Skip to content

Donate

Our Future Is Bright 

Since its founding 36 years ago, Capital Camps has benefited from a strong culture of philanthropy. We appreciate everyone who invests their time and resources so that together we can fulfill our mission.

From our first summer in 1988 with only 190 campers, and even prior to that in previous iterations: Camp Kaufmann (1952-1984), Camp Wohelo 15 (1929-1986), Camp Comet (1962-1986), and Camp Comet Trails (1964-1986), each generation of Capital Camps families has provided generously for the campers – both present and future. We believe that, as the beneficiaries of previous families’ vision and generosity, we must be responsible stewards of this special place, not only for our own children and their cabin mates, but also for future generations.

As a non-profit Jewish overnight camp, we rely on philanthropy to cover our operational, programming and financial aid costs, and maintain and enhance our facilities. Our community helps to ensure that we are able to meet our strategic goals – attracting and retaining the most talented staff, providing for a diverse group of campers, maintaining our outstanding facility, continuing to enhance Jewish camp experiences, and building Jewish community.

There are many opportunities to become involved in the vibrant life of Capital Camps & Retreat Center according to your interests and availability. Volunteer roles allow parents, grandparents, alumni, friends, and community members to become active participants and to support our work on behalf of our campers. We believe everyone has something valuable to contribute to the CCRC community. Volunteer opportunities generally fall into two categories: service on our Board of Directors and/or on a committee of the Board. These committees are: Alumni, Camp, Development, Finance, Financial Aid, Governance, Medical, Property, and Retreat and there is frequently overlap among these committees.

Our most significant fundraising effort is our Annual Campaign. The Annual Campaign raises funds for initiatives that are already budgeted for, during the current fiscal year, and are crucial to the future financial health of Capital Camps & Retreat Center. Every year, our Annual Campaign is a top philanthropic priority for our team. We rely on individual donations to ensure that camp is accessible to all in our community, providing campers with programming that is fun, meaningful, and strengthens their Jewish identity. In 2022, we raised approximately $473,000 for our Annual Campaign. Leading our efforts were our Board members, Camp and Alumni Parents, Alumni, and Year-Round Staff. We are so grateful for our community’s support.

Support provided by PayPal, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express, & Discover credit cards can be made using the form above .

To give via check, stock, DAF, and more, click here.

If you would like to make your gift to the Esther Kaleko-Kravitz Memorial Scholarship Fund, please click here.

View all our 2023 Supporters.

View all our 2022 Supporters

Explore our Impact Report.

For questions about giving to Capital Camps & Retreat Center, please contact development@campandretreat.org.

Tax-deductible contributions may be made at the link above or by mail: Capital Camps – 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 407, Rockville, MD 20852 If you have questions regarding other philanthropic opportunities, please contact Naomi Malka, Development Director, at naomim@campandretreat.org or 240-283-6165.

 Q: We already pay tuition for our children to attend camp. Why am I being asked to contribute to the Annual Campaign? 
A: Our Annual Campaign helps to bridge that gap to cover the remaining cost not covered by tuition for each camper. Additionally, the generosity of our community enables Capital Camps to provide financial aid for families in need, giving them the ability to attend camp and experience an impactful summer. 
 
Q: How much should I give to the Annual Campaign? How much of a difference will my gift really make? 
A: Gifts at any level are significant. We ask all families to participate in the Annual Campaign in any way they can. Typically, the Annual Campaign gifts range from $18 to more than $25,000 with our leadership level beginning at $2,500. 
 
Q: When should I make my gift to the Annual Campaign? 
A: Our fiscal year begins on January 1 and runs through December 31 of each year. We encourage all families to make their pledges as soon as possible, knowing that the earlier we receive your gift, the sooner we can put it to 16 work for our campers and counselors. There are different ways to contribute throughout the year, including the Staff Appreciation Campaign during the summer, Giving Tuesday, and End of Year Campaign. 
 
Q: Instead of making a one-time gift, can I give smaller donations throughout the year?
A: Of course! We receive support from both one-time and monthly donors. Some families prefer to set up a monthly donation plan which supports camp throughout the year ensuring that all children have the opportunity to experience an impactful summer. Use the form above to set up a monthly recurring gift. 
 
Q: We receive financial aid. How can we give a meaningful gift? 
A: We consider every gift that is made to the Annual Campaign a meaningful one. We strongly encourage participation in the Annual Campaign from each family at Capital Camps. Each gift, regardless of size, demonstrates a vote of confidence in the camp, its staff and administration, and its programs. 
 
Q: What else can I do to ensure the financial stability of Capital Camps? 
A: First, as a parent and an ambassador for Capital Camps, your enthusiasm for Capital Camps helps attract and retain great families, campers and staff. Your annual financial contribution is a fantastic way to demonstrate that enthusiasm. Second, we hope that you will encourage others, such as grandparents and community leaders, who want to support Capital Camps and its mission, to contribute to the Annual Campaign. Third, the success of the Annual Campaign, and all of our initiatives, depends greatly on our volunteers. We hope you will join us in one of the many ways you can volunteer. 

To learn more about how you can support Capital Camps & Retreat Center through Annual Giving, Capital gifts, Endowments, and Legacy pledges, please email our Development Team.

Use your next simcha or special occasion as an opportunity to raise funds for Capital Camps. There are many opportunities and platforms for peer fundraising. Contact our Development Team for more information.