Camp Emeth, an eight-week day camp for children ages 5-13, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20.  The event is open to the public and will take place at the camp’s pavilion on the grounds of Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road.

The event’s activities include a Havdallah service, visits from local food trucks, a campfire where guests can make s’mores, a ceremony commemorating the opening of the camp’s new outdoor gaga pit (a special camp game), as well as games and activities for all ages. At 8 p.m., local rock band the Mack Daddyz will take the outdoor stage for an open-air concert.

To kick off the weekends events, on Friday, July 19, a the camp’s pavilion there will be a camp style Shabbat service at 6 p.m. with camper and staff participation, followed by an ice cream truck social.  In addition, attendees will also be able to put a colorful handprint on the new outdoor gaga pit.

Camp Emeth first welcomed campers in June 1988 when educator and longtime Shaare Emeth member Marsha Grazman served as its first director.  From its start, the camp’s goal was to provide a safe, nurturing camp environment where children could learn about their world, discover their own strengths, feel connected to their community and develop their Jewish identity.

Today, Camp Emeth is directed by Jodi Miller, who has been with the camp for more than 10 years. There are more than 200 children attending this summer (both congregation members and non-members), and there are even campers with relatives in St. Louis who come every summer to go to camp. 

“The majority of our counselors, senior staff and even our current campers parents were campers themselves at Camp Emeth,” noted Miller. “That says a lot about our camp and the community it creates.”

For more information about Camp Emeth’s 25th anniversary event or to RSVP, contact Jenn Sagett at [email protected].