Welcome Home, Always – Thank you Tori East-Harris

I’ll never forget the first time I drove through the Jacobs Camp gate. Assistant Director Elijah greeted me with a big smile and said, “Welcome Home!! Who are you?” I’ve told that story countless times because it captures something special. Before your name is known,...
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Exciting Progress at Jacobs Camp

Construction is in full swing at camp, and it’s a joy to see so much progress unfolding. Cabins 1–12 are being renovated ahead of summer to strengthen the spaces that have nurtured connection and belonging for more than 50 years, and we’re also building a new...
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Some Places You Visit. Some Places Become Home.

I first heard about URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp from my older brother, who visited toward the end of his camper days. Growing up in Sarasota, Florida, we went to a different Jewish summer camp, but when he came back talking about this mysterious ​other Southern camp, my...
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A New Kind of Leadership is Emerging at Jacobs Camp

There are moments as Camp Director when I am reminded just how extraordinary the Jacobs Camp community truly is. As we continue the Our Camp. Our Home. Our Future. Capital Campaign, this is very much one of those moments. I have been deeply inspired by the generosity...
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Why “Pick-Up Promises” Can Undermine the Camp Experience

It’s very common for parents to say before camp, “If you want to come home, we’ll pick you up.” We get it! This comes from a place of love. You want your child to know you are there for them. But in reality, this promise can make camp more difficult. When kids believe...
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Expanding the Light: B’nai Mitzvah Fundraisers for Jacobs Camp

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" — Hillel the Elder, Pirkei Avot 1:14 It can be overwhelming to look at the world today and wonder where to even begin making a difference. While we may not be...
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Donate for Today and the Future

If you’ve visited camp lately, attended one of our Capital Campaign launch parties, or just followed along online, you’ve likely heard a lot of excitement about the future of Jacobs Camp. Our community is incredibly passionate about supporting camp, and we are so...
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Southern Jewish Resilience, From Generation to Generation

The arsonist who confessed to burning Beth Israel Synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, told police he targeted the building because of its "Jewish ties."What an odd phrase, I thought. As if there was nothing more than a flimsy connection between the building he aimed to...
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More Than a Summer Job: How Camp Experience Builds Real Career Skills

These days, college students and young professionals feel more pressure than ever to land a “real job” or a resume‑building internship. Where summer camp used to feel like an escape, many staff now worry they might be falling behind if they spend their summer at camp...
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Thank you Carolyn Harari!

If you had told me six years ago, I would be spending my summers in Utica, Mississippi I would  have never believed you. Now, it’s hard to imagine what a summer will look like otherwise I’m excited for the opportunity to become the Camps and Immersive Manager where I...
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The Power of Jacobs Camp

The Power of Jacobs Camp

Aug 1, 2022 | ,

The Power of Jacobs Camp I am/was an anxious parent -- maybe it's part of my Jewish neurosis or that's just how I'm wired. And for any mom of a child who doesn't fit within a conventional "box" (whatever that may be), parenting can be that more nerve-inducing. The...

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Shabbat Shalom from Jacobs Camp

Shabbat Shalom from Jacobs Camp

Jul 29, 2022 | ,

Shabbat Shalom from Jacobs Camp Shabbat shalom from Jacobs Camp, where we’ve had another amazing week! At camp this week, we enjoyed continuing to build our Kehillah Kedoshah (Holy Community). Take a look at all the fun we had in our Week in Review Video. Continuing...

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Another Fun Week at HSJ

Another Fun Week at HSJ

Jul 22, 2022 |

Another Fun Week at HSJ! Anna's Blog Session 2 Week 2 2022 Shabbat shalom from Jacobs Camp, where it’s been another busy, wonderful, and fun week!  It’s going by too fast! Check out what we have been up to in the Week in Review Video! Olim created paper-bag puppets...

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