Digital Detox: Foundation for Jewish Camp Announces Sponsorship of National Day of Unplugging

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The One Happy Camper program of the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) is proud to sponsor Reboot's 2011 National Day of Unplugging (NDU). NDU, which runs sundown Friday, March 4 to sundown on Saturday, March 5, encourages people of all backgrounds to unplug, re-embrace a day of rest, and revitalize Shabbat with a modern twist by connecting to traditional rituals in new ways.

Every summer, at 155+ nonprofit Jewish camps across North America, 70,000 campers and 10,000 staff members connect to exciting, poignant, unique Shabbat experiences. In anticipation of the summertime rediscovery of Shabbat, One Happy Camper encourages families to unplug by turning off their cell phones, computers, televisions, and iPods and reconnect with each other and their communities. Visit FJC's Facebook page (Facebook.com/foundationforjewishcamp) for tips and ideas for participating.  One Happy Camper (OneHappyCamper.org) provides need-blind cash grants of $750-2500 to families with kids attending nonprofit Jewish overnight camp for the first time.  

NDU is part of Reboot's ongoing project, Sabbath Manifesto (SabbathManifesto.org)-a creative project rooted in the tradition of the Sabbath and designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world.  It features principles open for unique interpretation by children, adults, and families, including Avoid Technology, Connect With Loved Ones, and Get Outside.  

One Happy Camper and FJC suggest parents unplug with their campers and recharge in unique and creative ways such as:

1. Make s'mores in your fireplace or an outside fire pit. Nothing keeps you warmer than roasted marshmallows, and melted gooey chocolate.
2. Build a Ga-Ga pit in your backyard (use picnic benches, chairs, whatever you've got!) and invite friends over for a tournament!
3. Can't be outside? Organize a board game "color war": Divide friends and family in teams and face-off over the course of the Sabbath.
4. Plan a household scavenger hunt for the signs of summer: bathing suits, bug juice, flip-flops, sunscreen, and more!
5. Participate in a local park clean-up. Beautify the outdoors near your home.
6. Write letters to far-away friends and family members. Everyone is excited to receive mail from someone they love.
7. Break out some supplies and do arts & crafts projects! Try making lanyard key chains and clay Shabbat candleholders!
8. Bake challah. Enjoy it as a family, deliver loaves to friends, and to your local soup kitchen.
   (Check out JewishCamp.org for more ideas.)

"We are thrilled to be a part of a program encouraging people of all religions to unplug, reconnect, and get outside," says Jeremy J. Fingerman, CEO, Foundation for Jewish Camp. "Each summer Jewish camps display the impact of unplugging on hundreds of thousands of children and adults. We hope NDU inspires many more people to take time to disconnect and spend uninterrupted time with family and friends and engage further in their communities."

For additional information about the Foundation for Jewish Camp, please visit: www.jewishcamp.org.

For additional information about Reboot, please visit: www.rebooters.net.

SOURCE Foundation for Jewish Camp