For four generations, families have chosen Camp Kadimah because of its trusted reputation and deep rooted history, built on loyalty, community, and the warmth of Maritime hospitality. Parents who once attended now proudly send their own children, drawn back by the same welcoming spirit that makes everyone feel they belong. Kadimah is known for its inclusive approach, embracing Jews from all backgrounds and creating a space where friendships form easily and authentically.

For many families, camp is also where children begin to shape their Jewish identity during their formative years, through shared traditions, meaningful experiences, and a strong sense of community. Campers are encouraged to grow in a supportive and non judgmental environment where the balance of outdoor fun and healthy competition feels just right. Most of our staff are former campers who return to give back to a place that shaped them, reflecting the camp’s strong retention and lasting impact. At its core, Kadimah focuses on what truly matters: building connection, confidence, and a sense of home that keeps campers returning year after year.

What really separates Camp Kadimah is its community; when you come to Kadimah, you are entering a new family that stays with you long beyond your years as a camper. Kadimah has proudly served Canada’s Jewish Maritime community since 1943, and today is cherished as a second-home for Jewish children from around the globe. Each summer we welcome campers and staff from across Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and Israel. It is our goal that our campers not only have the time of their lives while at Kadimah (although this is high on the list!), but to concurrently instill in them important Jewish values, strong ties to Israel and provide to them the unique opportunity to explore Canada’s beautiful east coast.

Why Kadimah?

Register to Kadimah Today!

Sessions (Length of Stay)

Camp Kadimah a single session camp where all campers arrive together on day one of camp. Groups of campers then depart gradually, depending on their session. This structure allows us to offer extensions to any camper who would like to stay longer, with no additional fees for last minute changes, only the difference in tuition.

Sneak Peek

Sneak peek is our one night overnight session for prospective Giborim campers aged 6-9. We are confident that after your child spends 24 hours parent-free living the life at Camp Kadimah, they will be back for longer next summer!

Taste of Kadimah

Exclusively for campers in Giborim, we offer a specialized two week session to introduce our youngest campers to the wonders of Kadimah.

Intro Program

A four week program for first-time campers aged 7-13. Geared towards younger campers, we look forward to helping your child mature to a full summer experience.

Full Summer

Experience all Camp Kadimah has to offer, from beginning to end, in our six week program. For both returning and new campers, ages 7-16.

Sections (Age Groups)

Giborim (7 - 9 Year olds)

“Gibby! Gibby! Gibby! Oy! Oy! Oy!” The rallying cry of our youngest campers. Giborim is Hebrew for “heroes”, and to us at Kadimah, that’s exactly what they are. With a playground, gaga pit and tetherball court right next to the cabins, “Gibbieland” is the most happening place in Barss Corner. We proudly maintain a camper to staff ratio of 3:1, ensuring our Gibbies are always supervised.

Goshrim (10 - 11 Year olds)

Maybe the most rambunctious and spirited of all our sections, our Goshies live in, you-guessed-it, “Goshieland”! Complete with activity courts and tetherball, the Goshrim section is home to the renowned “Goshie Bridge” (Goshrim means Bridge Builders in English). With their staff at their sides, Goshies can often be seen playing floor hockey, beading, and singing the loudest.

Kochot (12 - 13 Year olds)

As the oldest section in junior camp, our Kochotniks participate in all of our camp-wide events, such as Hockey Marathon, house-leagues and the Junior Camp Play. The Kochot section is epitomized by strength and might (Kochot is Hebrew for strength after all), and with their staff by their sides, they are encouraged to push their boundaries and become young leaders.

Machar (14 - 15 Year olds)

Camp Machar. It’s more than just a section. With a deep history and meaningful traditions, the oldest camper section at Kadimah is founded on the principle of family and shaping our leaders of tomorrow; Machar is Hebrew for tomorrow. A summer in Camp Machar includes special thematic programming and allows our eldest campers to practice leadership, communication and collaborative skills. While uniquely separate from the rest of camp in some respects, Macharniks play an integral role to the Kadimah program, with frequent and meaningful interactions with our younger campers.

Counsellors in Training (16 year olds)

The CIT program was developed to build the leadership skills we look for in our future counsellors, and is broken down into three core areas: placement, specialty, and Hadracha. Placement allows our CITs to walk in the shoes of our cabin-staff, working hand-in-hand with a cabin’s counsellors from wake-up to bedtime. Specialty provides our CITs with the chance to work on a specialty area of their choice, from waterski, to arts and crafts (called mel yad) or sports. Finally, Hadracha is a specially crafted leadership training program where our CITs participate in interactive and meaningful activities and sessions surrounding programming, camper care, and the general development of skills that they will need to succeed both as camp counsellors, and beyond. A highlight of the CIT program is the week long trip through the Canadian Maritimes.

