Camp Young Judaea-Texas

What Camp Young Judaea-Texas does

Camp Young Judaea-Texas is a Texas-based nonprofit Jewish overnight summer camp founded in 1952, operating on a 250-acre property in the Texas Hill Country (Wimberley, Woodcreek area) with 22 cabins. It serves Jewish children ages 6-14 through multi-format summer sessions (Short Sessions for 1st-4th graders, Full Session for 3rd-8th graders, Segel for 9th graders), teen leadership pipelines through Tel Yehudah and Gesher (10th-12th grade), and a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for 12th graders. The camp is part of the Young Judaea Camp Network — the oldest Zionist youth movement in America — and holds American Camp Association accreditation and a Texas DSHS youth camp license. CYJ operates with a 1:5 camper-to-staff ratio (exceeding the 1:8 state requirement) and deploys a comprehensive safety/weather-monitoring infrastructure including NOAA radios, 50 two-way radios, and fiber/Starlink redundant connectivity.

The business model combines tuition from summer programming with year-round retreat revenue (Family Camp, Men's Camp, Women's Camp, Passover Camp, Seder @ CYJ, New Year's Camp, New Camper Shabbaton) and a multi-channel fundraising operation spanning one-time donations, the Mishpacha Circle monthly giving program, corporate matching gifts through Double the Donation, paver sales, merchandise (PackForCamp.com), and endowment funds managed by the Houston Jewish Community Foundation. Distribution runs through direct-to-consumer online registration (CampInTouch), partnered referral channels with the Jewish Federations of Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio plus JCRS, and experiential community outreach (visiting Texas cities for events, virtual open houses via Zoom). Pricing for retreats is disclosed per event (e.g., Family Camp toddler $50, adult/child $150; Passover Camp adult $250; cabin units $400-$550) while summer tuition rates are not publicly listed.

CYJ is currently executing a major "Forward Together" capital campaign funding six facility projects: the 15,000 sqft Beit Ha'am auditorium (750-person capacity), a dining room expansion to 10,400 sqft, two new 2,900 sqft camper cabins adding 56 campers per session, an Aqua Park, a three-tier vertical ropes playground, and the Jodi Braham Center for Arts, Crafts & Design. The organization recently received a Yedid Nefesh grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camps / The Marcus Foundation to support MESSH (Mental, Emotional, Social and Spiritual Health) programming and has added new entry-funnel products (New Camper Shabbaton, Camp the Night Away) to convert prospective families. A small administrative office operates from Bellaire, TX.

Name

Camp Young Judaea-Texas

Legal name

Camp Young Judaea, Inc.

Website

https://cyjtexas.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Camp Young Judaea-Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Jewish overnight summer camp founded in 1952 in Wimberley, Texas, serving children ages 6-14 through multi-session summer programs, a teen leadership pipeline, and year-round family/adult retreats, funded by tuition, donations, and an active capital campaign.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Overnight Summer Camps

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Arts & Design Camps (Visual Arts, Crafts, Design Thinking) (EDAMALAH), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)

Keywords

• Overnight summer camps
• Jewish youth programs
• Summer camp retreats
• Zionist youth education
• Kosher camp programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Texas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Summer Camp Tuition: Core revenue from overnight summer camp programs for ages 6-14, including short sessions (1st-4th grade), full sessions (3rd-8th grade), Segel (9th grade), and teen programs through Tel Yehudah/Gesher (10th-12th grade).
2. Year-Round Retreat Programming: Revenue from weekend retreats including Family Camp, Men's Camp, Women's Camp, Passover Camp, New Year's Camp, Seder @ CYJ, and New Camper Shabbaton throughout the year.
3. Donations and Fundraising: One-time donations, monthly giving program (Mishpacha Circle), corporate matching gifts, legacy/endowment gifts, and capital campaign contributions support camp operations and tuition assistance.
4. Paver Sales: Personalized pavers sold to commemorate camp memories, lifecycle events, or cabin mates, with proceeds supporting camp's lasting legacy.
5. Merchandise Store: Camp store selling CYJ logo wear and merchandise through PackForCamp.com.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Camp Young Judaea-Texas operates a co-ed Jewish overnight summer camp for children ages 6–14 on a 250-acre campus in the Texas Hill Country (Wimberley area), supplemented by year-round retreat programming (Family Camp, Man Camp, Women's Camp, Passover Camp, New Year's Camp, Seder @ CYJ, New Camper Shabbaton, Camp the Night Away) and teen leadership pathways (Segel for 9th grade, Tel Yehudah/Gesher for 10th–12th grade, CIT for 12th grade). The core service is the multi-week residential Jewish camp experience with kosher dining, athletics, arts, waterfront, outdoor adventure, ropes course, and Jewish/Israel programming, sold per session with tiered tuition and per-person retreat pricing.

