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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9 Things You Should Know About Capital Campaigns

Jacobs Camp is a cornerstone of Jewish life in the South, and its future depends on all of us; families, alumni, and the broader Jewish community. Through the Our Camp. Our Home. Our Future. Capital Campaign, we’re investing in major renovations and upgrades to our...
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How Camp Shaped My Identity

How Camp Shaped My Identity

Jun 9, 2025 | , ,

“Why do you keep coming back to camp?” It’s easy to say it’s because it’s fun, the friendships are strong, and there’s a deep love for being Jewish. While all of that is true, the decision to return—especially as an adult staff member—is more meaningful. After ten...

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