● Programs
Camp Shoresh
A meaningful Jewish camp experience in the great urban outdoors!
● Program Overview
What It’s All About
Camp Shoresh offers a unique, hands-on summer day camp experience where kids ages 4-9 connect to nature, Jewish traditions, and each other through outdoor exploration, games, songs, and environmental learning in local Toronto parks.
Registration for summer 2026 is closed.
Register for summer 2027 before [DATE] and enjoy early bird pricing.
Program Structure
Camp Shoresh is designed as two-week sessions (participate in one or both). Campers will explore the themes of Bereishit (in the beginning) and Bamidbar (in the wilderness) through songs, games, and nature observation.
The first week of camp focuses on the different elements of the creation of the world. The activities of each day will be inspired by themes such as plants, insects, birds, and mammals.
The second week of camp focuses on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness following the Exodus from Egypt. Campers will develop survival skills and look for resources, including water, shelter, fire, and wild edibles.
Dates and Locations
Camp Shoresh runs in Toronto in two parks:
📍High Park in the west end
📍Cedarvale Park in midtown
Camp hours are 9AM to 3:30PM, with extended care available from 8:30AM to 5PM (except on Fridays).
Summer 2026 Dates
High Park
Week 1: August 4-7
Note: no camp on August 3 (stat holiday)
Cedarvale Park
Week 1: August 17-21
Week 2: August 24-28
Summer 2027 Dates
Coming soon!
Age Group
Camp Shoresh is for kids in JK to grade 3.
Groups are subject to shift based on registration numbers.
Sparrows: JK* to SK
Chipmunks: Grade 1-3
*If your child is going into JK, they need to have already attended a full-day program; be able to carry their own backpack with lunch, swimsuit and extra clothes for the day; and not require an afternoon nap during camp time.
Pricing and Subsidies
The fee for one week of camp is $510, or $959 for a full two-week session using discount code FULLSESSION.
Sliding scale pricing and subsidies are available to help ensure the program is accessible to all families.
Needs-Based Subsidies
We are grateful to be able to provide financial scholarships through the Howard Malach Legacy Fund For Jewish Nature Connection. To apply, please register for the program and select the Howard Malach Legacy Fund option. You will pay an $18 deposit and then asked what amount your family is able to afford.
To contribute to the fund and support community members in accessing Jewish learning outdoors, please donate.
Jewish Pluralism at Shoresh
Shoresh welcomes Jews of all different backgrounds and affiliations. While learning about Jewish values and teachings, holiday celebrations, rituals, and prayer, we will be open to the many different ways that our community members interpret these traditions and how they choose to live and learn Jewishly. As well, we create space for honouring the other cultural, religious, and spiritual identities that participants may be bringing to our programs.
● Camp Life
Typical Day at Camp
As we frolic through urban wild spaces, campers explore local ecology and Jewish teachings. Each day at Camp Shoresh is full of songs, stories, fun games, wilderness skills, nature observation, and crafts. We are guided by our daily themes, as well as campers’ natural enthusiasm and curiosities, and the changing weather.
Families are welcome at our Opening and Closing Circles, though there is no obligation to join. On Friday, families are welcome to join at 3:00 PM for a final celebration.
[Optional] Before Care
8:30 amOpening Circle + Nature Theatre
9 amAwe-Inspiring Nature Activities: Forest Games, Guided Hikes, Sustainable Foraging (small groups)
10 AMLunch
11:30 AmChoose Your Own Adventure: Crafting, Splash Pad + Forest Exploration, or Free Play + Outdoor Games
12:30 PMClosing Circle
3 PM[Optional] After Care
3:30 - 5 PMWhat Families Are Saying
“My daughter loved it so much she wished she could have stayed forever.”
— andrea, camp shoresh parent“I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful educational and super fun experience. I love that my kid came home filthy, tired, and full of wonder for the natural world every day. I could not ask for a better summer experience!”
