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...

HSJ365 Summer

We want to invite your family to join our Jacobs Camp summer program and engagement opportunities!  While we are not able to physically be together, we are excited to invite you to our virtual summer programming: HSJ365 Summer.  This program is free of charge! HSJ365...

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It’s Okay to be Sad. I’m Sad, Too

It’s Okay to be Sad. I’m Sad, Too

Anna’s letter announcing the cancellation of in-person programming this summer hit me harder than I expected. I had anticipated that Covid-19 might disrupt the plans for Summer 2020, but getting the official news filled me with dread and a lot of tears. I sat in that...

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Update Regarding 2020 Tuition

Update Regarding 2020 Tuition

We cannot say it enough: thank you. The outpouring of support from our Jacobs Camp family has been incredible. Whether this would have been your family’s first summer or 50th, you are an important part of our family, and we are so grateful for you. As we shared in our...

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2020 Update

2020 Update

Dear Jacobs Camp Family, This is the hardest letter I have ever had to write. It is with broken hearts that we share our plans to cancel all in-person activities held in Utica for summer 2020. If at any point new information emerges and conditions change that lead us...

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When We Make Music Together

When We Make Music Together

Over the past several days, I’ve been told to leave school in Indiana, head back to California, and stay put in my house. I’m thousands of miles away from friends and several of my communities, but I’ve never felt closer to Jacobs Camp. When I joined the Jacobs Camp...

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What I Love about Jacobs Camp…

What I Love about Jacobs Camp…

In December, Temple Beth El in Pensacola, FL hosted a Jacobs Camp Shabbat with their congregation. Families were encouraged to wear white and Jacobs Camp campers were asked to share a few words about what they love about camp. Below are some of the prepared responses...

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Jacobs Magic in Denver, Colorado

Jacobs Magic in Denver, Colorado

Dear Anna, After Thanksgiving, I flew home with my family from Little Rock to Denver. We were waiting for our bags and I saw a bag that looked like a bag that I take to Jacobs Camp. I asked my mom if that bag reminded her of anything. She said, “yes, of course.” I...

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