URJ Camp Newman Year-Round Programs

URJ Camp Newman Year-Round Programs include a range of activities such as get-to-know-you games, Shabbat song sessions and t’fillah, Siyum (a nightly closing circle), Israeli dance, and Adult schmooze time. At Grand-Family Camp, kids and grandparents can join Early Risers unstaffed activities, a Star Hike (self guided), a Yoga Class, camp fun blocks with options like tie dye challah covers, challah braiding, a self-guided Gratitude Nature Walk, Self Portrait Discovery, Menucha quiet rest/play time, story time in the staff lounge, and quiet play time together with grandkids. The program also offers specific retreats and gatherings such as the Grief and Growing retreat and Grand-Family Camp, and includes special treats like peanut butter gelt cookies.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Grand-Family Camp includes a Friday afternoon welcome and registration window from 3:00–5:00, followed by evening activities, and a Saturday schedule that begins with Early Risers activities at 7:00, morning options from 7:30, and camp fun, creative projects, meals, and rest time through the midday.

URJ Camp Newman Year-Round Programs state a mission of inspiring a love of Judaism 365 days a year and are guided by the value of b’tzelem Elohim, with all programs rooted in Jewish values and a Philosophy of C.A.R.E.: Community (Kehillah Kedoshah), Acceptance (V’ahavta L’reicha Kamocha), Role-Modeling (A’sei lecha rav), and Each and Every One (Betzelem Elohim). The programs are part of a larger system that includes summer programs, year-round programs, and facility rental, and they offer meaningful Jewish experiences for all ages across the Southwest and West Coast. URJ Camp Newman is described as the West Coast’s largest Reform camp, part of a lineage that began in 1947 as Camp Saratoga, later became the UAHC Swig Camp Institute, and moved to its current home on Porter Creek Road in Santa Rosa in 1997, with a history that includes operating Zoomin’ with Newman and TeenFest virtual camp options in Summer 2020.

URJ Camp Newman is part of the Union for Reform Judaism family of camps and youth programs and draws campers from over 80 congregations in Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. Following the Tubbs Fire in 2017, the camp used a temporary home at Cal State Maritime Academy in Vallejo for summers 2018 and 2019, and the Six Points Community Center at Camp Newman previously operated year-round with capacity for 700 people at a time, drawing over 2,000 Jewish children and adults each summer and over 60,000 participant nights annually. Testimonials from parents and campers describe children making lifelong friends, strengthening Jewish identity, and experiencing camp as a loving and caring community and a place “where kids can be kids.”

The leadership team for URJ Camp Newman Year-Round Programs includes Associate Director of Development Ben Zeiger, Family Engagement & Registration Coordinator Amanda Radman, Director of Advancement & Growth Rachel K. Slaton, Marketing Manager/URJ West Camps Marketing Manager Rachel Mellman, and Camp Director Rabbi Allie Fischman. Staff credentials include advanced degrees in Jewish Nonprofit Management, Jewish Education, Jewish Studies & History, Public Administration, and Music/Vocal Arts, along with experience in Hillel, NFTY regional advising, synagogue roles, Jewish education organizations, and professional opera performance, and Rabbi Fischman’s ordination by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.

Last updated May 15, 2026.