Camp Pembroke, located on a quiet and safe cove on Lake Oldham in Pembroke, MA, is an all girl’s camp characterized by feelings of sisterhood, camaraderie and warm friendships. It is also the oldest of the Cohen Camps. Founded in 1935 by Eli and Bessie Cohen, Camp Pembroke’s girls live in a horseshoe of white cabins and are free from the self-consciousness that so often accompanies co-ed living. Girls can let their hair down and can be themselves; it’s a place where they can go to breakfast in their pajamas, play sports, and still be a girl, who occasionally has the excitement of inter-camp dances.
Camp Pembroke’s girls live in a horseshoe of white cabins and are free from the self-consciousness that so often accompanies co-ed living. Girls can let their hair down and can be themselves.
Camp activities are guided by the Cohen Camp ’s dedication to the spiritual and ethical values of Judaism that enrich the Camp Pembroke experience – campers are exposed to Israeli dance, music and stimulating culture sessions that explore Jewish themes. We recite blessings in the morning and before and after every meal. True Sabbath spirit is evident at Pembroke where the Shabbat Ruach is unmatched—everyone participates in Shabbat at Pembroke and it is a very special celebration that everyone looks forward to each week.
Camp Pembroke is home to over 450 girls (330 at each session) who come to Pembroke to discover new things about themselves, their heritage and the word around them. Pembroke’s girls – the dedicated staff and the spirited campers – drive the character and culture that make the Camp Pembroke community so special. Pembroke has a family atmosphere and a culture of joy and praise where girls gain confidence in themselves by just being at camp., They establish wonderful friendships that are maintained year-round and last a lifetime.
Through a dynamic program of daily activities that include swimming in our pool, horseback riding, and ice skating in addition to a variety of other land, water and arts programs, campers learn new skills and develop independence. Tradition is mixed with yearly enhancements in creative evening activities, campouts, trips and special events that have our campers longing for each summer to begin.
To further enrich the Jewish experience and help children to transition from campers to leaders, the Cohen Camps offer the Dor L’Dor Leadership Program, a counselor-in-training program for returning campers entering the 11th grade. It combines learning with fun through a 4 ½ week trip to Israel and 2 weeks in camp. Leadership development continues formally in the following Junior Counselor year and throughout the summer for all counselors. Accredited by the American Camp Association, Camp Pembroke is proud of its continuing staff development and admirable camper to counselor ratio.
Now in its 71st season, Camp Pembroke is constantly seeking to improve the quality of the program it provides while staying faithful to its rich history and tradition. On June 25, 2005, Camp Pembroke celebrated its 70th anniversary by welcoming back generations of girls that have grown up on Lake Oldham in the summer and are important members of our Pembroke family. These young women have become role models in the Jewish community, both personally and professionally. Pembroke is made up of its physical setting, life-long lessons learned from the sisterhood and the daily teaching, and the creation of unforgettable memories and a legacy devoted to Jewish youth.
