WIMBERLEY, TX — Camp Young Judaea Texas (CYJ Texas) is officially entering a transformative new era as construction projects tied to its Forward Together capital campaign move visibly into high gear. With fundraising surpassing $9.7 million toward a $12.5 million stretch goal, the camp is pushing forward on a major redevelopment designed to expand opportunities for Jewish identity-building, creativity, and adventure.
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Construction is already underway on two centerpiece facilities:
These new facilities are designed to serve as cultural and creative anchors for the camp, offering performance spaces, art studios, ceramics, crafts and digital media opportunities. Structural work is progressing quickly, with exteriors expected to be completed by February 2026, ensuring both buildings will be ready for use by summer 2026.
Executive Director Frank Silberlicht said the families behind the named facilities have been instrumental in shaping CYJ Texas for decades:
“The Braham and Bar Yadin families are pillars of the CYJ Texas community. Their generosity is helping to create spaces where young people can express their creativity, build lifelong friendships, and strengthen their Jewish identity in ways that will endure far beyond their summers at camp.”
The expansion doesn’t stop with arts programming. The camp is also advancing plans to:
If additional fundraising goals are achieved, CYJ Texas will move ahead with a vertical ropes course and an Aqua Water Park, further widening the camp’s adventure and recreation offerings.
Campaign Chair Jonah Paransky emphasized the strong community commitment behind this moment:
“The broad base of support we’ve received reflects how deeply people believe in what CYJ Texas means for our young people. We are profoundly grateful to the more than 90 donors who have already given so generously, and we hope others will join us as we continue to build for the future.”
CYJ Texas leaders said the project arrives at a critical time when Jewish community-building experiences are increasingly essential due to rising global antisemitism and social division. The historic expansion is intended to safeguard the future of Jewish camping and ensure children can continue connecting joyfully and proudly to their heritage.
Founded in 1952, Camp Young Judaea Texas remains a longstanding destination for confidence building, leadership growth, and lifelong friendships rooted in Jewish values and connection to Israel.
Construction updates: cyjtexas.org/build
Capital campaign information: cyjtexas.org/donate/ft-capital-campaign
Originally reported by JVH.
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