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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Letter from Anna (July 13, 2018)

Letter from Anna (July 13, 2018)

Jul 13, 2018 | ,

After all the anticipation and waiting, we were thrilled to open the gates on Sunday, so our amazing staff could whoop it up to welcome home a record 226 campers with hugs and high fives, showing everyone just how excited we are to have them back! I am over the moon to be together with our campers again because I know what an incredible summer is in store for them.

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Surrounded by Torah at Jacobs Camp

Surrounded by Torah at Jacobs Camp

Jul 10, 2018 | ,

At Henry S. Jacobs Camp, campers are surrounded by Torah.  Whether in the form of story, prayer, or actions, Torah is in the air and on our tongues.  This is part of the Jacobs Magic I am proud to witness and facilitate as a visiting Educator (and parent of two campers.)  

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Letter from Anna (June 29, 2018)

Letter from Anna (June 29, 2018)

Jun 29, 2018 | , ,

I can hardly believe another week has come and gone at camp! The time is flying, but everyone – campers, counselors, and staff – is having the best summer ever! Fun, adventure, and terrific camp activities fill the days; talent shows, bonfires for s’mores, and bunk nights fill the evenings.

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The Magic of Jacobs Camp: From the perspective of a first time staff member

The Magic of Jacobs Camp: From the perspective of a first time staff member

Jun 27, 2018 | ,

I arrived at camp during the morning on May 31, 2018. That first day was a blur, but I remember the end of it vividly.

I was working in the office until around 10:30pm. As I walked outside, I heard the familiar and comforting “amein” of the shehecheyanu. I turned to my right and saw Mason Greenberg and Charlie Cox in colorful adirondack chairs on the porch, strumming guitars, and practicing the shehecheyanu – the Jewish prayer that celebrates something happening for the first time.

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Letter from Anna (June 22, 2018)

Letter from Anna (June 22, 2018)

Jun 22, 2018 | ,

It’s been an exciting and amazing week at camp, and I can’t believe how quickly the days fly by. Our Olim campers have headed home and we miss them. Their absence reminds us, especially with all that goes on in our world these days, how important it is for us to treasure each moment we’re together as a community in this sacred place.

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