Foundation for Jewish Camp

“Unique elements of being at a Jewish camp include a common identity, shared values, and ancient rituals like Shabbat and music. When you’re in that circle of Shabbat, it’s like a goosebump feeling. You’re tapping into something bigger than yourself, and you feel connected to everyone there. These Jewish camps exist on a foundation of belonging, and that makes them really strong,” says Nila Rosen, FJC’s Senior Director of Learning and Research, in an article published by the John Templeton Foundation. Learn more about the state of camp in America and how Jewish summer camp has a powerful impact on growth, connection, and belonging in the ‘The Value and Virtues of Summer Camp’ below. https://lnkd.in/eF6jFWCM

We're ecstatic to announce that FJC has received a $5 million grant from Samueli Foundation to expand access to Jewish camp for children in the Orange County community. This four-year grant will support One Happy Camper?, middle-income access grants, need-based scholarships, and more! We’re grateful for this partnership and excited to strengthen Orange County’s vibrant Jewish community by making camp more accessible. Read more about the grant and our mission in our latest press release on our website. https://lnkd.in/dMG8ieyz

“Like Purim, Jewish camp blends fun, self-expression, and community. It’s where kids can feel seen, valued, and like they truly belong. I experienced this magic as a camper. I’ve seen it as a parent. And I’ve worked to spread this magic in my 17 years at Camp Tawonga and in my time working side-by-side with Jeremy at FJC. ,” says Jamie Simon, FJC’s Interim CEO, as she steps into her new role. Jewish camp is key to the Jewish future. A few of Jamie’s top priorities at FJC include strengthening the expansion of One Happy Camper grants, overseeing our $15M capital expansion grants funded by the Gottesman Fund, advancing our Teaching Israel at Camp initiative, and welcoming the annual Cornerstone Fellowship Seminar in May. We’re thrilled for Jamie to continue FJC’s vital work, ensuring camps have the resources they need to thrive and grow!

Join Our Team! We are excited to partner with Evolve Giving Group in the search for a passionate Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead our philanthropic and marketing initiatives. This role is crucial in shaping the future of Jewish camping experiences, supporting over 300 camps across North America. If you have 15+ years of experience in fundraising and marketing, exceptional communication skills, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you! Key Responsibilities: ??Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners to secure major gifts and funding.? ??Lead a dedicated team to enhance and advance the Jewish camp movement. ??Create and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with FJC’s mission and goals. ?? Location: Hybrid in NYC or remote on the East Coast, with approximately 30% travel. Help us empower the next generation! If you're interested and qualified, please send your resume and cover letter to Jamie Perry, Director of Talent Services at Evolve Giving Group, at [email protected], or explore this opportunity on our website.? ? https://lnkd.in/eAJYuZSg #nonprofitleadership #fundraising #Jewishcamp ?

A recently released Stanford University study found that camp is the top place where Jewish teens feel they can be their true selves—underscoring the importance of camp and the power of data. At Foundation for Jewish Camp, we prioritize Jewish teen well-being and seek inspiration from leaders in the field as we work together in this collective effort. Read recent research from Stanford University, BeWell, and Jewish Federations of North America on the importance of camp for the well-being of Jewish teens. https://lnkd.in/eymTegu7

Yesterday, FJC’s Director of Programs, Jill Goldstein Smith and FJC Fellow, Lawrence Wagner, joined Jewish youth professionals and educators for a transformative day focused on teen mental wellness at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan in partnership with The Jewish Education Project. Jill led a workshop on The ABCs—Autonomy, Belonging, Competence, and Confidence—sharing practices to enhance the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of the youth in our camp communities. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore strategies and practical tools together in a supportive network dedicated to promoting teen mental wellness!?

Last week, FJC’s Staff Advisory Council (SAC) gathered at our NYC office for a day of connection, meaningful discussions around FJC’s Making Mensches resource, and thoughtful conversations about the key traits needed to be an effective SAC member. For FJC, this council serves as a vital sounding board, helping us shape national program ideas with insights from passionate camp leaders. This summer, these leaders will be empowered to establish their own localized councils, designed to advise their camps on big decisions, serve as role models for fellow staff, and make their camps even better places to work!

“Camp is where I began to forge my Jewish identity and understand what it means to be part of a Jewish community. While much has changed over the five decades since my time as a camper, young Jews today still experience the same magic I did,” says Jeremy J. Fingerman, CEO of FJC, reflecting on how camp has impacted his life and shaped his work at FJC. Over his 15 years at Foundation for Jewish Camp, he has addressed challenges in mental health, accessibility, and attendance by investing in talent, programming, and partnerships. We're so grateful for Jeremy's vision and dedication, and incoming Interim CEO, Jamie Simon and the entire team looks forward to continuing this work into the future. Read more about Jeremy's impact and our upcoming leadership transition in a recent JTA article: https://lnkd.in/eijUtNaA

While Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) wraps up tomorrow, FJC is dedicated to enhancing accessibility at Jewish summer camps all year long. Since 2019, we've invested over $12 million through the Yashar Initiative—thanks to The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation—supporting 46 camps in creating accessible facilities and inclusive programming. We believe that fostering belonging is essential for a child's growth and confidence and are continuously innovating ways to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion at Jewish camp. Learn more about the camp communities impacted by the Yashar Initiative in our recent press release found on our website: https://lnkd.in/eZKkKbcz

Recently we shared the CENSUS REPORT: STATE OF JEWISH CAMP 2024—your go-to resource for the latest trends in Jewish overnight and day camps. This comprehensive report offers fresh insights into what’s changing in our field and what it means for summer 2025. Plus, it’s a valuable tool for benchmarking your camp’s operations! At FJC, we value the power of data and its impact on cultivating a brighter Jewish future through camp. Read more about the data on social-emotional well-being, Jewish identity, and seasonal staff trends in the report below: https://lnkd.in/eGPCVPV3