Character at Camp
Character at Camp is a multi-year initiative from Foundation for Jewish Camp, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, to help camps intentionally foster character growth in campers and staff. Through research, resource development, and communications, the initiative evaluates and strengthens character-building practices in North American Jewish camps.
Over three years, participating camps have piloted new approaches, contributed to foundational research, and developed adaptable tools for campers and staff— fostering cultures where teamwork, kindness, leadership, and integrity thrive. This work has helped clarify how Jewish camps nurture the character growth we’ve long known they inspire, preparing young people to make a difference in the world.
Explore how the initiative has evolved, access practical resources to enrich your camp’s culture — and learn from research that offers practical insights for camps like yours.
Evolution of the Character at Camp Initiative
Since launching in 2022 with a cohort of five overnight camps, the Character at Camp Initiative has grown into a field-tested, field-led model now embedded into the programming and culture at 30 day and overnight camps. The initiative has unfolded in three phases:
2022–2024: Community of Practice Cohorts (Cohorts 1 & 2)
In its first two years, 10 overnight camps participated in Community of Practice cohorts, receiving funding and expert guidance to explore three areas:
- Research & Learning: Camps examined their values and culture, and FJC – working in collaboration with academic researchers and developmental experts – received IRB approval to conduct original, systematic research with campers and staff to assess character growth.
- Resource, Program & Staff Development: Camps tested and refined practices to intentionally nurture character. Their insights shaped adaptable resources for integrating character development into daily programming, staff training, and camp culture.
- Marketing & Communications: Camps gained tools and training to communicate how character growth is part of their mission and impact. Staff at participating camps captured moments of kindness on film to share with their communities.
Cohorts 1 & 2 Initiative Participants & Grantees
BB Camp (Manitoba)
Camp Barney Medintz
Camp Havaya
Camp JCA Shalom
Camp Laurelwood
Camp Mountain Chai
Camp Ramah in Wisconsin
Emma Kaufmann Camp
URJ 6 Points Sports Academy
URJ Crane Lake Camp
2024–Present: Character Ambassador Program (Cohort 3)
In 2024, FJC launched the Character Ambassador Stipend Program, shifting from exploration to implementation by funding a seasonal staff role at 20 day and overnight camps to lead character work on the ground. Character Ambassadors are trained by FJC to lead character-based activities, support staff, integrate character into camp rituals, customize the Pocket Guide, and create lasting resources for their camp. This embedded, hands-on model ensures character development is actively led and practiced by staff and campers alike.
Your camp can take the same approach. Elect a Character Ambassador and use the tools below to bring character development to life in your camp’s programs, rituals, and routines.
Cohort 3 Initiative Participants & Grantees
Apachi Evanston
Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp
Camp Alonim
Camp Bnai Brith of Montreal
Camp Chaverim
Camp Interlaken JCC
Camp JCA Shalom
Camp Northland B’nai Brith
Camp Ramah in the Poconos
Camp Shalom
Camp Twelve Trails
Camp Wise LA
Habonim Dror Camp Galil
J Camp at Stroum Jewish Community Center
JCC Camp Ruach
JCC Ranch Camp
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy
URJ 6 Points Sports Academy
URJ Camp Harlam
Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps
Character at Camp Resource Center
These tools were developed and tested by camps, for camps. We encourage—and empower—you to use, adapt, and share them.
Mensches in the Making: Film + Conversation Guide
Use this short (4 minute) film and guided discussion to kick off conversations about character development at staff orientation or as a mid-summer refresh. It’s a powerful way to introduce your camp’s values and spark reflection among staff.
Character at Camp Pocket Guides
These customizable, easy-to-carry tools help staff build character-rich moments with middle school campers — through rituals, reflection, and intentional programming woven into daily camp life. They’re ideal for use during:
- Staff Training: Practice using the guides to build shared language and buy-in.
- Camper Activities: Embed character into bunk time, evening rituals, and transition times.
- Supervision & Planning: Reference the guides during session design and staff support structures.
Each guide is editable in Word, so you can tailor the content to your camp: change the logo, rename or add activities, and remove anything that doesn’t quite fit camp’s culture. Once customized, save as a PDF and follow the simple printing instructions below.
Pocket Guides
- Download Pocket Guide 1 – Introduction to Character & Activities to Build Strengths | PDF | Word
- Download Pocket Guide 2 – Group Rituals to Build Character Strengths | PDF | Word
Guide #1: Introduction to Character & Sample Activities
Kick-start character learning with engaging, ready-to-use programming.
Guide #2: Group Rituals that Build Character
Use simple, meaningful rituals to spark reflection and build belonging.
Printing Instructions
Step-by-step guidance for printing and folding your custom Pocket Guides.
Making Mensches Periodic Table
Use this flexible visual tool to connect Jewish values with character strengths — great for framing activities, deepening discussions, or designing your own Pocket Guide.
What We’ve Learned: Research on Character at Camp
Coming Soon!