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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More Than Just the Activities

More Than Just the Activities

Jul 20, 2021 | ,

During the hectic chaos of an Ultimate Frisbee game, I saw three campers chatting away next to the Gaga pit. As I walked over, I overheard them talking about video games, obscure history facts, and their favorite board games. As I joined the conversation, I saw that...

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A Year Later… I’m In Israel!

A Year Later… I’m In Israel!

Jul 18, 2021 | ,

From a young age, we as Jews are taught that we have a special connection to Israel. My Mom has always told me that every Jew should be given the opportunity to go to Israel at some point in his or her life. Luckily, we are given many chances to go, whether it is...

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Second Session Is Off and Running!

Second Session Is Off and Running!

Jul 16, 2021 | ,

I have been waiting for two years for second-session campers to have their summer….and now they’re here! We had a wonderful opening day, and throughout this first week, it’s been amazing and so gratifying to see them finally all together, forming a new community and a...

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Being Welcomed Home Into Judaism

Being Welcomed Home Into Judaism

Jul 13, 2021 | ,

When I posted a generic ‘seeking a summer job’ post on my Facebook page in March 2021, I never expected that what would come from it would be so meaningful. Within 20 minutes of posting, I had a message from my rabbi, Lexi, in my Messenger inbox asking me if I would...

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More Magic

More Magic

Jul 10, 2021 | ,

I needed more magic. I had so looked forward to that since the last time I was at camp in 1998 (I think) for the 35th reunion, but after COVID19 begun I knew that things would be changing – even if only for this year – but they would be changing. There are other...

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Chalutzim Pod Counselors

Chalutzim Pod Counselors

Jul 8, 2021 | ,

Chalutzim Unit Head [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Sarah Bate Hi! My Name is Sarah Bate! I am from Mount Laurel NJ, but have been living in New Orleans for 2 years. During the year I am the Director of Community Youth...

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Maskilim Boy Pod Counselors

Maskilim Boy Pod Counselors

Jul 8, 2021 | ,

Maskilim Unit Head [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Josh Balkin Hi! I am Josh Balkin and I am from New Orleans. I am so excited to be the Maskilim unit head this summer! I was a 10 year camper (plus Kochavim) and this will...

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