Camp Sternberg, named after Dr. H. Melmuth Sternberg of Williamsburg, was established in 1965.The idea of subsidized camping for the orthodox community was formulated between several rabbis associated with the YMHA of Williamsburg and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies.

To fill a need in the orthodox community, Camp Mogen Avraham was established. The camp operated for two years, but was not attracting the targeted yeshiva clientele. In a last-ditch attempt to keep the camp open, Rabbi Ronald Greenwald was offered the position of director.

Rabbi Greenwald had many years of experience in camping, as head counselor of Camps Kol Rena and Gan Yisroel, among others, and Director of Camp B'nos. Although his first year with Mogen Av saw him still signing up campers as the buses were leaving, the season was very successful. Word got around, and registration for the next season was full by Pesach.

After the second year, Rabbi Greenwald approached Federation and told them that the boys they were helping had sisters who also needed the opportunity to go to a summer camp. After many meetings and debates, Federation agreed to search for a suitable location for a girl’s camp. They were able to obtain the grounds of the former Mother's Club Camp located in Mountaindale, N.Y.

Despite the dilapidated condition of its facilities, camp began its first year with 125 girls. Due to the excellent caliber of the activities and staff, registration grew steadily, necessitating the building of new bunks.

Six years later, Rabbi Greenwald envisioned the need for a teenage camp, and the Board bought property ¼ mile down the road, opening the first teenage camp for orthodox girls. Camp Spatt, as it was called, began with 30 girls, growing to 50 and then 70, until the facility was filled to its maximum capacity.

Fifteen years after Camp Sternberg's establishment, the buildings and facilities of both camps were so ancient, and in such disrepair, that short of rebuilding both camps from the bottom up, any efforts put into them would be a waste of money.

Federation told the Board that in order for it to keep funding camp, a new location must be found. Rabbi Greenwald and the administrative staff began a long search for a new campsite. The perfect place was finally found in Narrowsburg, N.Y., near the Delaware River. The camp grounds were owned by Camp Welmet, and had not been used for several years.

When Camp Sternberg first took it over, it was difficult to imagine the burgeoning growth that would come, and some of the bunks were transferred to the boys camp. Within a few years, camps had to build new bunks and new facilities.

The name of the teenage camp was changed to Camp Anna Heller in recognition of financial aid from Mr. Tobias Heller memory of his beloved wife.