Leaders Assembly
Join Us In Chicago
Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Leaders Assembly is the largest gathering of professional and volunteer leadership in Jewish camp.
At Leaders Assembly, colleagues learn from both experts and peers in creative, relevant, and interactive facilitator-led sessions to share best practices, explore trends, and see opportunities for excellence.
Register today for unparalleled networking, professional development, and a celebration of Jewish camp with camp professionals, lay leaders, advocates, and friends from around the world. Together, we will be Scaling New Heights.
Registration is now open – click here.
Come for The Jewish Camp Summit
This year, Leaders Assembly will be part of The Jewish Camp Summit, co-hosted by Foundation for Jewish Camp and JCamp 180. The Summit will kick off with the JCamp 180 Conference from December 8-9th, followed by Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Leaders Assembly beginning on Monday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday. The two conferences will run consecutively, share a venue and theme, and benefit from collaborative planning. If you plan to attend the full Jewish Camp Summit, be sure to register for each conference separately.
Details
Date
12/09/24 - 12/11/24Time
2:00pm-12:00pmWelcome to Leaders Assembly 2024! We are thrilled to bring together camp professionals, lay leaders, advocates, and friends from around the world for three days of unparalleled networking, professional development, and a celebration of all things camp. This year’s theme, Scaling New Heights, promises to inspire and empower attendees through engaging plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Whether you’re here to gain new insights, share experiences, or reconnect with colleagues, we’re excited to embark on this journey with you in the vibrant city of Chicago.
Leaders Assembly will commence at 2 PM CT on Monday, December 9th and conclude at 12 PM CT on Wednesday, December 11th.
This year, Leaders Assembly will be part of The Jewish Camp Summit, co-hosted by Foundation for Jewish Camp and JCamp 180. The two conferences will run consecutively and share a venue. It will kick off with the JCamp 180 Conference beginning on December 8th and adjourning at 12:30 PM CT on Monday, December 9th, before continuing into FJC’s Leaders Assembly. Those also attending the JCamp 180 portion of the Summit, will need to register for each conference separately. Click here to learn more and register for the JCamp 180 Conference.
Registration is now open – click here.
While the true cost per attendee exceeds $1,000, we are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, allowing us to significantly reduce registration fees for all participants. Full conference registration includes access to all programming and the following meals: Monday (dessert reception), Tuesday (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and Wednesday (breakfast). All meals provided during the conference are Kosher-certified by the Chicago Rabbinical Council (CRC).
- Full Conference Registration: $650 USD
- Canadian Attendee Full Conference Registration: $575 USD
- Lay Leader ONLY One Day (Monday): $175 USD
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to assembly@jewishcamp.org no later than Friday, November 8, 2024. Regrettably, refunds will not be granted after this date.
- For cancellations made before November 8, 2024, a full refund will be issued, minus a $50 processing fee. Refunds will be processed using the original payment method.
- We understand that in rare circumstances an attendee substitution may be requested on your organization’s behalf. We are happy to work with you to accommodate substitutions until Friday, November 8, 2024, which will be subject to a $50 processing fee.
Cancellation or refund inquiries concerning lodging and travel arrangements are the sole responsibility of the participant and should be directed to the respective hotel and/or airline. FJC holds no responsibility for lodging or travel.
In addition to the subsidized conference rate, conference sponsors have enabled FJC to offer additional support to camps that need further financial assistance to attend. To apply for a subsidy, we kindly ask that ONE representative from your camp complete the subsidy request form, before anyone from your camp registers for Leaders Assembly. If your camp is requesting a subsidy, please do not complete your registration at this time. If applicable, camps will be provided with a discount code.
Leaders Assembly 2024 will take place Monday, December 9th – Wednesday, December 11th in Chicago, IL. Hotel information and booking link is available after registration.
Hotel reservations must be booked separately. We have reserved a room block at our host hotel in Chicago at a reduced rate of $149 + tax per night. Please note that reservations in the block are first-come, first-served and must be made by November 14, 2024. The link to the room block will be available in your registration confirmation email.
Note: in the past our hotel room blocks have sold out, we encourage booking your hotel room at the time of conference registration.
