Blog - URJ Jacobs Camp

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Are You Ready To Make Some Jacobs Magic?!

Jun 12, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Summer 2021

Our amazing staff have spent the last two weeks preparing to bring the Jacobs Magic to life, and we are so ready to welcome our campers home! Click here to watch our video and find out if YOU'RE ready!

Countdown to Opening Day and the Best Summer Ever!

Jun 11, 2021 | Camping and Youth Engagement, Camps & NFTY, Caring Community, Jacobs Blog, Summer, Summer 2021, Youth & Family

During the darkest moments of last year, I dreamt about opening day—and now that we’re almost there, real life is proving so much sweeter than any of those dreams. Y’all know I’m rarely at a loss for words, but I will never have the right words—or enough words—to tell...

Out of Cabin Staff

Jun 11, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

Camper Care Team [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Leah Tennen My name is Leah (she/her/hers) and this is my 23rd summer at camp, although it's been 26 years since the last time I was here! I grew up in Jackson, MS, but now...

Solelim 2022

Jun 10, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

Solelim 2022 Application is OPEN! Apply Here Solelim is our Staff-in-Training program for current 11th graders. Solelim participants develop their leadership skills by building programs for all camp events and leading Dates and Fees Session 1 June 12-July 6 $1600...

Talmidim Boys Pod Counselors

Jun 10, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

Talmidim Unit Head [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Eliza Lieberman My name is Eliza Lieberman and this is my first summer at Jacobs! This summer I will be working as the Talmidim Unit Head. I am from Charlotte, North...

Talmidim Girls Pod Counselors

Jun 10, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

Maskilim Boy Pod Counselors

Jun 10, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

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...

Maskilim Girls Pod Counselors

Jun 10, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

Garin Boys Pod Counselors

Jun 10, 2021 | Jacobs Blog, Uncategorized

Garin Unit Head [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]Clark Thompson My name is CJ Thompson, and I am from Birmingham, Alabama. I recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a business administration degree. This is...