What is Pinemere?

Updated

Pinemere is a Jewish summer camp in the Pocono Mountains, built around a close-knit community where campers, staff, and alumni describe themselves as family. It runs sessions of roughly 250–300 campers, and more than 90% of its campers return each year. If you're looking for a smaller, nature-based camp with inclusive Jewish programming, Pinemere fits that description; if you need a large, multi-thousand-camper program or a non-religious setting, it likely won't.

What Pinemere offers

The camp's own description centers on four things:

  • A true community feel — a family-like atmosphere intended to foster deep friendships and lasting connections.
  • A Pocono Mountains location — a rustic, nature-filled setting used as the backdrop for outdoor adventure.
  • Jewish identity and values — inclusive programming that helps campers explore and embrace their heritage.
  • Staff quality — a handpicked team the camp credits with making the summer safe, meaningful, and fun.

The stated goal is a summer of fun, friendship, and personal growth, where kids unplug, try new experiences, and "simply enjoy being kids."

Who it's for

Pinemere describes itself as a summer home that grows with campers, which points to a program designed for repeat, multi-year attendance rather than a one-off session. The combination of a small camper count and an explicitly Jewish program makes it a good fit for families who want both personalized attention and a Jewish camp environment.

The camp also notes that it believes there's a perfect camp for every child — a useful framing if you're comparing options rather than committing to one.

How to learn more or get in touch

  • Talk to a person: The camp invites prospective families to connect with Interim Executive Director Aaron Singer, described as having decades of passion for Pinemere. Contact: (215) 487-2267 or [email protected].
  • Virtual tour: The website states a virtual tour is being updated. In the meantime, it offers photos of the facilities, and a 360 tour is listed as "coming soon."

If a conversation with the director is what would settle your decision, that contact route is the most direct next step.