Flag Football Camp: The Fastest Growing Sport Hits Maccabi Sports Camp

Parents across the Bay Area have watched the shift happen in real-time. What used to be a casual recess activity has exploded into a legitimate athletic movement. You’ve seen the headlines, and perhaps you’ve seen the spark in your daughter’s eyes when she talks about playing.

But as you evaluate summer options, you aren’t just looking for a place where she can learn to pull a flag or run a route. You are looking for an environment that nurtures her confidence, surrounds her with a supportive community, and values character just as much as competition.

At Maccabi Sports Camp, we have introduced Flag Football to our core sports lineup to meet this exact moment. Located in Hayward on the campus of Cal State East Bay, our program offers a unique overnight experience that balances athletic development with the deep, personal growth found in Jewish camping.

Why We Added Flag Football Now

We don’t add sports to our roster lightly. Our curriculum is curated to provide the most impactful experiences for our campers. However, the data regarding flag football—specifically for girls—demanded a response.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls’ flag football participation nationwide surged by over 55% in 2023 alone. It is currently the fastest-growing female high school sport in the US, with California leading the charge as one of nine states to fully sanction the sport.

We recognized that our campers, particularly our female athletes, needed a space to explore this emerging sport within a values-based framework. By adding this program, the Oshman Family JCC and Maccabi Sports Camp are committing to:

Closing the Opportunity Gap: Giving girls the same access to high-quality football instruction that boys have enjoyed for decades.
Modernizing Tradition: Blending the timeless values of our camp with the modern athletic interests of today’s youth.
Future-Proofing Athletes: Preparing campers for high school programs that are increasingly competitive.

A Co-Ed Environment Built on Respect

While the surge in girls’ participation is the catalyst for this program, it is vital for parents to understand the structure of our camp. Our Flag Football program is co-ed.

We believe that a co-ed environment mirrors the real world and offers unique developmental benefits. Unlike single-gender camps, our program fosters mutual respect and teamwork across gender lines.

For the Girls: It provides an opportunity to compete confidently alongside boys, shattering stereotypes about “who belongs” on the football field.
For the Boys: It normalizes female leadership and athleticism in sports that were traditionally male-dominated.

We do not compete with elite, hyper-specialized camps that focus solely on recruiting metrics. Instead, we compete with the status quo. We offer a safe, inclusive space where a beginner can learn the basics and an intermediate player can refine their agility—all while learning to be a mensch (a person of integrity) on and off the field.

The Curriculum: More Than Just Drills

When you choose Maccabi Sports Camp over a local day clinic, you are choosing a holistic methodology. Our Flag Football program utilizes the excellent facilities at Cal State East Bay to deliver a robust training schedule.

Technical Skill Development

Campers engage in two intensive sports sessions daily. Our coaching staff focuses on the fundamentals that prevent injury and improve game IQ:

Offensive Mechanics: Proper throwing technique, route running precision, and ball-carrying security.
Defensive Agility: Flag pulling technique (tracking the hip), zone coverage discipline, and man-to-man positioning.
Game Strategy: Understanding down-and-distance, clock management, and play-calling logic.

The “Camp” Factor

The magic of Maccabi happens in the spaces between the drills. This is an overnight Jewish camp. That means after the cleats come off, the community building begins.

Jewish Values: We integrate concepts like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Shmirat HaGuf (guarding the body) into sports instruction.
Evening Programs: From talent shows to campfire circles, campers build friendships that last longer than a football season.
Shabbat: A weekly pause that allows campers to decompress, reflect on their week, and connect spiritually with their peers.

Evaluating Your Options: Is This the Right Fit?

As you compare summer programs, you likely see many day camps and local leagues. Here is how Maccabi Sports Camp differs from the standard options in the Palo Alto and wider Bay Area market.

24/7 Immersive Experience: Unlike standard 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM day camps, our overnight program offers a full immersion into sports and community.

Skills + Character + Community: We go beyond simple skill repetition to focus on the “whole athlete,” integrating character development into every drill.

Beyond the Field: Socializing isn’t limited to practice time; campers build lifelong bonds through bunk life, shared meals, and evening activities.

Values & Identity: While others teach general sportsmanship, we focus on Jewish values and identity building.

University-Level Facilities: Campers enjoy the professional environment of the Cal State East Bay University Campus, a significant step up from local parks or schools.

If your primary goal is to have your child scouted by a D1 college recruiter this summer, there are specific combines for that. However, if your goal is to have your child fall in love with the sport of flag football, improve their skills significantly, and return home with a stronger sense of self and Jewish identity, then Maccabi is the solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is previous football experience required?
No. Because this is a burgeoning sport, especially for girls, we anticipate a wide range of skill levels. Our coaches are trained to differentiate instruction, ensuring beginners learn safety and fundamentals while experienced players are challenged with complex schemes.

How does the co-ed aspect work in contact sports?
Flag football is a non-contact sport by design. Our primary focus is on safety. We group campers by age and ability to ensure that physical mismatches are minimized, and the focus remains on speed, agility, and strategy rather than physicality.

Do we need to be religious to attend?
Maccabi Sports Camp is a Jewish camp, but we welcome campers from all backgrounds. Our Jewish programming is culturally focused, emphasizing community, history, and values that are universal.

Where exactly is the camp located?
We are located in Hayward on the campus of Cal State East Bay. This location provides us with collegiate-level athletic fields, a safe and enclosed campus environment, and modern dormitories, all just a short drive for families in Palo Alto and the surrounding Bay Area.

Secure Your Spot on the Field

The growth of flag football is undeniable, and spots in our inaugural sessions are filling up as families look for alternatives to standard day leagues. Give your child the summer they deserve—one filled with touchdowns, tradition, and lifelong friendships.

Have more questions? We’d love to answer them. Contact Our Camp Director today!