Beth El Family Camp began in 1994 when an intrepid group of 15 Beth El families, most with small children, spent Memorial Day Weekend together at Camp Moshava.  In addition to running after the kids and cooking our own meals, we participated in Shabbat services and informal study groups, played family sports, and told ghost stories around a campfire following Havdalah.  Since that year we have held Family Camp every year, adding new families and new traditions, and strengthening our ties to Beth El and to Judaism.  As our children have grown, so has our membership, and we have families with children of all ages as well as some whose children have grown.   About 25 families usually participate, including Rabbi Rudolph and his family and sometimes Rabbi Harris and family.   Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg, Virginia has been our campsite for the last 4 years, and the facilities there offer such activities as horseback riding and ropes course in addition to our traditional schedule of services, study, sports, kids activities, and of course meals.  Family Camp families also get together several times during the year for holiday parties and other activities.  New members are always welcome.  If you are interested in joining us, please contact Jon Shields at info@bethemc.org

After the first year at Camp Moshava the group has been to several other camps including Camps Benjamin and Reich at Capital Camps (before it was rebuilt) in Waynesboro, PA; Camp Louise in near Thurmont, MD; and the Pearlstone Retreat Center outside of Baltimore.  The weather has usually cooperated although for a few years the weather was more fitting of late winter with unusually cold temperatures and unending rain.  However, that has never dampened our spirits and a fun time was always had.

In addition to services, study groups, family sports, and a Havdalah campfire, many different activities have taken place over the years including: talent shows, improvisational skits, quiz shows, karaoke nights, arts and crafts, community service projects, wine - cheese - chocolate tastings, etc.   We also have our own version of the world famous Maccabiah games.  The games are fun for all ages and the rules are usually broken.