Camp Kinderland facts for kids

Camp Kinderland is a special summer camp in Tolland, Massachusetts. It is for young people aged eight to sixteen. The camp's motto is "summer camp with a conscience since 1923". This means the camp teaches important ideas. These ideas include equality, peace, and building a strong community. Campers also learn about social justice, activism, and civil rights. They explore Yiddishkeit (Jewish culture) and friendship. Campers can choose to stay for four weeks in July. They can also stay for three weeks in August. Some campers even stay for all seven weeks! There is also a two-week session. This is for first-time campers in the youngest age group.

The Story of Camp Kinderland

How Camp Kinderland Began

Camp Kinderland started in 1923. It was founded by members of a group called The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring. This was a Jewish organization with ideas about helping workers. The first camp was in Hopewell Junction, New York.

Becoming an Independent Camp

In 1930, Camp Kinderland separated from the Workmen's Circle. It became part of a new group. This group was called the International Workers Order. Kinderland became the official summer camp for the Jewish part of this group. In 1954, the government closed down the International Workers Order. They said it was a group with certain political beliefs. After this, Camp Kinderland became its own independent organization.

Kinderland Today

Today, Camp Kinderland is a diverse summer camp. It welcomes people from many different backgrounds. Campers come from all over the United States. Many campers are from the New York area. Especially many come from Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, there is a kindershule. This is a secular (non-religious) school connected to the camp's values.

Camp Kinderland's Values

Learning About Important Ideas

Camp Kinderland teaches progressive social values. It does this through its cultural programs. The camp believes in fairness for everyone. It supports labor unions. It is also against the death penalty. Generally, the camp has socialist ideas. This means it believes in sharing resources and helping everyone in society.

The Peace Olympics

Every year, the camp holds the Peace Olympics. During this event, the camp divides into four teams. Each team represents a movement or nation. These are groups that the camp's leaders feel are working for positive change in the world.

Camp and Politics

A Place for "Red Diaper Babies"

The camp's left-wing ideas meant that many "red diaper babies" went there. This term was used for children whose parents had certain political beliefs. Because of this, Camp Kinderland was investigated. This happened during the McCarthy era. This was a time in the 1950s when the U.S. government was very worried about certain political groups.

Famous People Who Went to Kinderland

• Spencer Ackerman, a progressive writer
• Chesa Boudin, a lawyer and activist
• Lawrence Bush, editor of Jewish Currents magazine
• Jules Dassin, a film director
• Delia Graff Fara, a philosopher
• Ted Gold, a member of the Weatherman Underground group
• Katie Halper, a podcaster
• Max Kellerman, a sports commentator
• Michael Klonsky, an education expert
• Harvey Kurtzman, a cartoonist who started Mad Magazine
• Ivy Meeropol, a documentary filmmaker
• Marky Ramone, drummer for The Ramones and Misfits
• Suze Rotolo, an artist and teacher
• Ben Shuldiner, a political candidate
• Paul Stanley, singer and guitarist for KISS
• Sol Stern, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute
• Marisa Tomei, an actress
• Merritt Wever, an actress

See also

• Itche Goldberg
• Camp Boiberik