Chol Hamoed Camps

During Chol Hamoed, the middle days of the Jewish holidays of Pesach and Sukkot work is permitted, as opposed to the days of Yom Tov, when work is prohibited. Celebrants are encouraged to spend time together, take trips, wear nice clothing, and indulge in the spirit of the holiday. Since parents may be obligated to go to work, camps have been designed to care for and entertain children. One such camp is Camp Shmarielle, a family-run camp located in Harrisburg, PA. Some Chol Hamoed camps take campers on trips whereas others are based in a home, school, or synagogue. The extreme dietary restrictions of Pesach (Passover) pose an additional challenge for Chol Hamoed Camps. Another challenge posed to Chol Hamoed Camps is when the Chol Hamoed coincides with Shabbat (the sabbath) and activities must adhere to the rules of Shabbat. Passover Pennsylvania Chol Hamoed Camps were invented in 2007 by Arielle Frankston-Morris and her brother in-law Stuart Gasner. A popular activity for Chol Hamoed Camps during Sukkot is a trip to Hershey Park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the park accommodates Sukkot celebrants by providing kosher food, constructing Sukkahs and delighting visitors with holiday inspired entertainment.