Camp Counselors 09.08.17

Protect Camp Counselors Cultural Exchange and Summer Work Travel Programs

Protect Camp Counselors Cultural Exchange and Summer Work Travel Programs

The future of the J-1 Visa hangs in the balance, specifically, the Summer Camp Work Travel and Camp Counselor visa programs.

This week, Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) convened the leadership of the major Jewish camp movements in signing a letter calling on President Trump to preserve this critical program.

FJC is working closely with ACA President Tom Rosenberg and ACA’s Government Affairs Committee Chair and FJC board member Scott Brody who have been in direct conversations with the White House advising them on the importance of these programs to our nation’s summer camps and the great economic harm that would result from their elimination or reduction.

FJC is grateful for the efforts ACA is making and has offered financial support to secure additional representation in Washington, DC to advocate for the preservation of these vital J-1 programs. We continue to leverage our contacts in Washington to make our voices heard.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW:

Take Action by contacting your members of Congress.

Share the Take Action link with camp parents, staff, supporters, stakeholders and social media networks. Encourage them to reach out to the White House and their Congressional representatives.

• Post stories from camp and share the ACA talking points on social media and in any other outreach efforts. Use the hashtag #campculturalexchange and #jewishcamp.

Participate in the ACA estimated economic impact survey. This information is vitally important to our fight. The survey is open through today.

Please share your most impactful camp cultural exchange stories with us; they will be helpful to our ongoing outreach. We are looking for impactful stories of why international staff are so important to our camps and our children. If you are interested in participating in this initiative, please email Allison Cohen, VP of Marketing and Engagement, at allison@jewishcamp.org.

International staff is integral to the culture of Jewish camp. These wonderful camp participants make an impact on our campers and communities — broadening horizons, sharing cultures, instilling a love of Israel and adding new perspectives.

Join us in taking action now. We need to use our collective voice to preserve these vital programs.

FJC’s Letter to President Trump
Press Release
Review the J-1 Visa Fact Sheet
How YOU can help