Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) has raised more than $26,000 in donations to meet immediate needs and provide life-changing summer camp experiences for children and families impacted by the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires. In the immediate aftermath of the fires, JBBBSLA supported Bigs and Littles in its Youth Mentoring program, covering urgent needs such as meals, moving expenses, and furniture. The organization even ensured that two Littles could continue their Bar and Bat Mitzvah tutoring after the loss of a family home, preserving these important milestones during a challenging time.
This summer funds were used to send 31 campers to JBBBSLA owned Camp Bob Waldorf. The community’s generosity covered 60% of camp tuition for each child, while JBBBSLA subsidized the remaining 40%. As a result, every camper was able to attend at no cost to their families.
“After devastating wildfires left families facing overwhelming expenses and uncertainty, JBBBSLA reached out directly to fire-impacted communities to let them know they didn’t need to give up camp this summer,” said JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan. “With special funds available, we ensured financial challenges would not stand in the way. Every child deserves the joy, healing, and resilience-building power of camp—and we were able to make that possible for our campers.”
Glen Friedman, Head of Fire Relief Initiatives at The Change Reaction was instrumental in helping JBBBSLA and Camp Bob Waldorf reach out and recruit Fire Survivors for camp. Glen stated, “I was thrilled to get the word out to Fire survivors on the amazing opportunity to attend Camp Bob Waldorf this past summer. The parents appreciated the support and I know the kids had a fabulous time. Thanks JBBBSLA and Camp Bob Waldorf.”
Families shared heartfelt gratitude for the support:
“After the fire, we were drowning in bills we never imagined. Insurance didn’t cover so much. We couldn’t have sent our child to camp this year without JBBBSLA stepping in. Knowing our daughter could have a summer of laughter and friendship has been a blessing.” – Parent of a Palisades fire-impacted camper
“We lost our home in Altadena, and the thought of telling our kids they couldn’t go to camp broke our hearts. JBBBSLA’s support gave them hope, fun, and community when they needed it most.” – Eaton fire-impacted mom
“This effort was about more than covering tuition,” added Katie Toole, JBBBSLA’s Vice President of Camp and Retreat Operations. “It was about showing these children that their community sees them, supports them, and believes in their future.”
For more than 86 years, Camp Bob Waldorf, operated by JBBBSLA, has provided thousands of youth from under-resourced communities with a safe space to unplug, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships. For children recovering from the trauma of losing their homes, the camp offered more than fun—it offered stability, healing, and hope.
About Camp Bob Waldorf
Owned and operated by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles and inspired by Jewish values to help others, Camp Bob Waldorf is a non-denominational residential camp located on 112 acres in the Verdugo Mountains of Glendale. Since 1938, Camp Bob Waldorf has helped more than 60,000 youth from low-income households throughout Los Angeles in a fun, safe, nurturing environment and is accredited by the American Camping Association. Driven by camp programs instilling these four core pillars, Community, Identity, Inclusion, and Respect, campers have access to JBBBSLA’s College Access + Success program, including the Erwin Rautenberg College Guidance Program and the Arnold S. Nelson and Rising Leaders Scholarships to attend college and more. For more information about Camp Bob Waldorf, please visit https://campbobwaldorf.org/about/.
About JBBBSLA
Founded in 1915, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) assists youth in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs: Youth Mentoring, Camp Bob Waldorf, and College Access + Success. Each year JBBBSLA serves more than 1,400 youth across three programs from a variety of backgrounds, races, religions, and socio-economic status. Since inception, JBBBSLA’s Youth Mentoring team has made 3,000 Big Brother and Big Sister matches. For more information about the organization, to donate, or find out how you can get involved please visit: www.jbbbsla.org
