Imagine a place where your family can relax and play together in all your Jewish, LGBTQ+ glory, surrounded by other kindred families and staff. That’s what we’re creating at Camp Harlam for the first time ever this fall. At a time when so many public spaces are closing themselves off and causing harm to LGBTQ+ people and families, it’s critical for us to have an opportunity to come together, laugh, connect, and be our full selves. 

URJ Camp Harlam and Keshet are thrilled to announce: 

LGBTQ+ Jewish Family Camp 

URJ Camp Harlam in Kunkletown, PA  
November 6-8, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this event and who is it for?
Keshet and URJ Camp Harlam are teaming up to host the first Jewish LGBTQ+ Family Camp on the East Coast. This weekend retreat is designed for families with children in grades 12 and under, with structured programming planned for children ages (roughly) 5-13.

We know and deeply affirm that our families take on many forms. The validity of a family is not and should never be considered contingent on whether or how children are a part of it. While this specific event is intended for families with children, we recognize that there is a serious unmet need for community building opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and families without children. It is one we continue to actively explore, as capacity allows.

If you are interested in programming for LGBTQ+ individuals and families without children, please visit our event calendar, which features a variety of upcoming Keshet-hosted and community-hosted events.

Want to share Family Camp with people who may be interested? Download this flyer and share it in your network!

What are the goals of this event?
The goals of this event are to build community amongst Jewish families with LGBTQ+ members, strengthen their Jewish ties, create a stronger sense of belonging for in the Jewish community, and to provide an opportunity for families that are often experiencing extreme stress in this moment to just exist and exhale.

Who in my family has to be LGBTQ+ for this to be the right event for us?
Whatever generation that identifies as LGBTQ+, you’re welcome!

What will the kids do?
There will be programming that is for families together and programming that is separately for adults and kids. Kids ages (roughly) 5-13 will have an opportunity to engage with staff and older teens to play games, do arts and crafts, and build community together.

What if I have an older or younger kid?
Kids over 13 are encouraged to participate in the family programming along with their family. During the separate programming, those teens are encouraged to help out with the programming for the younger kids. If they choose not to do that, then they would be their parents responsibility. Kids under 5 will need to be with their parents throughout the weekend. If we find that attending families have a majority of kids under 5 or over 13, this plan will be adapted.

When will the event start and end?
The camp will begin on Friday at noon and conclude on Sunday at noon.

Will transportation be provided?
No, transportation not provided. We encourage attendees to coordinate with one another for possible carpool arrangements if possible.

How much will the event cost?
Exact costs will depend on size of family and housing options. The details are available on the application, with a minimum of $300 per family and an average cost of approximately $550 per family.

The event is at a Reform movement camp and my family is observant. Will we be able to participate?
Keshet has extensive experience running Shabbatonim that create a space of belonging for people of diverse expressions of religious observances. The plan is for all food to be vegetarian, prepared in the camp kitchen which has not been kashered. We expect our weekend community to reflect a diversity of expressions of Shabbat observance. Activities will be planned to be accessible to those who are Shomer Shabbat. Which events are Shomer Shabbat will be noted on the schedule. We will collect more specific information about kashrut and Shabbat observance in a survey of all registered families and plan accordingly to the best of our abilities.

My family member(s) and/or I have accommodations we need in order to be able to fully participate in this event. What experience do you have in creating spaces that are inclusive of people with various abilities?
Both URJ Camp Harlam and Keshet have years of experience creating experiences that allow for the full participation of people with a range of abilities. The schedule will include notation about which programs might get loud, there will be a quiet zone for those who need to a lower stimulation space at any time throughout the weekend, housing assignments will take any mobility needs into account, and other accommodations which are shared on the application will be provided to the best of our abilities.

I saw that there is a photo and video release as part of the overall release we signed as part of the application. My child/spouse/partner/I don’t want to be filmed for privacy/safety/other reasons. What should we do about that?
We will provide an opportunity prior to Family Camp for anyone who needs to not be photographed or filmed to share that information and will ensure that any photos and videos published do not include them.