Foundation for Jewish Camp is neither responsible for booking nor financially responsible for your sleeping accommodations.
Arrival
Leaders Assembly programming begins at 2:00 PM CT on Monday, December 9th. Though hotel check-in at the hotel is 3:00 PM, you are welcome to try checking in earlier and leaving your bag with the hotel if your room is not yet available. Please then make your way downstairs to the conference registration.
Departure
Check-out at the hotel is 12:00 PM. The conference will conclude at 12:00 PM CT on Wednesday, December 11th. Due to the end time of the programming, please check out of your hotel rooms prior to coming to conference programming Wednesday morning. There will be a bag check on site at the hotel.
If you have any questions, please reach out to assembly@jewishcamp.org.
Program Highlights
We are looking forward to coming together for three days of unparalleled networking, professional development, and a celebration of Jewish camp with camp professionals, lay leaders, advocates, and friends from around the world. Together, we will be Scaling New Heights.
A detailed schedule will be available for registered participants through our conference app before the conference.
Leaders Assembly 2024 will begin on Monday, December 9th at 2:00 PM CT and conclude on Wednesday, December 11th at 12:00 PM CT.
This year, Leaders Assembly will be part of The Jewish Camp Summit, co-hosted by Foundation for Jewish Camp and JCamp 180. The Summit will kick off with the JCamp 180 Conference from Sunday, December 8th at 2 PM CT to Monday, December 9th at 12 PM CT. The two conferences will run consecutively, share a venue and theme, and benefit from collaborative planning.
We are excited to welcome you to Leaders Assembly 2024 with an opening plenary session built to bring us together. The day will feature networking opportunities and the chance to choose a breakout session from a diverse range of topics. In the evening, attendees can explore Chicago’s restaurant scene before coming back together for a late-night dessert reception.
We are thrilled to be offering a one-day (Monday) registration exclusively for Lay Leaders who are interested in extending their time in Chicago following the JCamp 180 conference.
Tuesday is packed with engaging breakout sessions and Tuesday Choose Day “deep dive” learning opportunities, both at the hotel and around Chicago. We will reconvene for another inspirational plenary in the afternoon, and the day will conclude with a celebratory dinner followed by an evening activity, offering more opportunities for networking and connection.
Tuesday Choose Day Session Options
Click on a session title below for more details. Attendees who registered for Leaders Assembly before September 19th received a personalized link to select a Tuesday Choose Day session. All other attendees will have a chance to select a session on the conference registration form.
Build Your Culture of Philanthropy for Long-Term Fundraising Success
What is a Culture of Philanthropy and do we tap into its power to create fundraising breakthroughs? JCamp 180 Consultant and Rainmaker Consulting Founder, Laurie Herrick, will guide you to examine your organization’s current Culture of Philanthropy and find ways to build on what is working well and break through barriers to your fundraising success. This session is most effective when experienced as a team, but individual participants are welcome to attend.
In this deep dive, we will examine all three elements of culture: behaviors, structures, and hearts & minds. Gain practical tools and exercises you can bring back to camp to build and strengthen your culture and foster generosity, philanthropy, and abundant giving.
Presenter: Laurie Herrick, JCamp 180
Camp Tour: Z Frank Apachi Day Camp
Come visit and experience the best of Jewish Day Camping at JCC Chicago’s Z Frank Apachi Day Camp. Our camp team will take you on a tour of the beautiful 10-acre campus. Weather permitting we will have a chance to make smores and have a fireside chat and share some of the things that make our program special. We will share about our Growing Hope garden, special area for our oldest campers (Pio Zone), staff break area, how our extensive system of 9 camps is set-up, and the special relationship between our day and overnight camps. An open conversation about these topics and more will be part of the experience.
*This offering consists of both a bus and walking tour.
Presenters: Beth Miller, Allison Blake, & Andrea Merfeld, JCC Chicago Apachi Day Camp
Engaging the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict at Camp: Exploring Challenges & Opportunities
Across campuses, educational spaces, and social media, our children and teens are confronted with a wide range of information and misinformation about Israel and must navigate complex issues that they are often ill-prepared to address. This reality has been especially true since 10/7, but it existed far before then. Camp is uniquely positioned to support campers and staff through robust Israel education that doesn’t shy away from the ‘hard stuff.’
