What The Shalom Institute does

The Shalom Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1951 and currently operating under its present name since its 2005 independence from the dissolved Jewish Community Centers of Greater Los Angeles. It delivers Jewish experiential education across Southern California through four signature programs: Camp JCA Shalom (overnight summer camp for grades 2-12), Camp Gesher (the only overnight camp in North America designed for Russian-speaking Jewish families, grades 3-12), Shemesh Farms (a social enterprise employing 100+ adults with neuro and physically diverse abilities in spice, tea, and honey production), and Sherut L'Olam (a teen social justice and leadership program for grades 6-11). The organization also runs family holiday programming, full-service retreats for schools and synagogues, and facility rentals. Its physical footprint spans the 200-acre Alan D. Leve Campus in Malibu (currently under phased reconstruction after the November 2018 Woolsey Fire destroyed 95%+ of structures), a 22-acre Calabasas Campus acquired in 2024, the 270+ acre Gold Creek Center in Lake View Terrace, and seasonal use of Camp Cedar Falls in Angelus Oaks.

The institute's revenue model blends earned program income (camp tuition, family fun day admissions, facility rentals, Shemesh Farms e-commerce) with a substantial contributed revenue operation anchored by the $90M Ashes to Blossoms capital campaign, foundation grants, an active endowment program (with a 3:1 JCamp 180 match through 2027), and a planned giving Legacy Society. Distribution is community-led and event-driven, leveraging Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles network access, JCC Association membership, alumni referrals, and direct online enrollment via the website and campintouch.com. The organization employs 251-500 staff and seasonal counselors, allocates over $400,000 in annual financial aid enabling 350+ campers, and currently serves approximately 200 Camp Gesher campers and 100+ Shemesh Farms Fellows per year. The technology stack is operational rather than digital: purpose-built physical assets including a Cliq-it-equipped ropes course, hydroponic tower gardens, a Bee & Pollinator Center, and dual-axis solar panels, with no disclosed AI, software platform, or proprietary digital IP. The organization is currently mid-execution on a multi-year capital buildout while running year-round programs at partner and alternate sites.

Name

The Shalom Institute

Legal name

Shalom Institute

Website

https://shalominstitute.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Shalom Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit running Jewish overnight camps (Camp JCA Shalom, Camp Gesher), Shemesh Farms social enterprise for adults with diverse abilities, teen programming, and retreats across multiple Southern California campuses, funded by tuition, donations, and foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Jewish Experiential Education and Camping Services

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Academic Enrichment Camps (General Studies) (EDAMALAB)

Keywords

• Jewish overnight camp
• Experiential Jewish education
• Summer camp programs
• Jewish retreat services
• Social enterprise farming

Headquarters

HQ city

Westlake Village

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Camp Enrollment Fees: Revenue from overnight camps, day camps, and seasonal programs including summer camp sessions (1, 2, or 3 weeks), spring camp, winter camp, and family camps. Families pay tuition which constitutes primary revenue.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations, capital campaign contributions (Ashes to Blossoms Rebuild and Endowment Campaign targeting $90 Million), planned giving through Legacy Society, and endowment donations.
3. Foundation Grants: Grants from Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, Genesis Philanthropy Group, Foundation for Jewish Camp, JCAMP 180, and other foundation partners.
4. Shemesh Farms Product Sales: Social enterprise selling spice and tea blends, honey, and organic products through online store and boutique stores. Products are crafted by Farm Fellows with diverse abilities.
5. Facility Rentals: Malibu campus rentals for filming, parking, nature walks, day meetings, retreats, and team-building programs including the ropes course.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Shalom Institute is a non-profit Jewish camp, conference, and retreat center operating since 1951 that delivers overnight summer camps, year-round family programming, social-justice teen programs, customized organizational retreats, and facility rentals across multiple Southern California campuses. It runs signature programs including Camp JCA Shalom (grades 2-12), Camp Gesher (Russian-speaking Jewish families), Shemesh Farms (social enterprise employing young adults with diverse abilities), and Sherut L'Olam (grades 6-11).

Product overview

The Shalom Institute is a non-profit Jewish camp, conference, and retreat center offering a portfolio of experiential education programs. The organization operates several signature programs: Camp JCA Shalom (overnight summer camp since 1951), Camp Gesher (for Russian-speaking Jewish families), Shemesh Farms (social enterprise employing adults with diverse abilities), and Sherut L'Olam (teen social justice program). Supporting programs include the Gilberg Family Jewish Holiday Experience series, ropes course adventures, full-service retreats, and facility rentals. The organization is currently rebuilding its Malibu campus through the Ashes to Blossoms campaign and has expanded with a new Calabasas Campus.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Camp JCA Shalom: Jewish overnight camp providing enriching experiences in a natural setting that foster Jewish tradition and values, build community, cultivate long-lasting friendships, and promote service for campers grades 2-12.
• Camp Gesher
• Shemesh Farms
• Sherut L'Olam
• Alan D. Leve Campus
• Gold Creek Center
• Shalom Institute Calabasas Campus

Products and services

• Camp JCA Shalom Overnight Jewish summer camp serving campers grades 2-12 since 1951, providing enriching experiences in a natural setting that foster Jewish tradition and values, build community, cultivate friendships, and promote service. Features a cabin-centered camping approach and Shabbat celebrations.
• Camp Gesher

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 350 campers receive financial aid annually, enabling diverse participation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered emerging, major, core and minor.

