This past summer, I learned the true meaning of “family” at Greene Family Camp. I got to experience Camp not just as a member of the team or the Associate Director, but as a first-time mom. When I packed up my then-four-month-old son, Liam, for a full summer at camp, I was full of nerves and uncertainty, but I also knew we were stepping into something special. What I didn’t know was just how profoundly the GFC community would shape his earliest milestones and surround us with a village of love, care, and support.
Over ten weeks, I watched Liam grow, not only hitting the typical first year milestones, but also growing in magical ways that could only happen at camp. He learned to crawl on the same floors where generations of campers have taken their first brave steps into our community. He spoke his first word, “mama,” in the Camp Care office, surrounded by our team of mental health professionals and educators. He tasted his first food, melon, during breakfast in the chadar ochel (dining hall). A group of Niviim campers proudly taught him how to high-five, cheering him on with every tiny slap of his palm.
These weren’t just milestones. They were reminders that at GFC, family is our middle name. Camp is built on the Jewish values of kavod (respect), hineni (presence), and reut (friendship), guiding us to lift one another up, celebrate each other’s joys, and create space for every person, of any age, to belong.
That’s why I’m especially excited to invite you to our upcoming Family Camp, happening February 27-March 1, 2026. Whether you’re long-time GFCers, brand-new to camp, or somewhere in between, Family Camp is an immersive weekend designed for families of all shapes and sizes. It’s a chance to relax, have fun, and spend meaningful time together while building community, engaging in Jewish rituals, and soaking up the unmistakable magic of camp.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Grammy-winning musician Joanie Leeds, whose music brings joy to kids and adults alike. Her presence will add an extra spark to a weekend already filled with fun and adventure.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes GFC feel like home, come experience with us. Bring your family, whatever your family looks like, and join our big, beautiful camp family for a weekend you’ll carry with you long after you leave our gates.
See you soon in Bruceville and Shabbat Shalom,
Marissa Meador, Associate Director