Come explore approaches to conflict education; learn from camp leaders about their strategies, experiences, and plans; and consider your own goals, concerns, and possible approaches (and experiments) as you plan for the year and summer ahead.
Presenter: Dr. Dean Bell & Dr. Keren Fraiman, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership
Exploring Chicago: A Tour with Tiktok’s Favorite Chicago Historian
Chicago Mahogany is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the rich history and culture of the city of Chicago, highlighting Chicago’s people, architecture, and impact on the world. Our passion fuels our duty to deliver this history and educate current and future generations. We desire to plant a seed that will foster a sense of pride and community “The Chicago Way”. Join us for a tour of Chicago that includes a rich Jewish history with our Tiktok famous tour guide, Dilla.
*This offering consists of both a bus and walking tour.
Presenter: Dilla, Chicago Mahogany
Growing Whole Humans through Ambiguity & Struggle
Jewish camp can help grow whole humans through ambiguity and struggle, rather than in spite of or avoiding it. Explore ways to give campers and staff alike opportunities to embrace challenges as a healthy path to personal development. Where youth are overly self-pathologizing and fearfully labeling discomfort as dangerous, let’s understand the shifts in today’s post-pandemic generations and make Jewish camp places to build independence, increase spirituality, and deepen relationships.
*Submitted for approval for social work continuing education units in partnership with the Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies.
Presenters: Drew Fidler & Betsy Stone
Hey You. Yes You, Reading This. It’s Time Your Camp Started Podcasting.
Come join Who Knows One? and Campfires and Color Wars host, Micah Hart, for a deep dive into the podcasting medium, and learn exactly what it takes to start your own. You’ll even make one during this very interactive session!
We’ll cover everything you need to know—from brainstorming ideas and recording high-quality audio to editing and publishing episodes that can be shared with campers, parents, and the wider camp community. You have so many stories to tell and a community that is hungry to both reminisce about their own memories and hear what’s happening at camp right now. By the end of this session, you’ll know what you need to get your camp in the podcasting business, and why it’s such a valuable space.
Presenter: Micah Hart, Who Knows One?
Hollywood Creativity & Jewish Camp Strategy: A Magical Bond
Reframe your creative approach and learn how to implement immediately effective, easy-to-use brainstorming frameworks from 20+ year entertainment veteran and “Creative Fixer”, Simmy Kustanowitz. Simmy has built a reputation for managing crises and solving high-level problems through efficiency and structured creative thinking.
In this groundbreaking workshop, learn his “Four Rules to Think By”, which center around clock management, the surprising power of numbers, creative idea generation, and the value of repetition. Then, engage in interactive brainstorms that gamify the ideation process and exemplify in real time how to truly revamp the way you approach inventive thinking and problem solving.
Presenter: Simmy Kustanowitz, Clock Tower Innovation
Life After Camp: Expanding Horizons for Adults with Disabilities
As their camper experience comes to a close, the journey is just beginning for adults with disabilities. This session explores opportunities, challenges, and resources available for individuals with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. We will delve into vocational programs, independent living, and community involvement, focusing on how to support continued growth and engagement. In partnership with Keshet, we will also host a hands-on volunteer event at one of our partnering agencies, offering participants the chance to make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience in a real-world setting.
Presenters: Stephanie Darnell, Jennifer Phillips, & Polly Cheeseman, Keshet
Meeting the Mission, Promoting Staff Professionalism & Responsibility, & Top Training
Join national award-winning trainer and best-selling camp author, Michael Brandwein, for a skill-packed session with a “success smorgasbord” collection of precise methods to develop an outstanding Leadership Team; increase focus on camp’s mission; and cultivate professionalism and responsibility in today’s staff. Participants will learn key secrets to effective coaching and motivating, presenting attention-grabbing training activities that really prepare staff for doing their best work. This mini-course offers you the staffing tools you can put to use right away for the best summer ever.
