Overview – Shoresh

Camp Shoresh:
A Jewish day camp
with an overnight feel!

The distinctive programming at Camp Shoresh combines the beauty and depth of a rich Jewish studies program with an extensive range of physical and creative activities to create a total experience for body, mind, and soul.

Our number one goal in serving your children is to maintain a safe and secure environment. To accomplish that goal, our well-trained staff members are selected on the basis of their maturity, talents, and ability to make Judaism exciting and relevant. Every counselor is infused with a sense of purpose and responsibility that guarantees the utmost care in the supervision and guidance of each and every camper.

For more than 45 years, Camp Shoresh has provided a safe, fun, and active environment in which children can develop new skills, enhance their self-esteem, and form lasting friendships, all while enjoying a summer experience that they look forward to all year long!

Each day at Shoresh is action-packed, varied, and exciting. There are no labels at Camp Shoresh! Campers come from all different backgrounds – Conservative, Orthodox, Reform, unaffiliated, public school, day school, etc. – and everyone thrives in our unique, non-judgmental, Jewish day camp environment. Camp Shoresh is all about positive Judaism for campers aged three through sixteen, from across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, D.C., and beyond.

Divisions

Junior Shoresh

Ages 3-6

These precious campers enjoy a full range of Shoresh activities including sports, nature, swimming, and crafts. Jewish themes are incorporated throughout the day, and each week’s exciting activities revolve around a central theme. We take special care to pair our junior campers with exceptionally caring, enthusiastic, and creative counselors. Junior campers enjoy their own wing in our Community Center, as well as their own playground equipped with age-appropriate climbing structures, swings, and slides. Situated in close proximity to the playground are a basketball court, installed in 2021, and a pavilion, both designated solely for use by our youngest campers. In addition, these youngsters have private swim time in our beautiful graded-entry pool and fenced-in wading pool for those campers still too young to swim in our bigger pool. Basic swim lessons are provided for Junior Shoresh at no additional cost. Our zap line is an exciting element at the ropes course that allows our junior campers the opportunity to have a fun zip line experience. Juniors have at least one off-site trip per session at no additional cost. As with all of the Shoresh programs, safety is always our primary concern. Campers must be toilet-trained.

Shoresh

Entering 2nd-8th grades

The Shoresh division (nicknamed “Big Camp”) is unlike any other camp in the area. The focus of Shoresh is to instill a love of Judaism within each camper. The daily Jewish learning program gives campers of all backgrounds a wealth of knowledge that is unparalleled. The counselors in this program are exceptional because – not only are they fun and enthusiastic – they possess a depth of knowledge and strength of character that make them positive role models for the campers. A typical camp day is packed with an array of activities including sports, crafts, challenge courses (high and low), archery, game room, and swimming. Shoresh campers have the opportunity to attend at least one great trip during each session at no additional cost.

Counselors-In-Training (CITs)

Entering 9th-10th grades

CITs gain skills and knowledge that prepare them to be Shoresh counselors or for employment in other summer opportunities. In addition, they continue to enjoy all of their favorite bunk activities such as sports, swimming, crafts, challenge courses, and archery. Exclusive CIT trips and activities make this program an unforgettable and invaluable experience! CITs work with Shoresh campers and staff, develop leadership abilities, participate in special interactive learning sessions, and max out on fun with awesome trips!

Please note: Prior to acceptance into this program, first-time campers must have a pre-camp interview, which will be scheduled after the camp application has been received.

Activities & Amenities

Nestled within the rich agricultural landscape of Frederick County, the Shoresh campsite is centrally located in Adamstown, Maryland. Minutes from the heart of Frederick, this scenic property is within an hour’s drive of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Additionally, Gaithersburg, Potomac, Columbia, Carroll County, Hagerstown, Leesburg, VA, Ashburn, VA, and West Virginia are all situated within a 30-45 minute drive.

Challenge Courses

Our team of certified challenge course instructors creates unparalleled team-building experiences for our campers. Our high challenge course consists of a 675-foot-long zip line, rock wall, Jacob's Ladder, Free Fall Swing, and the Traverse. Other elements include Stairway to Heaven and Round Robin. Our low challenge course is a combination of ropes, tires, wooden structures - including a new Up-and-Over wall built in 2025, and cables comprising many different elements designed to strengthen individual and team skills. Our zap line is a zip line that is geared for kids of all ages. It can be accessed from a set of stairs and is not as high - but just as exciting - as our main zip line. The obstacle course added in 2021 provides new challenges and opportunities for growth, while the treehouse built in 2025 near our creek is a new camper favorite.