Foundation for Jewish Camp to Host Record-Breaking Conference to Shape Future of Jewish Camp

Over 900 Jewish camp professionals, lay leaders, advocates, and friends
set to attend Leaders Assembly in Chicago

CHICAGO — Over 900 attendees, from Jewish camp professionals to lay leaders to a delegation from Israel, will gather in Chicago on December 9th to 11th, 2024 to shape the future of Jewish camp at Foundation for Jewish Camp’s (FJC’s) biennial Leaders Assembly — part of The Jewish Camp Summit that FJC is co-hosting with JCamp180.

Leaders Assembly will share new research affirming camps’ strong recovery from the COVID pandemic and recent success in helping young Jews feel more deeply connected to their identity at a time of rising antisemitism. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome a record-breaking number of participants to our 10th biennial Leaders Assembly, all of whom recognize how Jewish camp helps young people develop their character and explore their Jewish identity,” said Jeremy J. Fingerman, CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp. “With over 140 expert speakers, dozens of events, and three plenaries, Leaders Assembly will celebrate and elevate camp’s integral role in transforming the lives of young people.”

The three plenaries will focus on Scaling Belonging, Scaling Leadership, and Scaling Jewish Joy & Identity. Featured speakers include American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch; The Wexner Foundation President Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson; President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America Eric Fingerhut; Co-Founder of Character Strong Houston Kraft; Program Director, Jewish Community & Israel at Crown Family Philanthropies Wendy Newberger; workplace strategist, author, and podcast host Erica Keswin; Chair of the Board of Trustees Jewish Federations of North America and immediate past Board Chair of Foundation for Jewish Camp Julie B. Platt; and actor, advocate, and podcast host Jonah Platt.

“Jewish camp is the key to the Jewish future — from building positive Jewish identity to helping young Jews unplug and be present in a connected community. Among Jews who go on to become communal leaders, camp is the #1 experience they tend to have in common,” said Jamie Simon, FJC’s Chief Program and Strategy Officer. “We’re excited to bring together a diverse, talented group of leaders to delve into themes at the center of our field.”

Reflecting Jewish camp’s dual role as a place to have fun and learn, Leaders Assembly 2024 will also offer opportunities to engage in art, music, improv, sports, and more, as well as expert-led sessions on topics spanning from youth development to inclusion to Israel, such as: 

• “Making More Mensches: The Mechanics of Character Development at Jewish Summer Camp”
• “Building Connections Between North American & Israeli Staff”
• “Making Camp Accessible for Low to Moderate Income, Unaffiliated Families”
• “Cabins, Carbon, and Climate Change: Reimagining the Camp Footprint”
• “Life after Camp: Expanding Horizons for Adults with Disabilities”

FJC’s Leaders Assembly 2024 is made possible thanks to the generosity and support of lead sponsors Crown Family Philanthropies and The Jim Joseph Foundation. 

Media interested in covering and attending any portion of Leaders Assembly can contact Alex Goldstein at agoldstein@ninetywest.com for more information about the Assembly agenda and logistics. 

About Foundation for Jewish Camp 

FJC advocates for over 300 day and overnight camps that provide nearly 190,000 campers and counselors each summer with a meaningful, personal, and lifelong connection to Judaism. FJC is the only public 501(c)(3) charitable organization solely focused on Jewish camp. jewishcamp.org

Media Contact
agoldstein@ninetywest.com for Foundation for Jewish Camp