"I remember gathering around the camp flagpole every summer morning since I was 5 years old, the American and Israeli flags raised. There we would sing Hatikvah, “the hope”. Every single morning I felt a connection to Israel, every dance and art program led by the Israeli shlichim, I felt a connection to Israel, every time the Israeli Scouts came to camp in their caravan, I felt a connection to Israel. I come from an Israel family, but I owe a great deal to my summer camp for my strong and lasting connection to Israel."

- ​Yuval Lerman, Camp Butwin Alumni & Consular 

"Summer camp was one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life. From singing Hebrew songs with my friends on the bus to having representatives from the IDF talking with us about their experiences in the army, it was astonishing and perplexing at the same time. I wondered what my role in all of this was. Throughout camp I had felt an intrinsic connection to the holy land. A deep yearning to visit and learn as much as I could about Israel. This deep yearning became known to me as Zionism. The belief that the Jewish people can have self determination in their own state. This belief is the pillar of supporting Israel and her right to exist. I can't thank my Jewish summer camp enough for helping me uncover my love for Zionism and the state of Israel."

- Benny Yushkevich, Camp Butwin Alumni