Gates of Camp Initiative
Congregation Gates of Prayer is excited to announce that the Gates of Camp, or GO-Camp initiative will continue for its third year. All J-FLExers (those attending J-FLEx) will be eligible for an award totaling 50% of the cost of their tuition to a Reform Jewish sleep away camp. This award is available to anyone who is a member in good standing of our congregation and J-FLEx.
Studies have proven that children who attend Jewish summer camp are more likely to be members of a congregation, observe Jewish rituals at home, and support Israel. With the GO-Camp initiative, we hope the children of our community will have impactful summers at camp and meaningful Jewish lives with our congregation throughout the year.
To learn more, you can reach out to Rabbi Gerber. Please click this link for more information and to sign up for J-FLEx!
F.A.Q. About Go Camp Program
How are we able to do this?
The GO-Camp initiative is possible thanks to a generous donation by an anonymous donor.
Which camps are eligible?
All sleep away camps affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) are automatically eligible. Other Jewish sleep away camps may be considered at the discretion of the donor.
How will we be keeping track of CGoP engagement?
In addition to your child's attendance at J-FLEx, families will be required to engage with CGoP programming and worship throughout the year. Rabbi Gerber (programming), Jordan Lawrence (worship) and Phil Gaethe (J-FLEx) will determine if engagement requirements have been reached. Parents will be notified if we feel they are falling behind in any of the three categories of CGoP Engagement.
Does the child have to be enrolled in J-FLEx
Yes. Your child must be enrolled and attending weekly.
Is this needs based?
No. Think of this as a birthright for children of Congregation Gates of Prayer
What if I don’t need the award?
If you decline the award, you may choose to donate the amount you would have received. You can donate it back to the GO-Camp fund, or another fund at Gates of Prayer that you value. We hope that through this you can learn the value of tzedakah.
Can I still apply for other scholarships?
Yes…in fact you must apply for any scholarship that is available. This includes the Brotherhood and Sisterhood Campership awards. You can apply by clicking here.
What about Olim?
The New Orleans Jewish Community offers a scholarship for those attending Olim at Jacobs Camp that already covers half of the tuition. If your child is eligible for Olim, they must apply for this scholarship. GO-Camp will cover 50% of what the camper owes after the Goldring Scholarship is awarded.
How do we get reimbursed after my child has attended a Reform Jewish Sleep Away Camp?
To qualify for reimbursement, members must achieve the prescribed number of Phil Shekels and be in good standing. To be considered in good standing, members must meet the minimum Fair Share requirements as outlined in the Congregational Bylaws, their Fair Share obligation and J-FLEx tuition must be current, and all other outstanding fees must be paid.
Therefore, Go-Camp reimbursements will automatically be applied to member accounts as follows:
- All past due Fair Share obligations (all outstanding Fair Share obligations prior to 2024-2025)
- All past due J-FLEx tuition (all outstanding J-FLEx tuition payments prior to 2024-2025)
- All B’nai Mitzvah fees, Book of Remembrance fees, GoPTY fees, Gates Preschool Tuition fees
- Campers must attend at URJ-accredited camp
Once the above fees/payments have been satisfied, remaining balances will be refunded to members by check or applied to member accounts as credits, or to the synagogue as donations.
Thu, August 21 2025
27 Av 5785
