Jacobs camp summer faqs
We are excited to be planning for Summer 2024! We will update these FAQs with Summer 2024-specific information as we have more information.
General FAQs
If you have a question that is not covered in our FAQs or you have a question or concern specific to your child, please email email or call the camp office and we’ll be happy to help!
WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY OF JACOBS CAMP?
The mission of Jacobs Camp is to create a vibrant, fun, and caring camp community that enriches and strengthens Reform Jewish identity and values, while creating and maintaining lifelong friendships. Each child should feel that they are included, and bring value to the community. At the core of a successful camp experience for any child is their sense of safety and belonging. To that end, Jacobs Camp is committed to ensuring that the camp experience reflects the diversity of all of our campers and families.
You can read more about the history of Jacobs Camp here.
WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF JACOBS CAMP?
Jacobs Camp Director, Anna Herman grew up in Dothan, AL, and began attending Henry S. Jacobs Camp at age 11. After many years as a camper, Anna served on staff as a counselor, unit head, and Assistant Director. She graduated from the University of Alabama and worked as a congregational youth director and the Assistant Director of the URJ Meetings and Conventions Department. She was also the Assistant Director of Business Operations for the URJ’s camping system, a role which allowed her to partner with 14 URJ camps across North America and gain a wealth of camping knowledge. Before returning to Jacobs Camp as Director, she served on the Camp Committee as the Development Chair. She met her husband Nadav at Jacobs Camp and they were married at the chapel on Lake Gary surrounded by family and many friends from Jacobs Camp and the URJ. Anna is thrilled to be leading the Jacobs community, and inspiring generations of future campers.
WHAT IS THE FACILITY LIKE?
Situated on 267 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, with a picturesque lake as its centerpiece, the Jacobs Camp grounds provide a relaxing, natural setting for a summer of fun. Our modern facilities include more than 35 buildings and a diverse range of recreational spaces to ensure we have room for all of our amazing camp activities! You can see a campus map here.
WHAT IS THE CAMP PROGRAM LIKE?
At Jacobs Camp, we offer a wide range of activities including swimming, boating, cooking, art, dance, sports, adventure, and so much more. We sprinkle Hebrew education throughout camp life, and all of our campers participate in Kehillah, which is creative and fun Jewish programming that includes Israel education, shira (music), and t’fillah (prayer). While each unit has a set daily schedule, campers have the opportunity to choose specialty activities based on their interests, and have well-supervised free time each day.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE AT CAMP?
Our kid-friendly menu offers campers plenty to eat and our campers have great things to say about the variety, the quality, and the taste of the food at camp! Almost all meals are served family-style in the dining hall, with cabins eating together at assigned tables. Daily breakfast options include a hot item, cereal, and our breakfast bar. Lunch and dinner include a hot entrée, and a salad bar. We always offer a vegetarian option, and we are able to accommodate campers who have special allergy or health related food needs. We have snacks and fresh fruit available for campers in between activities.
While Jacobs Camp is not a kosher facility, and we do not have a kosher kitchen or kosher plates and utensils, we do not serve pork or shellfish, or products containing them, and do not permit them on camp grounds.
WHEN WILL MY CHILD GET TO VISIT THE CANTEEN?
Campers have the opportunity to visit the Camp Canteen every day after rest hour to pick their own l snack. We offer a wide selection of delicious snacks – granola bars, popcorn, trail mix, fruit, and so much more. Three times a week Canteen is “candy canteen”, a fun tradition where campers can choose from a wide variety of candy bars, sour candies, and other delicious treats.
HOW WILL I STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY CHILD?
Camp offers kids and parents the chance to develop a rarely practiced skill – letter writing. We strongly recommended that parents write to their campers often. Letters arriving regularly keeps campers feeling connected! We ensure that campers write letters or postcards to their parents at least twice each week.
You can also use the Campanion App which you can download from your phone’s app store. With this app, you can log in to your CampInTouch account, and access CampInTouch photo albums and our camp email system that allows parents to write emails that are printed and given to campers during mail time. For more information on this, please visit your CampInTouch account.
CAN PARENTS CALL CAMP TO CHECK ON THEIR CHILDREN?