— yonatan, camp shoresh parent“It was really touching as a parent, knowing the richness of their day… beautiful values, nature lessons. Heartwarming actually - just knowing this was the content they were taking in.”
— Olga, camp shoresh parent● Staff
Meet the Educators
Daniel
program coordinatorDaniel holds a Master of Environment & Sustainability from the University of Toronto, where his research explored how Jewish communities engage in environmental action. He has worked in plant conservation and nature education, and is passionate about connecting ecological sustainability with community life. Daniel’s Jewish education and personal passion for sustainability fuel his excitement about weaving together Jewish tradition and environmental values. In his free time, he can be found playing music with friends, hiking, or reading science fiction and fantasy novels.
Isaiah
Lead educatorIsaiah is fascinated with the world around him. He is a cyclist, fruit and vegetable gardening enthusiast, passionate about making cities a better place to live, and is fascinated by the movement of people including public transportation (especially trains). He is currently a student at York University working on his Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Cities, Regions, Planning. Isaiah is a believer in designing spaces for children who see the world differently and more creatively.
Talia
Lead EducatorTalia (she/they) has always been happiest outside, where she finds wonder and deep learning by observing the natural world around her. Talia’s Jewish journey was sparked during summers at camp, where they first felt empowered to discover a Judaism deeply intertwined with nature, social justice, and exploration. For the past decade, Talia has worked in both formal and informal Jewish education spaces, including as a Jewish studies teacher, summer educator, outdoor trip leader, and camp educational director. Talia is passionate about youth empowerment and play-based learning and is so excited to explore wonder for the outdoors at Shoresh!
● Program Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, as long as they have already attended a full-day program; are able to carry their own backpack with lunch, swimsuit, and extra clothes for the day; and do not require an afternoon nap during camp time.
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Shoresh welcomes Jews and interfaith families of all different backgrounds and affiliations. We are open to the many different ways that our community members interpret Jewish traditions and how they choose to live and learn Jewishly. We also create space for honouring the other cultural, religious, and spiritual identities that participants may be bringing to our programs.
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Yes! Sliding-scale pricing and scholarships are available to help ensure the program is accessible to all families.
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Shoresh programs happen outside every day, rain or shine! We do not have any indoor programming space. Campers should come prepared with appropriate rain gear, and we recommend extra socks and a change of clothes in a ziplock bag. Campers should also come with sunhats, sunscreen, water bottles, and light, comfortable clothing.
In the event of rain, our educators will make use of naturally sheltered areas in the ravine. On very hot days, we also make use of the natural protection and cooling effects of the forest and green spaces, as well as water play, and frequent hydration reminders.
In the event of extreme weather, such as lightning storms, sudden flooding, or any other situation that the Shoresh staff deem unsafe for Shoresh participants and staff to be outside, we will move swiftly to a safe covered location (public washroom, neighbouring school’s overhang, or public picnic gazebo, depending on where we are) and inform parents of any change to the pick-up location.
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There are public washrooms at our camp locations close to our meeting point. Please note that throughout the day, there may be times when we are further from the indoor bathroom.
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A full refund (excluding your 20% non-refundable deposit) will be issued to any cancellation made up to 28 calendar days prior to the start date of the program. There will be no refunds issued for cancellations after 28 days prior to the program start date.
If a program is cancelled due to weather, no refund will be issued.
If a participant is unable to attend Camp Shoresh due to illness, no refund will be issued.
We reserve the right to cancel a program or change a program’s duration or location. If a program is cancelled or changed due to low enrolment, a full refund will be issued.
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Shoresh programming runs in English. Any teachings, blessings, or songs that are in Hebrew will also be taught with English translations. While some Shoresh educators may know Hebrew, we cannot guarantee that the educators facilitating your child’s program will be able to communicate in Hebrew or provide full support in Hebrew.
● Contact
Request Information
Thinking about registering? Curious whether this program would be a good fit for your family? Whatever you’re looking for, we’re here to help.