Presenter: Michael Brandwein
More Than Rainbows: Cultivating Belonging Through Policy & Stakeholder Relationships for All Gender Identities & Sexualities
At a time when LGBTQ+ identities are being actively politicized across the country, summer camps are a crucial place where Jewish youth can explore conversations about gender and sexuality with their peers and, when done productively, with supportive staff members. Wondering how you can best equip staff and campers to have productive, empowering conversations about LGBTQ+ identity, gender identity, and sexuality? Together, we will look at different policies and explore ways we can support and empower not just LGBTQ+ campers and staff, but all campers and staff, to have youth-focused, age-appropriate conversations about sexuality and gender identity. We will also discuss the ways different stakeholders – parents, board members, and full-time and seasonal staff – can play roles in supporting campers as they navigate conversations about consent, camp policy, gender, and sexuality in affirming ways.
Presenters: Jackie Maris, Rabbi Eliana Kayelle, & Amram Altzman, Keshet
Restorative Justice: Strategies for Navigating Conflict, Repairing Harm, & Strengthening the Fabric of Our Camp Communities
Scaling Heights, Master Planning Sites: A Tour of Willis Tower
Visit the world-famous, and world’s tallest (Still! Just ask any Chicagoan!) building, the Willis/Sears Tower for a real bird’s eye view of what goes into the process of envisioning, planning, and building the future of your camp. Visit the on-site museum, learn about the history of Chicago and the rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire, and visit the 103rd floor Skydeck. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a robust discussion about master planning your camp’s site.
*This offering consists of both a bus and walking tour.
Serve Chicago: Volunteering & Jewish Learning with Repair the World
Join Repair the World for an immersive experience rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam. You’ll participate in a hands-on volunteer project with Nourishing Hope, gain insights into integrating service with Jewish learning, and leave with actionable strategies to bring service initiatives back to your own communities or camps. Through interactive activities and discussions, we’ll equip you with the inspiration and tools to create lasting impact.
*Please note that this service partner requests closed toed shoes and comfortable clothing for the project. A participant waiver is also required.
*This offering consists of both a bus and walking tour.
Presenters: Ilana Pond & Lauren Silverman, Repair the World
That’s Monumental: A Tour of Soldier Field Football Stadium
Visit the home of the Chicago Bears football team, historic Soldier Field. During this VIP tour, you will get access to the field, be immersed in the stadium, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive memorials and monuments around the stadium. Afterwards, participants will return to the hotel for a workshop designed to help you take what you learned and apply it to the creation of meaningful physical markers, memorials, and monuments back at your camp.
*This offering consists of both a bus and walking tour.
Type Trek: Poster Workshop at the Design Museum of Chicago
Step out of camp and into the streets of Chicago as we embark on a type-inspired walk to the Design Museum of Chicago. Capture the city’s unique typography through rubbings and sketches, then dive into the exhibition, Letters Beyond Form: Chicago Types, to explore how design can shape community. Finally, roll up your sleeves in an interactive workshop where you’ll create your own poster, a tangible takeaway that reflects the power of visual communication.
*This offering includes an outdoor walking tour.
Presenters: Tanner Woodford & Kevin Reader, Design Museum of Chicago
On our final day together, we’ll start with another round of breakout sessions before gathering for the closing plenary.
*Please note that the Expo Hall will be open throughout the entirety of Leaders Assembly. We encourage you to explore the Kikar, our gathering space, to visit with vendors, grab a snack, and connect with other attendees.
If you have any questions, please contact assembly@jewishcamp.org.
Leaders Assembly is right for anyone interested in building a strong Jewish future. The field of Jewish camp is made up of many constituents – camp professionals, lay leaders, educators, communal professionals, and emerging Jewish leaders. With an array of sessions and workshops, networking opportunities and plenaries you will find significant benefits to attending the conference, no matter your role.
CAMP PROFESSIONALS
Leaders Assembly is created for a diverse set of year-round professionals, regardless of experience or portfolio. Veteran camp directors, new assistant directors, fundraising and/or marketing professionals, registrars, and more will find a wide array of sessions to choose from. We encourage you to bring your lay leaders as well to see how your camp fits within the broader Jewish camp conversation.