Product overview

Camp Young Judaea-Texas operates a suite of interconnected programs centered around its core overnight summer camp for Jewish youth ages 6-14 in the Texas Hill Country. The portfolio includes age-differentiated camp sessions (Short Sessions for 1st-4th graders, Full Sessions for 3rd-8th graders, Segel for 9th graders, and Teen Leadership programs for 10th-12th graders including Tel Yehudah and Gesher Israel trips), a Counselor-in-Training program for 12th graders, and year-round retreat programming (Family Camp, Passover Camp, Man Camp, Women's Camp, New Year's Camp, New Camper Shabbaton, and Seder @ CYJ). An active Capital Campaign is expanding facilities including the Beit Haam auditorium, expanded dining room, new camper cabins, Aqua Park, Vertical Ropes Playground, and Jodi Braham Arts Center. Digital offerings include the Judaean Stories podcast and CYJ video library. The organization is part of the Young Judaea Camp Network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Overnight Summer Camp Program Primary co-ed Jewish overnight summer camp for ages 6–14 in Texas Hill Country with multi-week sessions covering athletics, arts, waterfront, outdoor adventure, Jewish and Israel programming, and kosher dining.
• Short Sessions (1st–4th Grade) Two-week introductory camp sessions for entering 1st–4th graders providing a first overnight summer camp experience with age-appropriate activities and counselor support.
• Full Session (3rd–8th Grade) Extended three-week camp session for entering 3rd–8th graders with comprehensive programming, electives, and deeper engagement in camp traditions.
• Segel (9th Grade) Highlight summer program for 9th graders featuring special programming, leadership development, and extended trip experiences including travel components.
• Tel Yehudah & Gesher (10th–12th Grade) Teen leadership programs including Young Judaea's national teen camp in Barryville, New York (Tel Yehudah) and the Gesher Israel trip experience for high schoolers.
• Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program Four-week leadership program for 12th graders with mentorship, counselor training, 175 community service hours, and dorm-style housing, preparing students for future staff roles.
• Man Camp Men's Jewish retreat for Jewish males 21+ held December 4–6, 2026, with sports competitions, Shabbat observance, ropes course, beer tasting, poker tournament, archery, and barbecue. $275 per man with a suggested $180 minimum donation.
• Women's Camp Women's Jewish retreat held December 11–13 for Jewish women 21+, featuring yoga, wine tastings, ropes course, pool relaxation, creative workshops, and sports in Retreat Village, Lodge, Namaste Center, or cabins.
• Family Camp Year-round family retreat welcoming Jewish families including newcomers, with activities for all ages, kosher meals, Shabbat observance, and introductions to camp culture. Tiered pricing: Toddler (3–5) $50, Child/Teen (6–17) $150, Adult $150, Cabin (up to 8 people) $500.
• Passover Camp Five-day, four-night kosher-for-Passover retreat featuring community and family Seders, holiday programming for toddlers through adults, Child/Teen (6–17) $250, Child (3–5) $100, plus cabin/lodge/Namaste/Retreat Village accommodation.
• New Year's Camp Combined Family Camp and New Year's Eve celebration December 29–January 1 with fireworks, family games, hiking, polar plunge, themed activities, and the first breakfast of the new year. Tiered per-person pricing with cabin/Namaste accommodation.
• Seder @ CYJ Passover retreat for first three nights of Passover featuring community Seder, family Seder hosting, kosher for Passover dining, activities for all ages, and stress-free holiday celebration. Baby (2 and under) $0, Child/Teen/Adult $250.
• New Camper Shabbaton Spring 2027 introductory retreat for new campers and families (1st–6th grade), providing a taste of camp life, activities, counselor interactions, and family programming to prepare for summer enrollment.
• Camp the Night Away Family preview event offering day and overnight stay experiences for prospective camp families to tour facilities, try activities like the ropes course and sports, and meet staff.
• Paver Sales Personalized pavers sold to commemorate camp memories, lifecycle events, or cabin mates, with proceeds supporting the camp's lasting legacy.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% of camper medical needs handled on-site at Health Center
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Camp Association (ACA)coreOthersCYJ is accredited by the American Camp Association, a distinction reflecting adherence to over 290 rigorous health, safety, and program quality standards. This accreditation demonstrates commitment to safety and well-being of staff and campers.
• Texas Department of State Health ServicescoreOthersCYJ is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services to operate as a youth camp in Texas. The camp maintains compliance with state regulations and submits to oversight.
• Young Judaea National OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCYJ Texas is part of the Young Judaea Camp Network, the oldest Zionist youth movement in America. This connection provides pathways for campers to teen leadership programs (Tel Yehudah) and Israel programming.
• CYJ Midwest (Waupaca, Wisconsin)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister camp within the Young Judaea network, a coed Jewish overnight camp in Wisconsin serving the Midwest Jewish community.
