Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo)

For families in Pennsylvania seeking a meaningful and engaging summer experience for high school boys, Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) in Dingmans Ferry, PA, offers a truly distinctive option. While not a traditional public campground open to all, ShoKo is a specialized summer program designed to combine rigorous Torah learning with a fun-filled and active camp atmosphere. Located on the campus of Camp Nageela, it provides a unique blend of spiritual growth, intellectual stimulation, and physical activity amidst the picturesque Poconos landscape.

ShoKo is more than just a summer camp; it's an immersive experience crafted to help high school students maximize their summer productively while still enjoying a refreshing break. It stands out for its focus on skill building in Torah study, fostering a genuine love and enjoyment for learning. Beyond the classrooms, participants engage in exhilarating trips, competitive sports, and exciting activities, ensuring a well-rounded summer. For Pennsylvanian families looking for a program that balances academic achievement with outdoor adventure and character development within a Jewish framework, ShoKo in Dingmans Ferry presents an exceptional opportunity for growth and memorable experiences.

Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) is situated at 127 Log and Twig Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA. This location places it squarely within Pike County, Pennsylvania, a region renowned for its natural beauty and status as a gateway to the Poconos Mountains. Dingmans Ferry is a charming community located near the Delaware River and within close proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing a scenic and serene backdrop for the summer program.

For residents across Pennsylvania, the accessibility of ShoKo's location is a significant advantage. Dingmans Ferry is within a manageable driving distance from major population centers in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Allentown, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. This allows for relatively straightforward travel for participants and convenient visitation for families. The address itself (127 Log and Twig Rd) is important for GPS navigation, and the campus is specifically noted as being on the grounds of Camp Nageela, which is focused on Jewish outreach. While tucked away in a natural setting, it remains connected enough for safe and efficient travel, making it an ideal summer destination for high school boys from various parts of the state looking for an enriching and accessible program.

Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) is a specialized summer program, and as such, its "services offered" are tailored to its unique mission of combining Torah learning with recreational activities for high school boys. These services are integrated into a comprehensive summer experience.

• Torah Learning Program: At its core, ShoKo offers a structured and engaging program focused on Torah learning. This includes:
  • Skill Building: Emphasis on developing practical skills in studying Jewish texts.
  • Sincere Love for Learning: Designed to foster a genuine enjoyment and appreciation for Torah study and avodas Hashem (service of God).
  • Experienced Rebbeim (Teachers): The program features "amazing Rebbeim who handcraft the learning and program to fit the specific needs of every camper."
• Recreational Activities: ShoKo provides a wide array of non-academic activities to ensure a fun and balanced summer:
  • Exhilarating Trips: Off-campus excursions for adventure and exploration.
  • Competitive Sports: Opportunities for physical activity and team play.
  • Exciting Activities: A variety of engaging camp-style fun.
• Housing and Meals: As a residential summer program, ShoKo provides:
  • Accommodations: Campers are housed on the campus of Camp Nageela.
  • Meals: Nutritious and kosher meals are provided throughout the program.
• Mentorship and Support: Beyond formal instruction, Rebbeim and staff offer ongoing mentorship and support, helping campers with both their spiritual and personal growth.
• Spiritual Growth and Impact: Campers have the unique opportunity to interact with and positively influence campers at Camp Nageela (which focuses on Jewish outreach), allowing them to "leave a meaningful impact on the lives of Nageela campers" by sharing their Jewish knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Supervised Environment: A safe, structured, and supervised environment for all participants.
• Focus on Well-Rounded Development: The program aims to help students "utilize his summer productively while simultaneously having the most exciting summer of his life," ensuring they return to yeshiva feeling "refreshed from a fun and relaxing break at camp."

Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) stands out for several key features and highlights that make it a premier summer program for high school boys, offering a unique blend of education and recreation.

• Dual Focus on Torah & Recreation: The core strength of ShoKo is its successful integration of serious "Torah learning" with "fun filled summer" activities. It's designed to provide "great accomplishments in Torah learning" alongside "exhilarating trips, competitive sports and exciting activities."
• Customized Learning Experience: A significant highlight is the presence of "amazing Rebbeim who handcraft the learning and program to fit the specific needs of every camper." This personalized approach ensures that each student can develop their "skill building" and cultivate a "sincere love and enjoyment for learning."
• Impactful Spiritual Growth: ShoKo provides a unique opportunity for its campers to "leave a meaningful impact on the lives of Nageela campers," who come to learn more about Judaism. This aspect fosters a sense of responsibility and outreach within the participants.
• Productive and Refreshing Summer: The program is strategically designed to help students "utilize his summer productively" while ensuring they feel "refreshed from a fun and relaxing break at camp." This balance allows campers to return to their regular studies invigorated and accomplished.
• Experienced Leadership: With a dedicated Program Director (Rabbi Zev Senter) and a Camp Mashgiach (Rav Schwechter), ShoKo benefits from strong, experienced leadership focused on both the educational and recreational aspects of the program.
• Location on Camp Nageela Campus: Being "housed on the campus of Camp Nageela" provides access to established camp facilities and a supportive environment, benefiting from Camp Nageela's infrastructure and Jewish outreach focus.
• Holistic Development: The program emphasizes developing not just intellectual skills but also leadership, resilience (through challenges on trips), and connection to wisdom through Jewish texts and traditions, aiming for "a lifetime of learning, service, and well-being."
• Immersive Poconos Setting: The location in Dingmans Ferry, PA, within the Poconos, offers a naturally beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities, contributing to the "fun filled" and refreshing aspect of the summer.

As Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) is a specialized summer program rather than a traditional campground, its "promotions or special offers" would typically revolve around program fees, scholarship opportunities, and early registration benefits. Specific details would be provided directly by the program administration.

• Early Registration Discounts: Many summer programs offer reduced tuition fees for families who register their participants by a specific early deadline. This encourages timely enrollment and helps the program with planning.
• Sibling Discounts: If a family enrolls more than one child in ShoKo or other affiliated Camp Nageela programs, there might be a discount offered for additional siblings.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid: Given the nature of a Kollel and Jewish educational programs, it is common for financial aid or scholarship opportunities to be available to families who demonstrate need. This ensures that the program is accessible to a wider range of participants. Families are typically encouraged to inquire directly about the application process for financial assistance.
• Referral Bonuses: Sometimes, programs offer incentives to current or past families who refer new participants who successfully enroll.
• Program Bundles (if applicable): While not explicitly stated, if ShoKo is part of a larger network of programs, there might be bundled offers for extended stays or combining different types of programs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on program fees, payment plans, and any available scholarships or special offers, interested families should directly contact Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) via their official channels. This information is typically detailed in their admissions or registration packets.

For inquiries about Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo), including program details, admissions, and general information, please use the following contact points.

• Program Email: campshoko@heichalhatorah.org
  • This is the most direct email contact provided for ShoKo specific inquiries.
• Program Phone: 201-491-4606
  • This phone number is specifically listed for general Camp ShoKo questions.
• Address: 127 Log and Twig Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA
  • This is the physical address where the program is housed on the campus of Camp Nageela. For GPS purposes, it's highly recommended to use this address.
• Camp Nageela Email (General Campus Inquiries): info@campnageela.org
  • Since ShoKo is housed on the Camp Nageela campus, this might be an alternative contact for broader campus-related questions, though ShoKo's direct email is preferred for program specifics.
• Camp Nageela Phone: 516-374-1528
  • Similar to the email, this is a general number for the overarching Camp Nageela, which hosts ShoKo.
• Official Website: For comprehensive information about the program, curriculum, activities, and application process, visit the official ShoKo website: campshoko.com.

It is highly recommended to primarily use the ShoKo-specific email and phone number for the most accurate and prompt responses regarding the program.

For Pennsylvanians, Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) in Dingmans Ferry offers a particularly suitable and enriching summer opportunity for high school boys, distinguished by its unique blend of academic rigor and recreational fun. Its local accessibility and specialized programming make it an ideal choice for families within the state.

The core suitability lies in its dual focus on intensive Torah learning and dynamic summer activities. For families who prioritize both spiritual and intellectual growth alongside a refreshing and exciting break, ShoKo perfectly delivers. It allows students to "maximize their summer productively" by developing essential skills in Torah study, fostering a genuine "love and enjoyment for learning," while simultaneously engaging in "exhilarating trips, competitive sports and exciting activities." This holistic approach ensures students return to their academic year feeling both accomplished and rejuvenated.

The presence of experienced Rebbeim who personalize the learning is a significant draw, ensuring that each camper receives tailored guidance, enhancing their educational journey. Furthermore, the program’s unique component of allowing ShoKo campers to "leave a meaningful impact on the lives of Nageela campers" by sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm adds a valuable dimension of leadership and outreach, fostering strong character development.

The Poconos location in Dingmans Ferry offers a beautiful, natural setting that enhances the recreational aspects of the camp, providing a serene backdrop for outdoor adventures. This local accessibility for Pennsylvanian families means less travel time and more time for their children to benefit from the program.

In conclusion, Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo) is not just a summer camp; it's a meticulously crafted experience for high school boys. It provides a unique opportunity for Pennsylvanian families seeking a program that nurtures spiritual growth, intellectual curiosity, and physical activity within a supportive and fun-filled Jewish environment, all conveniently located within their home state.

Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo)

127 Log and Twig Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA