve future generations with the same warmth, excellence, and Jewish values that have defined it for more than seven decades.

We are grateful to the early leading donors to the campaign, who have collectively contributed over $750,000 to launch this important community effort.  Their generosity, support and community leadership  give us confidence that Campaign 2026 will be a success.

Please use the donation button above to make your commitment to Campaign 2026.  Given the scope of projects, multi-year commitments are welcomed (and encouraged).  Feel free to reach out to the members of the Capital Campaign committee if you have any questions or wish to discuss your gift.  BB Camp is a Canadian registered charity and tax receipts will be issued for all contributions.  For our American friends, please contact us to arrange U.S. charitable donation receipts.

Thank you very much for your consideration and support of our beloved BB Camp.  

Sincerely,

Steven London, Chair and Director              

Mira Narvey, Secretary and Director                

Jordan Hochman, Director