Kadimah in the City

We may only be at camp for 6 weeks each year, but the Kadimah fun can be experienced all year round. Kadimah In The City (KITC) events provide an opportunity for both returning and new campers to connect with the Kadimah community during the off-season. For new campers, KITC is the perfect opportunity to meet future fellow campers and feel at home at Kadimah well in advance of setting foot in Barss Corner. KITC events happen twice a year, in the fall and spring both in Halifax and Toronto.

Current parents will receive an email approximately one month before a scheduled event with an RSVP link.

Past KITC events have included: bowling, rock climbing, laser tag, and team games.

In addition to KITC, we regularly hold community events such as an annual softball tournament shortly after camp, nights out with CK, and we attend sports events as a group.

Travel

For Maritime campers, Camp Kadimah charters busses that pick up the campers from a central location in Halifax. Please note that campers cannot be dropped off at camp and must travel with the camp bus group.

For campers from Toronto, camp begins in the airport with a chaperoned, camp-arranged group flight which enables campers to travel together alongside staff chaperones.

For campers from elsewhere across the globe, please reach out to office@campkadimah.com to align transportation that coordinates with our pre-existing airport or city busses.

In addition to a chaperoned group flight, Camp Kadimah arranges a baggage truck for the delivery of camper and staff duffle bags from Toronto and Montreal. More information about the baggage truck is included in the Parent Handbook.

Please note that airfare is not included in camp tuition.

Parent Frequently Asked Questions

  • Camp laundry is picked up on Friday, and returned the following Friday. Thus all campers will need to pack two weeks’ worth of clothing.

  • Videos are uploaded to our YouTube channel every Friday before Shabbat. Approximately 200 pictures are uploaded to your CampInTouch account three times weekly. Please do not expect to see your child in a picture every single upload day, but our photography team works diligently to ensure multiple appearances weekly.

  • Starting on the first day of camp, Kadimah operates on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to ensure it is dark enough for younger campers' bedtimes.

  • No, parents are not permitted to drive their children to or from camp. All campers arrive via camp-organized buses from either the Halifax Airport or Halifax City.

  • Due to transportation constraints, campers may bring a maximum of two duffle bags. Trunks, mattresses, and plastic shelving units are strictly prohibited.

  • Baggage from these cities must be shipped via the transport truck. Drop-off is typically scheduled for mid-June in Toronto. Luggage cannot be brought on the camp-organized flights.

  • Every single item brought to camp must be labeled with the camper's full name (first and last). Unlabeled items found after camp are donated to charity.

  • Campers are encouraged to wear "Summer Best" clothing. Friday evenings alternate between "Blue & White" and "Colourful" themes.

  • Campers should pack at least one T-shirt in every Maccabiah color: blue, white, yellow, and red, as well as one pair of jeans. CITs do not participate in Maccabiah.

  • No, Camp Kadimah is a screen-free zone. Cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches (including Apple Watches), and Wi-Fi-enabled devices are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated.

  • The only exceptions are E-readers and non-Wi-Fi enabled MP3 players, which may only be used with earphones inside the cabin at night.

  • Most campers do not need money, as "Tuck" (snacks) is included in the camp fee. Small amounts (under $10) are optional for younger campers. Machar and CIT campers are advised to bring more for their specific out-trips — please refer to the Parent Handbook for additional guidelines

  • You can send one-way emails through your CampInTouch account using purchased "CampStamps". These are printed and delivered with regular mail. You can also send lettermail to camp, though it may take a week or longer to arrive.

  • The camp is Kosher and nut-sensitive. Outside food is not permitted in the cabins to prevent insect issues and maintain kashrut and allergy safety.

  • The camp has a 24/7 infirmary staffed by a doctor and two nurses. Parents are notified if a child is prescribed new medication, stays overnight in the infirmary, or needs to go to the hospital.

  • All daily medications (pills/tablets) should be provided in blister packing if possible. Medications must be handed to a staff chaperone during travel and are not allowed to be kept in camper cabins.

  • Yes, all campers must be checked for lice one week before arriving at camp, and thoroughly treated if needed. Every camper is also screened upon arrival. If nits or lice are found the camper will be treated at the parents' expense.

  • Yes! We have an annual Visitors’ Day when families, alumni, and community members are welcome to join us at camp. Please refer to the Parent Handbook for additional information.

  • It is an overnight experience for prospective campers aged 9 and younger. It takes place the day after Visitors’ Day and allows future campers to join the Giborim section for activities and an overnight stay. Please contact us at office@campkadimah.com if you are interested in participating!