FJC Camp Census
The FJC Census helps us capture a comprehensive view of the Jewish camping field each year by gathering critical data from camps across North America. It directly informs the financial and programmatic resources available to Jewish camps.
Participation in the Census is not only vital for understanding the current landscape of Jewish camp but is also required for camps to be considered part of FJC’s network and access grants and programs. The data also helps us identify trends in the field, allowing us to respond proactively to the evolving needs of camps and campers alike. To see how we analyze and use your data, view the 2025 Census Report here.
Your input makes a difference, helping shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Jewish camping.
Important Dates
- Census Opens: August 24
- Deadline to Complete: September 30
- Special Incentive: Submit by September 16 to be entered into a raffle for a professional photo shoot at your camp in Summer 2027!
- Camps were emailed a password for the Census on August 24th. Check your inbox for emails from data@jewishcamp.org with your password.
Helpful Reminders
- The person who submitted your Census in 2025 received a copy of your camp’s previous responses from noreply@alchemer.com after submitting. We recommend having that file open for easy reference.
- Pre-filled values: For key questions, we’ve included your 2025 data to help guide your responses. If your 2026 response is significantly different from last year’s, please explain why directly in the survey. If you don’t, we will follow up with you — let’s save everyone that extra step!
- Passwords: Camps will receive a unique password in order to fill out the Census more securely.
- Grant Reporting: Certain FJC grant reporting requirements are integrated into the Census. You will hear from your FJC grant manager if this applies to your camp, and you can view FJC’s Program and Grant Report Calendar here.
FAQs
Does my camp need to complete the Census?
The Census is required for camps in FJC’s network, especially those who are seeking access to FJC resources, including but not limited to, grant opportunities, staff development programs, One Happy Camper, and a listing on our Find-a-Camp search tool. It is also required for all JCamp 180-affiliated camps.
If FJC has any questions about the data you submit, it is also required that you answer our inquiries to clarify your information.
If you are a camp outside of FJC’s network and you are looking to join in the next year, filling out the Census ahead of time will make you eligible for FJC grants and programs as soon as you join the network. For more information about joining FJC’s network, reach out to our Network Manager, Molly Baer (molly.baer@jewishcamp.org).
How will my data be used?
The information you submit in the Census is analyzed in the aggregate to provide insights on the field of Jewish camp. This analysis is published in our yearly report and is used by communal professionals, lay leaders, and funders. FJC uses this data to secure funding and create necessary resources and programs that will best serve the field.
How will my camp’s data be protected and/or shared?
- FJC uses Census data in aggregate to share insights about the wider field, often looking at trends within regions and camps of similar size.
- If you participate in any FJC grants or programs, we may use your data to report to funders.
- FJC may also share your data with your camp’s local federation, other affiliations, and funders that support Jewish camp if you grant the appropriate permissions in the Census.
- FJC’s Census is done in partnership with JCAMP 180 and if your camp is a member of that organization, we will share your Census data with them.
How do I access my password?
Your camp received an email on August 24th with your unique password. Each camp gets one password to complete one unique submission. If you need to make changes to your submission or if you can’t find your password in your inbox, please reach out to data@jewishcamp.org.
Who at my camp should be responsible for completing the Census, and how best can we coordinate across roles?
Please coordinate with your team to ensure that anyone working on the Census has set aside sufficient time before the end of September to complete it. You may need input from your registrar, accounting staff, and/or development professionals. Your camp’s director will need to sign off on the accuracy of your submission at the end of the Census.
Your work saves automatically, and you may resume at any time using your password. You may also forward the link and password to anyone on your team to fill out a section. Please only have one staff member logged in at a time.
Can I stop and continue filling out the survey at a later time?
Your work saves automatically, and you may resume at any time using your password. When you log back in, the system will take you back to where you left off. You will then be able to navigate forward and backward through the survey as needed.
Once you submit your survey, you can no longer make edits. If you need to make a change after you press the submit button, reach out to data@jewishcamp.org.