For generations, Harlam has been a place where any child or staff member can feel safe and supported to be the best version of themselves and thrive in a place that offers rich opportunities for connection, self-exploration, Jewish values and belonging.

As part of the URJ’s commitment to expand racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) principles and practices, we are focused on examining systems of racial oppression and aggression within our camp community and working to create a culture shift that will enable racial diversity.  Camp Harlam families, staff, and alumni who are Jews of Color, and their family and allies, are an integral part of this work.  We are committed to constantly learning, challenging ourselves, and looking inward as an organization to dismantle the racism and unconscious bias that have influenced our society. We do this through our 20+ member strong REDI task force, as well as providing affinity spaces for JOC during the summer, and in the off season.

• Our facility and programming are welcoming and inclusive, which benefit all members.
• We offer programming at all ages that encourages learning, engagement, and exploration into topics of social justice.
• We continue to design accessible spaces that work for all participants, regardless of disabilities.
• We pledge to best support ALL children in the camp setting… not just children with special needs.

The Harlam Staff is always following and creating best practices that allow campers to be successful at our camp. Over the years, we are proud to offer numerous accommodations on an as-needed basis.

• Alternative Song Sessions
• Earplugs/Headphones
• Fidget Toys
• Visual Signs
• Chill Zone
• Pocket Schedule
• Rocking Chairs
• Many more!

We are a welcoming and safe community for all LGBTQ+ individuals and families. While campers are bunked by gender, we affirm camper and staff member’s identity by including them in the bunk of the gender they identify with. Harlam has successfully accommodated transgender campers for the last several years and continues to do so today. We welcome the opportunity to work with families to ensure that all personal needs are met for any camper. 

• Gender neutral restrooms and privacy for showering
• Individual changing rooms in each cabin
• Camper/Staff Gender Sexuality Alliance
• Off-season affinity groups for LGBTQ campers
• The option of an all-gender bunk for a critical mass of campers
• Signage that reflects our values and our diversity

Under the leadership of our year-round REDI (Racial, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and Camper Care Manager, a REDI task force works to look critically at the inner workings of Harlam’s infrastructure.  The goal of the task force is to strive to make changes where they need to be made in order to maintain a safe haven where our campers and staff feel comfortable, welcome, and celebrated for being their most authentic and best selves each summer, and all year long.  Camp actively seeks feedback from campers, families, and staff throughout the year, as well as over the summer, to be able to respond to needs and address any wrongs.

Raising Understanding and Awareness of Campers at Harlam (RUACH) Team represents a pledge to provide the best training available to teach counselors how to best support children who present with challenges over the summer.

Our commitment is to drive a culture of acceptance and inclusion by providing a select cohort of staff with:

• Specialized support
• Ongoing training
• Certification in YMHFA to an identified group of counselors and staff who are embedded in cabins throughout camp to provide positive interventions directly to kids