Mission and Values

After 28 summers in Wimberley, I've been asked a thousand times what makes CYJ different. My answer is always the same: we're not just a place kids go for 3 weeks. We're a community. A family. A place where Jewish kids from Houston and Dallas and El Paso and Mexico City discover each other — and themselves.

CYJ Texas is an intentionally Jewish summer camp built on four core principles.

Developing Character

CYJ is the perfect place for kids to practice making decisions for themselves in a safe and secure atmosphere. Managing daily choices without parents or teachers is an amazing way for children to blossom and grow. (Spoiler: they surprise you every single time.)

Diverse and Inclusive

Though the majority of our CYJers are Texans, we also welcome campers and counselors from across the US, Mexico, the UK, Israel, and beyond. The beautiful chaos of that mix is the whole point.

Growth Oriented

With the hands-on support of our staff, the challenges campers face get translated into confidence, resilience, and healthy self-esteem. Physical challenges (the climbing wall, the waterslides), social ones (navigating bunk dynamics, compromise, tolerance) — all of it counts.

Outdoors

Yes, it's Texas. Yes, it's hot. We're outside anyway. We head indoors during the worst of the afternoon heat, but no one leaves camp without a healthy dose of fresh air and a truly impressive tan line.

CYJ Values

  • Am Yisrael (Community): All Jews are part of one family. We instill pride in Judaism and a love of Israel.

  • Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Every member of our community has the power to make a real difference.

  • Chesed (Kindness): We must show kindness to others no matter what.

  • Tzmicha (Personal Growth): Campers leave each summer as better versions of themselves — which is more than most of us can say after a regular Tuesday.

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