Our campers come from across the country every summer for a summer of fun and a lifetime of memories from such places as Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Germany, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Japan, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Panama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and of course Wisconsin!

Shoresh - (Root) Entering 3rd–5th Grade

Shoresh means root, and while our Shoresh campers represent the roots of camp, they also are the future of our Jewish Community.  Our Shoresh unit is geared toward the younger camper, many who are first time campers.  Our nurturing staff works hard to make sure that our young campers feel comfortable, have a great time, and really become a part of Camp Interlaken ’s Kehillah (community).  Rise & Shine programs are designed for younger campers who wake up early and want to try new activities in camp.  In Shoresh, we try to expose all of the campers to new activities and all the exciting programs that we offer.  Campers will experience an in-camp overnighter, a day trip to the beach, Maccabiah , Israel Day, and more.

Tzomayach – (Grow/Vegetative) Entering 6th–8th Grade

Tzomayach means grow/vegetative, and for us it represents the stem of camp.  Tzomayach is our largest unit in camp, and during this time, we see the most growth and development in our campers from when they enter the unit until they enter Sha’ar.  By the time they reach 6^th grade, we work to integrate the campers even more into Camp Interlaken ’s Kehillah, and we focus on Tselem Elohim, that every person is created in G-d’s image.  From this fundamental moral claim, we teach the campers about kevod haberiot, respect of all persons.  Each Tzomayach cabin will experience an overnight camping trip, Maccabiah , Israel Day, KTO (K’far Takes Over), Campstock, and more. 

Sha’ar - (Gate) Entering 9th Grade

Sha’ar means gate, and we look at this unit as a gateway from main camp to K’far Noar, our teen village.  The program is built to reflect the changing needs of an emerging adolescent. With greater input into how they spend their time at camp during their co-ed  cabin time activity, these campers have the opportunity to make their camp experience truly exciting.  Sha’ar provides campers their first opportunity to plan a program for the entire camp as they plan the annual Campstock festival.  This unit focus on Tikun Olam as together we learn ways to repair the world.  Sha’ar campers experience an overnight camping trip, Maccabiah , Israel Day, KTO, Campstock, Pickle Night, High School Night, and more. 

K’far Noar - ( Teen Village ) Entering 10th Grade

K’far Noar, the Teen Village , is about adventure, teamwork, and growth.  Campers participate in a 3 day/2 night Namekagon River Canoe Trip outfitted through Wilderness Inquiry.  Campers work together to create many of their evening programs as well as get a taste of what it’s like to be a staff member at Camp Interlaken when K’far Takes Over (KTO).  Campers also plan the all camp Final Banquet where they choose the theme, decorate, and design the menu.  K’far Noar has their own Bayit, house, where they make their own breakfast each morning.  Their Judaic focus is on the love of Israel , Eretz Yisrael, as we prepare our 10^th grade campers to attend the Milwaukee community JCC Maccabi Israel trip during their 11^th grade summer.  K’far Noar will experience Maccabiah , Israel Day, KTO, Campstock, Iron Chef, Tuesdays with Toni, Final Banquet and more.

JCC Maccabi Israel Trip - Entering 11th Grade

The Milwaukee Jewish Community has consecutively sent the largest delegation from one community to Israel year after year by sending anywhere from 25-35 campers on the JCC Maccabi Israel trip.  The trip is led by past Interlaken staff and Israeli staff.  The four week trip culminates in Milwaukee where they spend two weeks as hosts to the Mifgashim, the group of teens from our partnership region of Sovev Kinnert in Israel , as they experience the Milwaukee Jewish community and follow with a visit to Camp Interlaken for a long weekend and Shabbat experience.  For more information about the trip, please contact Mona Cohen. 

Ozrim Program - (Counselor in Training) Entering 12th Grade

Ozrim means “helpers,” and that only defines part of our Staff in Training program.  Becoming an “Ozo” requires an application, references, and an interview by one of our camp directors.  The 28 Ozrim have an 8 week experience at camp where they learn about being a staff member at Interlaken through lectures, group experiences, and programming challenges.  The Ozrim plan Maccabiah for the entire camp, and they plan many other evening programs and cabin times.  They have the opportunity to participate in our Lifeguard Training to receive their American Red Cross LGT certification during the first session of camp. Second session, our Ozrim move into cabins and work with the counselors to ensure a successful summer experience for our campers.  They also have the opportunity to assist in teaching chugim from the arts to aquatics to sports.  We hope that our Ozrim return to Camp Interlaken in the future as staff.  For more information or to apply to be an Ozo, please contact Toni Davison Levenberg, our camp director.