CAMP SHIFRA FAQs



Camp Shifra Mission Statement

Our goal is to provide a spiritual answer to teenage girls suffering with eating disorders and the associated problems of weight and poor self image.

We will transform the lives of teenage girls so that they use the relationship with HaShem as the basis for a healthy life, free from problems associated with eating and food.

How Will Camp Shifra Accomplish the Transformation?


Camp Shifra will begin by teaching the girls that emotional hunger is not the same as food hunger. The girls will learn that there are ways to satisfy emotional hunger by connection in creative ways.

Specifically, each girl will be provided with a food plan tailored to her needs, and will use this plan in learning:

  • How to prepare appropriate amounts of food
  • How to control food by portion rather than counting calories
  • How to shop for high quality, appropriate foods


    • Camp Shifra will provide an understanding of the traditional value of food and the development of a well balanced diet.

    The key to acquiring this new awareness and skill is an intensive and fun filled four week camp experience. The teenage girl with food dependency issues will be with a peer group with similar issues. Each girl will be guided by skilled professionals who have overcome similar challenges in their own lives with the very same techniques that the girls will be learning -- thus they will be surrounded by inspiring role models. Of course, and this is critical, the whole transforming four weeks will take place in a fun environment with daily doses of exciting and creative activities that deeply engage the girls emotionally, physically and spiritually. The girls will be shopping for and preparing their own food -- mastering the skills which they will take home.

    Overall Outcomes of Camp Shifra


  • Learn how to turn to HaShem instead of to food
  • Learn a hands-on approach to cooking, weighing and preparing food
  • Learn portion control
  • Understand the difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger
  • Learn how to shop for their food
  • Develop a sense of peace with their own bodies
  • Journal as way to deal with feelings versus "eating about feelings"
  • Use of spiritual texts
  • Attend meetings designed to discuss what is really eating us.
  • Service to fellow campers as a way of reaching out to others.


    • To encourage free participation in all activities, the highest level of confidentiality will be observed at all times. Participants will be aware of the need to respect the confidences of others.

    There is a natural transition back to their year-round environment. This camp will facilitate a smooth transition so that campers can successfully integrate these skills into their lives.

    After Camp Follow Up Activities


    It is important to reinforce the camp learning experience with follow up activities which include not only camp participants, but their parents.

    To facilitate the girls’ re-entry into their usual environment, the director and staff will have individual phone conferences with each set of parents during the last week of camp. The objective of these calls will be to provide feedback on that girl’s individual camp experience, help the parents understand the skills acquired and what must be done to continue to reinforce them, and furnish a list of foods to be made available so that the healthy eating habits continue.

    It is critically important to provide the girls with ongoing support from their peers as well. To this end, each girl will have an assigned partner with whom she will communicate on a daily basis. Partner accountability is a proven means to sustain healthy eating behavior.

    In addition, there will be a continuing connection between the staff and the camp attendees. For some attendees, weekly face to face meetings will be possible. Other attendees, who may be geographically more remote, will be invited to attend via conference call.



    free hit counters