This summer, Jewish children in the six-county Toledo area, including Wood County, who are first-time
campers will have a Jewish summer camp experience at no cost to their parents and returning campers will
have a highly reduced cost to go back to camp through the new Experience a Memorable Overnight Jewish
Initiative program. Two Michigan counties are also included.
The EMOJI program was inspired by Pew Research Center’s 2013 survey report “A Portrait of Jewish
Americans,” which shed a bright light on the beliefs, attitudes, and culture of today’s American Jews.
The report stated that most non-Orthodox, engaged participants in the Jewish community were inspired by
one of three things: Jewish day school, trips to Israel, and Jewish overnight camp.
Keeping in mind that the price to go to a Jewish summer camp has steadily increased, pricing many in the
community out of the camping market even with other funds available, Marcovitch and EMOJI program
committee members were determined to find a way to help Jewish children experience Jewish summer camp.

“By making camp affordable for those who wish to attend, it will strengthen their connections to their
Jewish identities and will put them on the path of programs like BBYO and Hillel,” said Jewish
Federation of Greater Toledo CEO. Joel Marcovitch said. “Those who go to camp are more likely to visit
Israel, become leaders in their Jewish communities, and reinforce their commitment to Judaism. EMOJI is
a building block to living Jewishly going forward.”