• CYJ Sprout Lake (Verbank, New York)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister camp within the Young Judaea network, a coed Jewish overnight camp in Dutchess County, New York.
• Camp Judaea (Hendersonville, North Carolina)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister camp within the Young Judaea network located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
• Tel Yehudah (Barryville, New York)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational teen leadership camp of Young Judaea. CYJ Texas campers have pathways to continue their journey at Tel Yehudah for teen programming.
• Foundation for Jewish CampscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCYJ participates in Foundation for Jewish Camps programs including One Happy Camper grants (up to $1,000 for first-time campers) and the Yedid Nefesh mental health initiative.
• Jewish Children's Regional Service (JCRS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNew Orleans-based foundation providing scholarships to Jewish campers in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas entering 3rd-12th grade.
• Jewish Federation of Greater HoustoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal federation providing scholarship support for Houston-area Jewish families to attend CYJ programs.
• Shalom AustincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAustin Jewish Federation offering up to $1,000 need-based scholarships for Jewish overnight camp tuition.
• Dallas Jewish Community FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDallas federation providing scholarship grants for Jewish families in the Dallas area to attend CYJ summer programs.
• San Antonio Jewish FederationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSan Antonio federation providing scholarship support and One Happy Camper program coordination for Jewish families.
• Jewish Endowment Foundation of LouisianaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides Goldring Family Foundation Summer Camp Experience Incentive Grants of up to $1,500 for first-time Jewish campers from Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Florida Panhandle.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Camp Sabra: Jewish overnight summer camp in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri serving the Midwest Jewish community. Operates parallel programs for campers and staff (Machal) with comparable Israeli staff delegation programming and Reform/Conservative programming mix.
• Camp Harlam: Reform Jewish overnight summer camp in Honesdale, Pennsylvania operated by the URJ. Comparable overnight Jewish camp model with similar multi-activity programming (sports, arts, waterfront), age-differentiated sessions, and teen leadership tracks.
• Camp Judaea (Hendersonville, NC): Network partner Jewish overnight camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Operates a co-ed pluralistic Jewish sleepaway camp within the Young Judaea-affiliated ecosystem with comparable programming for ages 6-14 and teen leadership tracks.
• Camp Young Judaea Midwest: Sister Young Judaea camp in Waupaca, Wisconsin serving the Midwest. Same Zionist youth movement affiliation, pluralistic Jewish approach, and overnight camp model as CYJ-Texas; competes for some regional families and shares donor/network resources.
• Camp Ramah California: Conservative Jewish overnight summer camp in Ojai, California operated by the Ramah network. Direct parallel to CYJ-Texas in mission, pluralistic Hebrew-immersive Jewish overnight camp model with similar year-round retreat offerings and teen programs.
• Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake: Sister camp within the Young Judaea network located in Verbank, New York. Operates a co-ed Jewish overnight summer camp serving the Northeast Jewish community with a parallel program structure (Short Sessions, Full Sessions, teen leadership pathways) and shared movement-wide programming like Mishlachat.
• URJ Camp Newman: Reform Jewish overnight summer camp in Santa Rosa, California operated by the Union for Reform Judaism. Comparable overnight Jewish camp model with similar age-tiered programming, Hebrew/Jewish education, and year-round retreat offerings.
• Camp Ramah in Texas: Conservative Jewish overnight summer camp operated by the National Ramah Commission serving Texas-area Jewish families. Most direct geographic competitor for Jewish overnight campers in the Texas market, with similar Hebrew immersion and Judaic programming.
• GUCI (Goldman Union Camp Institute): URJ-affiliated Reform Jewish overnight summer camp in Zionsville, Indiana serving the Midwest and surrounding regions. Comparable overnight Jewish camp structure with similar pluralistic approach and multi-year camper pathways.

Others

• Foundation for Jewish Camps: Industry association and grant-making body supporting Jewish summer camps including CYJ-Texas (Yedid Nefesh mental health initiative, One Happy Camper grants). Not a competitor but a key ecosystem enabler and donor pipeline for Jewish overnight camps industry-wide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/cyjtexas1952
• Facebookfacebook.com/CYJTexas
• Instagraminstagram.com/cyjtexas
• Xx.com/cyjtexas

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Camp Young Judaea-Texas