Parents are welcome to call the camp office during the summer to find out how their campers are doing. After we receive your call, our Camper Care Director will call you back, usually the same day.
CAN I VISIT MY CHILD WHILE THEY ARE AT CAMP?
While parents and other family members are welcome and encouraged to bring campers to camp, parents and other visitors are not allowed to come to camp during the camp sessions.
ARE CARE PACKAGES ALLOWED?
At Jacobs Camp, we have a strict no package policy. We welcome family and friends to send letters and postcards, but we ask that you do not send boxes or large mailing envelopes of any size. Camp will only accept up to a standard #10 size business envelope (4-1/8″ x 9-1/2″) or a standard greeting card. Our experience through the years has shown us that accepting packages is an overwhelming task for our office staff, and receiving packages in the cabin separated the “haves” and “have-nots” among our campers. If your camper has forgotten something important or they need something to be replaced (e.g.,running shoes or more sunscreen), you may send those types of items, but this will be done on an exception-only basis.
WHAT IF MY CHILD’S BIRTHDAY IS DURING CAMP?
Camp birthdays are so much fun! It is like having a birthday party with 300 friends in attendance. Please do not send food of any kind for your child’s birthday. We will provide a delicious cake to celebrate their special day and make them feel very loved!
WHAT IS JACOBS CAMP’S POLICY ON ELECTRONICS?
An important component of a summer at camp is the opportunity to unplug. We have created our electronics policy to encourage our campers to spend more time outdoors, promote socialization between campers, remove the divide between the “haves and have-nots”, eliminate the chance of electronics getting broken or taken, give your children a much-needed break from the world of technology, allow your children to be fully present, and ensure that your children are not exposed to age-inappropriate material. We do allow campers to bring basic non-wifi enabled music players, and digital cameras. We do not allow cell phones, gaming devices, laptops, tablets, or e-readers.
IS JACOBS CAMP WELCOMING TO ALL JEWISH FAMILIES?
Jacobs Camp is proud of our open, supportive and inclusive environment for campers and staff. We are a stronger, more vibrant Jewish community when we embrace the diversity that is the reality of modern Jewish life. We are individuals of different sizes, different colors, different backgrounds, different gender identities, different feelings and even different beliefs. There is more than one authentic way to be Jewish and we acknowledge that our diversity is an essential component to making our community whole. Jews by choice, those exploring Judaism, Jews of Color, LGBTQ+ Jews, Jews who live with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities, multiracial families, and interfaith couples and families are all an integral part of our community, and we strive to be a space of belonging for all who wish to call it home.
WE ARE AN INTERFAITH FAMILY, AND MY CHILD HAS NOT RECEIVED MUCH JEWISH EDUCATION AT HOME. WILL THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE AT CAMP?
Absolutely. Each camper is valued as the unique individual they are, with the wonderful attributes they bring to our community. Each child is recognized as a full member of the Jewish community. Campers pick up Hebrew at camp in an experiential way, learning some basic words, blessings and phrases. Every child who comes to camp brings a different skill set and knowledge of Jewish tradition and practice. They learn from us and from their friends at camp.
DO CAMPERS TAKE FIELD TRIPS?
In 2024 only our oldest campers, Chalutzim, will take a field trip. All other age groups with experience in-camp trip nights where they go on special adventure.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD?
We don’t let a little bad weather get in the way of the fun at camp! Because we have such a wide-range of indoor facilities, we are able to keep our recreational activity program going rain or shine. And, for those activities that can only happen outside (like swimming), our counselors & specialists always have a “rain plan” of fun activities . If the weather gets extreme, we have detailed protocols in place to make sure all campers are kept safe until the weather passes.
WHERE WILL MY CHILD LIVE?
Each of our air-conditioned camper buildings houses two cabins – one on each side, with a shared bathroom in the middle. Each cabin sleeps twelve to fourteen campers and two to three staff members in bunk beds. Every camper is assigned a set of cubbies for storing personal items. Our bathrooms have 7 sinks, 7 showers with privacy curtains, and 7 toilets. All top bunks are equipped with bed rails. Each cabin is equipped with a smoke detector.
