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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A Rejuvenated Spirit

A Rejuvenated Spirit

Jan 13, 2022 | , ,

A Rejuvenated Spirit Over the last two weeks, I've had the opportunity to reflect on the past year at our beloved Home Away from Home in Utica, MS. In many ways 2021 helped to rejuvenate the Jacobs Magic and the incredible spirit of the Jacobs Camp Family.  Certainly,...

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Jacobs Camp is #1!

Jacobs Camp is #1!

Dec 30, 2021 | , ,

At the end of each summer, we participate in the Foundation for Jewish Camps' Customer Satisfaction Insight Survey that provides a look at what parents and campers really think about their camp experience. This year, we learned that Jacobs Camp topped the charts in...

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Camp Never Ends

Camp Never Ends

Dec 27, 2021 | , ,

Those who have worked on staff at Jacobs Camp know that the Jacobs Magic continues even as you graduate from a camper to becoming a "magic maker". During the summer, our amazing staff members make a lasting impact on the lives of our campers while developing their own...

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Next Summer Vacation

Next Summer Vacation

Dec 2, 2021 | ,

Dear Mom and Dad, What do you want to do on your next Summer vacation? I would like to go back to Jacobs Camp, my sleepaway camp. I went there last summer and I met a lot of new friends, and I had an amazing time with lots of fun experiences. There where so many fun...

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EVERY KID GOES TO CAMP

EVERY KID GOES TO CAMP

Oct 20, 2021 | , ,

It is always amazing how quickly chants catch on at camp. Whether a unit is chanting “messy night” excited for their messy night evening program or the whole camp on Friday night is chanting “cherry cobbler.” When there is chanting at camp there is excitement...

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