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...
What Jacobs Camp Does Best

What Jacobs Camp Does Best

Growing up and working at Jacobs Camp, I have had the privilege to experience the Jacobs Magic in a variety of ways for nearly 2 decades. Currently, I am humbled to serve on camp’s year-round team as one of our Assistant Directors. In the non-summer months, the...

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Why Kochavim Works!

Why Kochavim Works!

I can honestly say that camp has shaped every aspect of my life.  It was my happy place as a camper, which ultimately led to me transferring colleges: to be near my camp friends.  As an adult, my experiences at Jacobs Camp enriched my career as a Jewish educator; I...

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2019 Recap – By the numbers!

2019 Recap – By the numbers!

Those of you who know, can attest that I am a numbers person. Numbers are black and white; they show performance; they show progress; they show impact. Let me share Jacobs Camp’s impact in 2019! 340 Generous Supporters We are so grateful to our generous donors who...

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A Source of Light

A Source of Light

This week as the Jewish people celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the miracles in my own life – Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Perhaps my earliest camp memory is of Shabbat as a 9 or 10 year-old. I vividly remember sitting beside...

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A Summer in the Solelim Program

A Summer in the Solelim Program

Jacobs Camp is a place where I can be unapologetically myself. It's been my home away from home for five years now and I've made friendships there that will last me a lifetime. This past summer I reunited with my friends as a Solel in the brand new Solelim Program. I...

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The Power and the Magic of Jacobs Camp

The Power and the Magic of Jacobs Camp

As I look out over tonight’s crowd, I’m proud – proud of all of you, proud of the URJ’s Henry S. Jacobs Camp, and proud to oversee an institution so vital to Reform Judaism in the South. In addition to recruiting and working with a staff of 150 and managing an annual...

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Todah Rabah to Our Summer 2019 Faculty

Todah Rabah to Our Summer 2019 Faculty

Jacobs Camp is so blessed to have the support of rabbis, cantors, and educators from across our region and beyond. These amazing members of the Jacobs Camp family enrich our program and the experience of our campers and staff with wisdom and love of Judaism and Jacobs...

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25 to 50 Understanding the Magic

25 to 50 Understanding the Magic

25 years ago I was 12 years old and ready for  a summer at Jacob’s camp! I can honestly say I did not know or understand the impact my short time at camp would have on me. Most of my family and some of my friends were lifetime Jacob’s campers: young campers, then...

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