HOW ARE CABIN ASSIGNMENTS MADE?
Campers are assigned to cabins based on their grade in school and gender identity. We are committed to ensure campers can be housed in a cabin where they will feel most comfortable and safe. We guarantee at least one mutual bunk request as long as campers are in the same session. When you arrive at camp, you will receive your camper’s cabin assignment, and each bunk bed will be assigned ahead of time.
WHO ARE THE JACOBS CAMP STAFF? WHAT IS THE STAFF-TO-CAMPER RATIO?
At Jacobs Camp, we have an amazing staff who provide a caring home for campers, composed of college students, graduate students, and professionals in various fields. We hire smart and energetic young adults to fill our staff positions. While some have grown up at Jacobs Camp, others join us from across the country and around the world – all bringing their own special gifts to the camp experience. An extensive training program is provided at the start of the summer season, and is ongoing throughout the summer. During the summer, staff are supervised and evaluated by members of our camp leadership team, all of whom have proven experience overseeing the work of staff members. We maintain a 1:3 staff-to-camper ratio.
WILL MY CHILD BE SAFE WHILE AT CAMP?
At Jacobs Camp, our top priority is creating a safe environment for our campers, staff and community for our campers to have fun and enjoy the summer.
We implement sophisticated strategies in consultation with partner organizations, and provide extensive training for our staff. We have deep, long term relationships with partner organizations which include a security firm that works with all Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) camps, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Secure Community Network, and our regional Jewish Federations. We have extremely strong relationships with our local police, fire, and emergency response teams, and our own Nadav Herman currently serves as Deputy Fire Chief of Utica. We also receive funding from the Department of Homeland Security to maintain and upgrade our security cameras, lighting, and other security equipment. We also have on-site security 24 hours a day at all times.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO CAMP?
Camp is very casual and we spend a lot of time outdoors. Simple, comfortable clothes that will help keep cool in the summer heat work really well! High-heeled shoes, designer clothes and expensive jewelry are both unnecessary and highly discouraged. We ask that all campers and staff dress with respect for our community and avoid clothing that is intentionally tight, revealing, and items with inappropriate sayings or images. All clothing and personal belongings should be clearly marked with the camper’s full name.
We also have a tradition that our camp community wears all white (or a white top and khaki bottom) for Friday evenings.
WILL MY CHILD NEED TO BRING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FROM HOME?
During the course of the session, your child will have many opportunities to learn or develop new skills. In almost all cases, the camp supplies the necessary equipment and supplies to participate. If your child would like to bring their own special equipment (like an instrument for a talent show performance or a baseball glove), please be selective and remember that the camp is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal items.
HOW CAN I GET A JACOBS CAMP T-SHIRT FOR MY CHILD?
A Jacobs Camp T-shirt will be provided to every camper.
HOW WILL MY CHILD’S LAUNDRY GET DONE?
Campers should have enough clothing with them to last at least 10 days. At least once every 10 days (even sooner for Olim), cabins will have a scheduled laundry day. Our laundry staff will pick up laundry bags from the cabins, wash and dry the contents, and return the clean clothes and linens at the end of the day. It is really important that all clothing is labeled.
HOW WILL MY CHILD GET TO AND FROM CAMP?
Parents are encouraged to bring your campers to camp on Opening Day so you have an opportunity to see camp and get a sense for our Welcome Home Hospitality. We offer closing day bus service to many cities throughout the region, which vary depending on session. For first session we have buses that will go to Memphis, Little Rock, New Orleans, and Birmingham. Second session, buses go to Birmingham, Atlanta, Memphis, New Orleans and Houston. The fees for the buses are subsidized, and we highly encourage you to take advantage of this service! If your child will need to fly to or from camp, please contact the camp office to make arrangements for pick up and drop off.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD GETS SICK WHILE AT CAMP?
Our goal is to keep everyone at camp healthy throughout the summer. We wash hands regularly, have a professional housekeeping staff to help keep our common spaces clean and sanitized. If a camper does get sick, we have a fully equipped modern Health Center staffed by a team of doctors and nurses who take great care of our campers. The wellbeing of our campers is a top priority, as is parent communication, and you will be notified if your child requires medical attention.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE IMMUNIZED?
