Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
A summer camp of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), our program focuses on the whole child, fostering personal advancement and resilience while creating an aspirational arc of growth and possibilities. At 6 Points Creative Arts, the program staff, campers, and site work together to create a holistic, meaningful experience for artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing. 6 Points Creative Arts uses Creative Arts and traditional summer camp activities as vehicles to provide both formal and informal Jewish education to accomplish our mission.
Mission
We forge connections between the Arts and Judaism, building a sacred space to inspire personal growth and artistic development.
Vision
A creative and inclusive Jewish community where one connects to their people, artistic voice, and authentic self.
Core Values
With Judaism’s wisdom and wonder as a foundation for innovation, expression and resilience, we are creative artists who:
Creativity, יְצִירָה (Yetzirah)
Immerse ourselves in creation in diverse ways, recognizing and cultivating our unique gifts to continually contribute to the design of a world still in formation.
Curiosity, סַקרָנוּת (Sakranut)
Embrace the Jewish tradition of continuous learning and discovery.
Grit, אֹמֶץ לֶב (Ometz Lev)
Display courage and resolve, drawing on strength of character to journey beyond our comfort zones.
Collaboration, שִׁלּוּב (Shiluv)
Work together with others. We seek and value their contributions, while also offering our own insights and perspectives.
Craftsmanship, מְלָאכָה (M'lacha)
To Choose, לִבְחֹר, (Liv'chor)
Choose to be present as our authentic selves, open to opportunities for evolving growth in our identities.
Our Community
6 Points Creative Arts Academy and all URJ camps are proud of our open, supportive and inclusive environments. The make-up of the URJ and our programs is as diverse as our population, therefore our communities represent that vibrant and colorful fabric that makes up the Reform Jewish population. We hope that our campers and staff strengthen their self-esteem, Jewish identity, and connection to the Jewish community through the supportive nature of our people, staff, and programs.
With the care of our community as our highest priority, we recognize that campers may need varying levels of support while at camp. It takes great intentional, active and thoughtful planning to put systems in place to ensure that each child is given the chance to enjoy the most positive experience. Our counselors, mentors and leadership work with community care specialists to meet this goal on-site.
Parents and guardians are our invaluable partners in ensuring the success of each camper. Together we work to set up each camper with the backing they need to be the best version of themselves. It is critical that parents provide us with all the information necessary to determine what supports will be needed, and can be provided, in the camp environment. Changes in medication, treatment, health and/or family circumstances must be shared with camp leadership prior to your camper’s arrival. All families will have an intake call with our year-round social worker upon submitting the camper application, and if recommended, a second meeting closer to summer, during which we ask for as much information to aid camp and camper success as possible. We will be equally forthcoming if camp is unable to make the accommodations needed for a camper to thrive in our program and will work with families to identify other potential placement options.
Camp is a fast-paced, communal living environment. Campers are active and social from morning until night and will share a dorm room with at least one roommate. Please consider these factors when determining if CAA is the right fit for your family.
LGBTQIA
6 Points Creative Arts Academy embraces the diversity of life experiences and Jewish journeys. In alignment with our mission and Reform Jewish values, we welcome and support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender campers, staff, faculty, and all members of our community who are between and outside of those identities.
Resources
- Gender Identity Resources
- Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals
- Keshet Online
- Reform Jewish Views on LGBTQ Equality
What does it mean to be transgender? Is that person a boy or a girl?
Some children are born into the body of a boy, but in their hearts and minds they are girls. Others are born into the body of a girl, but in their hearts and minds they are boys. Those raised as boys for the first few years of their lives make it increasingly clear at a very early age that they understand themselves to be girls. Likewise, those that are raised as girls for the first few years of their life made it increasingly clear at a very early age that they understand themselves to be boys. Their social development and patterns are aligned with other children of their age.
Where will a transgender camper or staff member sleep?
Will my child be scared or confused?
What about privacy?
What does the Reform Movement say about transgender people?
How do I explain transgender people and gender variance to my children?
Racial Diversity
The Creative Arts Academy is committed to racial diversity, equity and inclusion. With an estimated 12-15% of the North American Jewish community identifying as people of color, CAA creates a space that fosters and celebrates this diversity. Partnering with the URJ, 6 Points Creative Arts has initiatives in place to ensure that from our hiring practices to our artistic choices, our campers of color and their families know they are seen, embraced, and welcomed.
Anti-Racism Resources
Interfaith
All campers are recognized as full members of the Jewish community whether they have one or two Jewish parents. This is a no-stress environment, where the learning the levels of Jewish living is an enjoyable and natural process with which campers engage.
Interfaith Family Resources
Disabilities Inclusion
We strive to provide inclusive and accessible experiences for our campers, and we realize that, just as no two campers are alike, no two disability experiences are alike. Our goal is to empower young people to thrive in the best camp environment possible for them. We recognize that participants may need varying levels of support while at camp and that parents are our partners in ensuring the success of each camper. Each camper is considered on an individualized basis, with input from parents, teachers and other professionals, to determine a path to success in our program and the types of accommodations needed to meet that expectation.
Once a camper is registered, families work in partnership with our Community Care team to ensure the camper’s success for the summer. This may include a more comprehensive intake, collaboration with professionals who work with your child, and maintaining regular communication throughout the off season as we prepare for the summer. Please contact us and let’s start the conversation! If it is determined that CAA is not the best fit we can try to connect you to other programs which might be options.