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 Camper to Counselor Pipeline

The Camper to Counselor Pipeline

Jul 19, 2022 | ,

The Camper to Counselor Pipeline  Maddy O'Quain   Being jewish has always been a big part of my life when growing up-- from going to temple every Friday night to finally being old enough to go to Jacobs Camp. My mom came here as a kid, so I had heard so many...

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I Found Out Who I Really Am At Camp

I Found Out Who I Really Am At Camp

Jul 17, 2022 | ,

I Found Out Who I Really Am At Camp A defining characteristic of Jacobs Camp are the life-long friendships that are made each and every summer at camp. Whether you went to camp in the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, or are currently a camper, you know that Camp Friends are...

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A Challenging But Joyful Week

A Challenging But Joyful Week

Jun 24, 2022 | ,

A Challenging But Joyful Week Shabbat Shalom from Jacobs Camp! As Shabbat begins this week, I want to acknowledge that this has been a challenging week here at camp. However, there is still a lot of joy and fun and I’d still love to share all of that with you. We are...

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Home from Camp: An Unpacking List

Home from Camp: An Unpacking List

Jun 24, 2022 | ,

Home from Camp: An Unpacking List   The end of the summer can bring many mixed emotions for campers. While they will be so happy to be back with their families, they will also miss their friends, counselors, and life at camp. As for parents— we know you can’t...

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Dr. Jake’s First Summer Camp Experience

Dr. Jake’s First Summer Camp Experience

Jun 22, 2022 | ,

Dr. Jake's First Summer Camp Experience Having never been to sleepaway camp I really didn’t know what to expect coming to Jacobs Camp. I heard words like magic, incredible, life-changing, memories, but I didn’t really understand what any of that meant. The night...

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6 Ways To Stay In Touch – Summer 2022

6 Ways To Stay In Touch – Summer 2022

May 29, 2022 | ,

6 Ways To Stay In Touch - Summer 2022 Whether your camper is joining us for their first summer at camp, or their tenth, we know how important it is to stay in touch. With that in mind, here are the 5 best ways to keep up with everything happening at HSJ and stay in...

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