Foundation for Jewish Camp

"For years, I’ve reassured nervous parents on the other end of the phone. Now, I’m the one zooming in on camp photos, wondering: Are my kids okay?" Jamie Simon, CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp (and camper parent), shares how she knows our kids are not just OK at camp—they’re thriving. :link: Read her piece on Kveller: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eHZKHrq3

What a powerful conversation about the role camp plays in shaping Jewish identity and connection. In this episode of the Z3 Podcast, Rabbi Amitai A. Fraiman speaks with Dr. Shelley Kedar, EdD of The Jewish Agency for Israel and Michael Schlank, CEO of NJY Camps, about how bringing together young Jews from Israel and America — across diverse backgrounds and experiences — at camp helps them explore belonging, peoplehood, and their relationship with Israel.

One of the silver linings in recent weeks has been seeing how many people recognize the power of camp — and are ready to step up and support it when it’s needed most.  Amid difficult events — from devastating floods in Texas to the Israel-Iran conflict — Jewish camps continue to build community, offer support, and nurture resilience. Read FJC CEO Jamie Simon's Jewish Journal piece on the struggles young people face today, how camps help them thrive, and how the community has rallied to keep camp strong. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eaSVdpk6

“Camp is far more than fun in the sun. It’s about showing young people what it feels like to be part of something bigger — and giving them the tools to lead with care, courage, and connection,” says Jamie Simon, proudly reflecting on the power of camp as she steps into her role as FJC’s new CEO. Read more in her recent Jim Joseph Foundation op-ed on how Jewish camp fosters identity, community, leadership, and resilience—especially in uncertain times. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gRC5gp6F

Thank you to Talia Perez from NATAL and to everyone who joined our training on Trauma and Resilience! Together, we learned meaningful strategies to meet the unique needs of Israeli staff and community members at camp. This training was made possible through the generous support of UJA-Federation of New York. We’re inspired by this collaboration and committed to creating spaces where healing and hope can flourish.

“I am profoundly grateful to the Board for this opportunity to serve as the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s next CEO. I’ve seen the power of Jewish camp at every stage of my life: as a camper, as a camp counselor, as a camp director, as a parent, and as a passionate advocate in the broader Jewish camp movement,” said Jamie Simon, who was recently named FJC’s permanent CEO after serving as Interim CEO. Jeffrey M. Solomon, chair of FJC’s selection committee, cited Simon’s deep experience in Jewish camping as key to the Board’s decision. FJC Board Chair Jim Heeger praised her leadership, strong partnerships, and lifelong dedication to the mission and values of Jewish camp. Read more in the recent eJewishPhilanthropy article about why the selection committee chose Simon to lead FJC into its next chapter. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eRxZrpcm

We are thrilled to announce that Jamie Simon, who has led Foundation for Jewish Camp in an interim capacity since March 2025 and previously served as Chief Program and Strategy Officer, will take the helm as FJC’s next Chief Executive Officer. Jamie was unanimously selected by FJC’s Board after a highly competitive, nationwide search and will be the first woman to serve as CEO in the organization’s 27-year history. With over 20 years of experience in Jewish camping, including her previous role as CEO at Tawonga Jewish Community Corporation, she is uniquely prepared to shape our next chapter with vision, care, and proven leadership. Please join us in congratulating Jamie on this exciting new chapter! Read the full announcement here: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gcgMwqhw

A wonderful reflection on how camp fosters leadership, critical thinking, effective listening, and more — shared in a recent post by camp professional Loren Sykes. He writes about how overnight camp shaped not only his leadership abilities but also the “soft” social and emotional skills that were vital then and remain essential throughout his career.

"In the Jewish community, we know the power of camp. We know it as a sacred space where children find their voice, counselors discover their purpose, and lifelong friendships are formed under starry skies. We know it as a refuge where values are lived, joy is abundant, and community is built in song, sweat, and spirit. That’s why our hearts are broken alongside the camps in Texas who are grieving unimaginable loss after this week’s devastating flood,” says FJC's interim CEO, Jamie Simon, in a statement responding to the Camp Mystic tragedy in Texas. At FJC, we share a deep belief that camp has the power to shape lives — through moments of joy and even in the face of heartbreak. To the families of Camp Mystic and all those affected, know that you are not alone. Our community stands beside you. Read the full story on JTA News. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eFWKC-Zb

In Jewish tradition, comforting the bereaved and aiding those in distress are among our highest responsibilities. Here are 4 ways you can help the camps and communities impacted by the flooding in Texas as they face this unimaginable tragedy. Learn more and access the ways to help by visiting our website: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/ec4TWGsg