LAY LEADERS
Lay leaders are critical to the work we do on the local and field-wide level. Your presence at Leaders Assembly helps each camp move to the next level in fundraising, attracting new markets, upgrading facilities and programs and your expertise is invaluable to the field.
While we hope lay leaders will join for the entirety of Leaders Assembly, we are pleased to offer a one-day (Monday) registration exclusively for Lay Leaders who are interested in extending their time in Chicago following the JCamp 180 conference.
EDUCATORS
Jewish camping is at the forefront of experiential education. Whether you’re an educator at camp during the summer or a year-round Jewish educator, you’ll find Leaders Assembly to offer unparalleled opportunities for networking and expanding your impact on the next generation.
COMMUNAL PROFESSIONALS
If you’re looking to develop a local Jewish camp initiative or deepen your community’s Jewish camp agenda, you’ll find Leaders Assembly an invaluable place to discuss why, and how Jewish camp can be a priority for your community.
FUTURE JEWISH LEADERS
Leaders Assembly is an excellent opportunity to network with professionals in this field, gain a clear understanding of the current trends, and find the motivation and mentors to make your dreams a reality.
You will receive a confirmation email from assembly@jewishcamp.org upon registration. If you have additional questions about your Leaders Assembly registration, please contact us at assembly@jewishcamp.org.
Great, we are excited about your interest! Please click here to submit our Expo Hall interest form.
If you have any questions about the Expo Hall, please contact Randi Honig at randi@jewishcamp.org.
We appreciate your support! Please be in touch with our assembly@jewshcamp.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to assembly@jewishcamp.org no later than Friday, November 8, 2024. Regrettably, refunds will not be granted after this date. For cancellations made before November 8, 2024, a full refund will be issued, minus a $50 processing fee. Refunds will be processed using the original payment method.
We understand that in rare circumstances an attendee substitution may be requested on your organization’s behalf. We are happy to work with you to accommodate substitutions until Friday, November 8, 2024, which will be subject to a $50 processing fee.
Cancellation or refund inquiries concerning lodging and travel arrangements are the sole responsibility of the participant and should be directed to the respective hotel and/or airline. FJC holds no responsibility for lodging or travel.
Please let us know what special accommodations you require when completing your registration. For further questions or to discuss in more detail, please contact assembly@jewishcamp.org.
Please let us know what your specific dietary needs are when completing your registration. All meals and refreshments are certified Kosher prepared under the Chicago Rabbinical Council (CRC). For further questions, please contact assembly@jewishcamp.org.
Sorry. To protect the privacy of our community members, we do not publicly distribute a list of conference attendees.
Conference attire is “camp” business casual on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, attendees are encouraged to show their camp spirit by wearing their favorite camp-branded attire! We’ve got spirit yes we do, we’ve got spirit, how ‘bout YOU?!
This year, Leaders Assembly will be part of The Jewish Camp Summit, co-hosted by Foundation for Jewish Camp and JCamp 180. The Summit will kick off with the JCamp 180 Conference on December 8th and adjourning at 12:30 PM on Monday, December 9th, followed by Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Leaders Assembly beginning on Monday, December 9th at 2:00 PM and conclude on Wednesday, December 11th at 12:00 PM. The two conferences will run consecutively, share a venue and theme, and benefit from collaborative planning.
No, attendees who wish to attend both conferences need to register for each conference independently.
Those also attending the JCamp 180 portion of the Summit, will need to register for that conference separately. Click here to learn more and register for the JCamp 180 Conference.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email from jcamp180conference@hgf.org upon registration. If you have additional questions about your JCamp 180 registration or the JCamp 180 conference, please contact JCamp 180 at jcamp180conference@hgf.org.
If you have any additional questions, please contact assembly@jewishcamp.org.
Foundation for Jewish Camp is grateful to the generous Leaders Assembly 2024 sponsors that have helped us create a world-class opportunity for our attendees. Their partnership allows us to deliver high caliber content, as well as increase networking opportunities, while keeping the participant cost affordable for attendees.
Interested in becoming a sponsor of Leaders Assembly 2024? Check out our sponsorship opportunities.