Camp Tizmoret Shoshana

In the scenic hills of the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania lies a distinctive facility that serves a highly specialized purpose: Camp Tizmoret Shoshana. While the term 'campground' often conjures images of rustic tent sites or RV hookups, Tizmoret Shoshana operates as a dedicated, premier Orthodox Jewish summer camp for creative arts, serving girls finishing 5th through 11th grades. It is a structured, overnight program held annually in the Hawley area, utilizing the extensive grounds and facilities of the Watonka Outdoor Facilities.

This is not a public camping area for rent by the night; rather, it is a fully integrated summer community where artistic expression and spiritual growth are intertwined. Since its founding, Tizmoret Shoshana has cultivated a nurturing environment that models how Jewish women can embrace both their faith and their passion for the arts. This specialized mission has made it a renowned destination within the greater Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Jewish communities, offering a unique blend of high-level instruction in areas like instrumental music, vocal performance, dance, drama, visual arts, and creative writing.

The camp experience is built around integrating Jewish life and Torah values into every aspect of the artistic curriculum. Campers engage in collaborative projects, receive instruction from professional faculty, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the Pennsylvania landscape. For parents in Pennsylvania looking for a meaningful, growth-oriented summer experience for their artistic daughters that aligns with their Orthodox lifestyle, Tizmoret Shoshana represents a valuable and celebrated resource right here in the commonwealth.

### Location and Accessibility

Camp Tizmoret Shoshana is situated in the picturesque Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania, within the charming town of Hawley.

Address: 328 Wangum Falls Rd, Hawley, PA 18428, USA

Accessibility: The camp is located at the established Watonka Outdoor Facilities, a secluded property covering approximately 100 acres of pristine land. This location provides a tranquil and inspiring natural environment, featuring a private lake and forested areas crucial for a traditional summer camp experience. Hawley is readily accessible via major state and local roads in Northeastern Pennsylvania, making it a convenient drive for families from the greater Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and New York metropolitan areas. The camp is not open to the public for drop-in visits; access is strictly reserved for registered campers, staff, and authorized personnel during the operating season, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants.

### Services Offered

As a comprehensive, full-service summer camp, Tizmoret Shoshana provides extensive care and programming for its campers:

• Full Residential Housing: Campers are housed in cabins with bunk beds, dedicated storage space, and attached bathroom facilities. Cabins are supervised by trained counselors, maintaining small camper-to-counselor ratios.
• Complete Meal Service: Three nutritious, Kosher meals (plus daily snacks) are provided, with fruit always available. All food service adheres strictly to Orthodox dietary laws.
• Mental and Physical Wellness Support: The camp places a strong emphasis on health, employing a full-time camp nurse and a dedicated mental health professional on staff to support the emotional well-being of campers and staff.
• Artistic Instruction: Professional faculty deliver top-tier instruction across multiple creative concentration areas, including instrumental music, visual arts, dance, drama, and creative writing.
• Torah and Spiritual Programming: All activities, discussions, and daily life are guided by Torah values, with opportunities for spiritual growth and study integrated throughout the schedule.

### Features / Highlights

The experience at Camp Tizmoret Shoshana is defined by its unique combination of focus areas and its supportive environment in a desirable Pennsylvania setting.

• Unique Arts-Torah Integration: This is the camp's defining feature. It provides a unique space where Orthodox Jewish girls can receive top-tier artistic training without compromising on their religious values and practice.
• Poconos Natural Beauty: The camp utilizes the extensive natural features of the Watonka Outdoor Facilities, including waterfront access for boating and swimming on the private lake, and scenic areas for outdoor activities and artistic inspiration.
• Dedicated Mental Health Initiative: Thanks to the Yedid Nefesh grant, the camp maintains a dedicated mental health professional, enhanced counselor training, and a “Quiet Room” for campers needing time to recharge—a significant commitment to holistic camper care.
• High-Quality Facilities: Campers benefit from facilities tailored to creative arts, including various spaces for music ensembles, drama rehearsals, art studios, and dedicated recreation areas like decks, lounges, and sports fields.
• Inclusivity and Community: The camp prides itself on fostering a friendly, non-judgmental community that welcomes campers from diverse Orthodox backgrounds (Bais Yaakov, Modern Orthodox, Sephardic, etc.), emphasizing acceptance and new friendships.

### Contact Information

As an active summer program, the camp’s administrative contact details often differ from the physical camp address.

Physical Location (Watonka Outdoor Facilities): 328 Wangum Falls Rd, Hawley, PA 18428, USA
Primary Office Email: office@tizmoretshoshana.org
Office Phone (Administrative): 416-884-4014 (Note: This may be a non-local number due to administrative office location)
Recommendation: For inquiries regarding registration, program details, and dates for the upcoming summer season, reaching out via the dedicated office email is often the most efficient method. It is important to note that the camp operates seasonally; phone and office hours may vary outside of the summer months.

### What is Worth Choosing

For families across Pennsylvania, Camp Tizmoret Shoshana is worth choosing because it provides an unparalleled, values-based creative education within a supportive, traditional summer camp environment. It solves the common dilemma for Orthodox Jewish families of finding a camp that excels in artistic instruction while being fully devoted to Torah values and Jewish observance.

By choosing this camp, parents are providing their daughters with not only top-tier training in their chosen art form—be it on a violin overlooking the lake or sketching in a quiet corner—but also the opportunity to develop strong character, lasting friendships, and a deep, integrated sense of Jewish identity. The dedication to professional instruction, safety, and emotional well-being, all nestled in the beautiful natural setting of the Pennsylvania Poconos, makes Tizmoret Shoshana a transformative and highly recommended summer experience for artistic, growth-minded young women.

Camp Tizmoret Shoshana

328 Wangum Falls Rd, Hawley, PA 18428, USA