At GFC, we believe that everything we do is connected to four main values that are ever-present in Judaism and in life. We hope that by bringing these four values to the forefront of our minds as a full staff, we will be better able to create and maintain a safe, fun, and Jewish environment and community for our campers from summer to summer.

Sukkat Shalom, a shelter of peace, is the foundation of our camp community. It means every camper feels safe, included, and supported, is free to try new things, build friendships, and grow at GFC. Under this shelter of peace, all of our core values (read more about each one below) come to life. Together, they shape an environment where staff, campers, and everyone alike belong and where Jewish identity flourishes.

Friendship
Reut – רעות

At camp, one of the very first words that comes to everyone’s minds is “friends.” Camp is where we make friends, whether for that summer only or for our lifetime. Regardless, reut is more than just “saying” you have tons of friends at camp, it means you have made meaningful and worthwhile relationships with people you feel connected to at some level. This connection often goes beyond camp’s gates after the summer season has come to an end.

Respect
Kavod – כבוד

A basic life value, and Jewish value, is respecting your peers no matter the differences between you and them. To respect yourself, too, will then allow you to be respectful of those around you. At GFC, we build much of our camp culture on the value and tenant of respect. It just makes sense. Without respect, what would we be?

Presence and Self-Care
Hineini – הנני 

This value pertains to the individual. It reminds us to remember to always take care of ourselves. It also symbolizes us, as individuals, actually doing something and saying, “Here I am!” rather than “Hey everybody, look at me.” The “doing something” part is doing something meaningful, impactful, and significant for the camp community. Being an individual first allows us to give more to our friends and bunkmates, and to the greater community.

Jewish People
Am Yisrael – עם ישראל   

We are a community of Jewish people. More deeply, our personal identifications as being Jewish contribute to an innate atmosphere that we have here at GFC—a safe, common space that is nothing like what our campers and some of our staff experience when they are not at camp. To be a member of a Jewish community is rare. For many campers and staff who attend GFC during a summer, that is something to be valued, respected, and continued.

Holy Community
Kehillah Kedosha – קהילה קדושה   

A holy/sacred community is one where every camper is embraced for who they are, where friendships are built on trust and respect, and where Jewish values guide our choices both big and small. At GFC, campers don’t just learn about Judaism, they live it, experiencing what it means to belong to something larger than themselves. By weaving together tradition, joy, and camp magic, camp becomes a place where Jewish identity thrives and where lifelong connections are formed.

Safety
Btichut – בטיחות 

At GFC, Bitchut means more than physical safety – it’s about creating an environment of care and responsibility. At GFC, campers learn to look out for themselves, for each other, and for the community as a whole. From following safety practices to making thoughtful choices in how we treat others, safety is woven into every part of camp life. When campers feel secure and supported, they are free to grow, take healthy risks, and fully experience the magic of camp.