Yes, the Union for Reform Judaism requires that all camp and travel program participants, staff and faculty must be immunized. For more information, read the URJ Policy Statement on Vaccine Status.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS LICE?
All campers are checked for lice upon arrival to Camp. We hire a professional lice company to check all campers. If your child is found to have lice, they will be discreetly treated on site, and will be able to join their cabin immediately afterwards. We highly recommend that you check your camper for lice prior to coming to camp.
The lice removal process takes a few hours and is not the way they (or we!) want to spend their first few hours at camp.
If a child is found with lice after opening day, their entire cabin will be checked and treatment will be given as needed. Treatment for lice WILL be passed on to camper parents at a cost of $75-150 per treatment
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Registration and Payment FAQs
WHAT WILL THE DATES BE FOR CAMP SESSIONS THIS SUMMER?
You can find our session dates here.
WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT FOR CAMP TUITION?
All families will be charged a $500 non-refundable deposit upon registration.
WILL THERE BE SCHOLARSHIP MONEY AVAILABLE?
Yes! We strive to make camp affordable for all families. Please be in touch with Anna (aherman@urj.org) for more information about our camp scholarship program and also check our website’s financial assistance page for more resources. We know the financial realities of COVID-19 have changed the financial picture for many families and we have been actively fundraising to support this. We are here for you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
WHEN WILL TUITION BE DUE?
All the URJ camps, including Jacobs, now have standardized payment and cancellation policies and schedules. that have been created to ensure that families feel confident registering for camp.
The payment schedule is as follows:
- 150 days prior to Camp’s first session start date (January 11, 2024)– 25% of tuition payment is due;
- 90 days prior to Camp’s first session start date (March 11, 2024)– an additional 50% of the remaining tuition payment is due (75% of tuition paid);
- 45 days prior to Camp’s first session start date (April 25, 2024) – final payment is due.
If you have any challenges with this schedule please be in touch with Tamisa at thuell@urj.org.
WHAT WILL THE CANCELLATION POLICY BE FOR 2024?
We are following the URJ cancellation policy, which is standard across all URJ camps and has been modified to ensure that families feel confident registering for camp:
- Cancellation by 90 days or more prior to the first session start date (before March 11, 2024) – 100% of tuition is refundable, except for the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellation between 90 days and 45 days prior to the first session start date (Between March 11, 2024 and April 25, 2024) – 75% of tuition is refundable.
- Cancellation by 45 days or less prior to the first session start date (After April 25, 2024) – no refunds will be given unless stated below.
Camp reserves the right to refund any eligible refund in multiple installments as determined by Camp.
Refunds Given:
Refunds will be given without penalty (including Non-Refundable Deposit):
- for campers on a “Waiting List” (those not able to be placed in their desired session at Camp) upon request if at any time they choose to be removed from the list, or if they are ultimately unable to be placed;
- if Camp is unable or elects not to open because of government regulations, orders or guidelines;
- if Camp is required to cancel the session of a Camper with a pre-existing health condition;
- If Camp is unable to secure a rental facility for a rented Camp property;
- if Camp is unable or chooses not to open, in its sole discretion.
Refunds not given:
Refunds will not be made if Camper has attended any portion of the session at Camp. This covers all circumstances, including, but not limited to:
- Camper’s homesickness
- Camper’s refusal or inability to participate in the normal activities at Camp
- Camper’s violation of any rules, regulations, or policies at Camp for which Camper has been provided notice, and as described below in “Camper’s Participation and Camp Program Expectations” section
- Parent/Guardian’s decision to remove Camper from Camp for any reason
Change of Session
If Camp is required to make a change to Camper session prior to summer, You will be notified by Camp in writing. Camp will provide an opportunity at that time for You to cancel Camper’s session without penalty (including return of any deposit). You will also be eligible for this change of session refund for all children in Your household who are registered at Camp regardless if the sessions of the sibling(s) were not changed.
A change to the Camper session is defined as one or more of the following: a change of session dates, session cost, or, for regional camps, a camp geographic location change.