Farash Foundation investing $16M in Camp Seneca Lake program for Jewish kids

This article originally appeared in the Rochester Business Journal and was authored by Andrea Deckert adeckert@bridgetowermedia.com / (585) 653-4021 

---

The Farash Foundation is launching Project Campfire, a new initiative which makes it possible for Rochester-area Jewish children to attend Camp Seneca Lake for free.  

The Farash Foundation expects to commit $16 million to Project Campfire over the next nine years. 

Through Project Campfire, Jewish children in grades three through nine and residing in Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, Orleans, Genesee and Yates Counties will receive a “campership” to fully fund one session of attendance at Camp Seneca Lake.  

Campers from outside the Rochester area can continue to apply for subsidies through the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s One Happy Camper program. The foundation will continue to support their Magic of Camp initiative that provides subsidies for Rochester children attending other Jewish overnight camps. 

“When I think about Jewish camping, I think about the energy — the ruach – the spirit — that comes alive in a space where kids can proudly embrace their Jewish identity and experience our traditions in a way that is welcoming and joyful,” said Jennie Schaff, CEO of the Farash Foundation. “Through Project Campfire, we are thrilled to provide this opportunity to even more Jewish youth, fulfilling Max and Marian Farash’s lifelong commitment to building a vibrant Jewish community here in Rochester now and into the future.”