• Skirball Cultural CenteremergingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026New partnership beginning January 2026. Shemesh Farms will be at Skirball Cultural Center on Wednesdays to expand community reach.
• Camp Cedar FallsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Camp Gesher returns to Camp Cedar Falls in Angelus Oaks, CA for Summer 2026. Beautiful woodsy campus in San Bernardino mountains.
• Jewish Federation of Greater Los AngelescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong 70+ year partnership. Federation provides scholarships, funding for Ukrainian refugee campers, support for young adults with diverse abilities, Jewish Youth Climate Movement chapter, and State of California funding for Malibu rebuild. Shalom Institute is partner with Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
• JCC Association of North AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShalom Institute is a member of JCC Association of North America, providing network support and standards for Jewish community programming.
• Malibu United Methodist ChurchmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcomed Shemesh Farms to their campus following Woolsey Fire destruction of Malibu farm. Currently hosting Shemesh Farms 3.0 operations including garden beds, hydroponic towers, and farm stand.
• Gold Creek CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent summer home for Camp JCA Shalom and Camp Gesher. 270+ acre property at foot of Angeles National Forest featuring former Cecil B. DeMille residence artifacts.
• Camp Ramah in OjaiemergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner camp used to run seasonal camps following Woolsey Fire.
• Camp AlonimemergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner camp used for retreats and seasonal programs following Woolsey Fire.
• Camp Bob WaldorfmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocation for Camp JCA Shalom Winter Camp. Partner for seasonal programming.
• Bank of the WestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured partner in sustainability communications, highlighting Shalom Institute's nature-based programming through Honi the Circle Maker story.
• FJC Yashar InitiativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative supporting inclusion and accessibility programs at Shalom Institute.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Camp Ramah in California: Conservative Jewish overnight summer camp in Ojai, CA serving grades K-12 with similar Jewish values-based programming. Directly comparable as another Southern California Jewish overnight camp and explicit partner referenced in Shalom Institute's data.
• URJ Camp Newman: Reform Jewish overnight summer camp in Santa Rosa, CA serving grades 2-12 with similar nature-based programming and Jewish identity formation focus. Direct competitor for Southern California Jewish families seeking immersive camp experiences.
• URJ Greene Family Camp: Reform Jewish overnight summer camp in Texas serving grades K-12. Explicitly referenced in Shalom Institute's management team bios as previous employer, indicating deep overlap in programmatic approach and target audience.
• Camp Alonim: Jewish overnight summer camp in Brandeis, CA operated by the American Jewish University. Listed as an active partner camp for retreats and seasonal programs post-Woolsey Fire, with comparable Jewish experiential programming.
• Camp JRF: Jewish Reconstructionist overnight summer camp in Pennsylvania serving grades 2-12 with progressive Jewish values and nature-based programming. Comparable as Jewish movement-affiliated overnight camp with similar experiential education model.
• Camp Young Judaea: Zionist overnight summer camp in Maryland and Israel serving grades 2-12 with Hebrew-language programming and Israel connection. Comparable as Jewish overnight camp with similar identity formation and community-building objectives.
• Camp Ramah in Wisconsin: Conservative Jewish overnight summer camp in Wisconsin with similar Jewish experiential programming model. Part of the national Ramah network and serves grades 2-12 with comparable religious and recreational program mix.
• Habonim Dror Camp Galil: Labor Zionist overnight summer camp in Pennsylvania serving grades 3-11 with progressive Jewish values and kibbutz-style programming. Comparable as Jewish overnight camp emphasizing community, inclusion, and Jewish cultural identity.

Others

• Foundation for Jewish Camp: Industry support organization providing grants, training, and advocacy for Jewish summer camps across North America. Major financial partner of Shalom Institute and key ecosystem organization in the Jewish camp sector.
• JCC Association of North America: Umbrella organization for Jewish Community Centers across North America. Shalom Institute is an active member organization providing network support, standards, and cross-promotion for Jewish community programming including camps.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_cdUzUUnQ2J2hs-Lu4n-1Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/108455452562426
• Instagraminstagram.com/shalom_institute
• Xx.com/shalominstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shalo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Shalom Institute