Joelle’s Bat Mitzvah Project: Giving the Gift of Camp

Joelle is from Port Washington, New York, and will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah in November 2026, IH. She loves spending time at sleepaway camp, being with her friends, exploring new experiences, and performing in theatre. Camp has given Joelle so many meaningful memories, friendships, confidence, and opportunities to grow, which is one of the reasons this project is so close to her heart. Joelle feels incredibly blessed and grateful for the joy, connection, and sense of belonging she has gained through her own camp experiences. She wanted to help other children have the opportunity to experience that same happiness, friendship, and escape — especially those who need it most.

For her Bat Mitzvah project, Joelle has chosen to support YEKA Boys & Girls Camps in Ukraine — a safe haven for Jewish children growing up during an incredibly difficult time. Throughout the year, YEKA provides children in Ukraine with multiple opportunities to attend camp and experience a sense of safety, stability, and joy. The camps take place several times a year, including extended 3-week summer sessions, weekend retreats, and special programs around Jewish holidays. For many of these children, camp is much more than recreation — it is an escape from the hardships of everyday life and a place where they can feel cared for, supported, and uplifted.

Many of the campers come from challenging homes, have experienced loss, and live with the daily uncertainty of war. At camp, they are surrounded by mentors, friendship, warmth, and meaningful Jewish experiences. They celebrate Shabbat and holidays together, build lifelong friendships, enjoy sports, music, and activities, and simply have the chance to laugh, relax, and be children again. The impact of camp continues long after the sessions end, helping many of the children return home with greater confidence, happiness, connection, and Jewish pride.

In addition to raising donations and collecting supplies, Joelle also wanted to take a more hands-on approach to helping. She will be creating and selling homemade natural soaps, with all proceeds going directly to support YEKA camps. Joelle is passionate about protecting the environment, rainforest, and animals — especially sloths — and wanted her project to reflect both her love for helping people and caring for the world around her.

YEKA has generously created this dedicated page for Joelle’s Bat Mitzvah project so that family and friends can directly support the children through camp sponsorships, donations, supplies, and Joelle’s fundraising efforts. Every contribution made through this page will help provide unforgettable experiences filled with love, hope, friendship, and joy.

In lieu of gifts, Joelle encourages you to consider making a donation to support YEKA Boys & Girls Camps in Ukraine. Your generosity will help provide children with a safe, loving, and joyful camp experience during an incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for helping Joelle make a meaningful difference.