New Research Finds Belonging Is at the Heart of How Campers Grow
A peer-reviewed study of more than 1,200 campers finds that feeling accepted and connected is among the strongest predictors of how young people build character and skills.
NEW YORK — Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) today announced the publication of new peer-reviewed research finding that a camper’s sense of belonging is one of the strongest predictors of how much they grow at camp. The study, “The Heart of Camp: Belonging, Relationships, and Growth of Character and Skills,” appears in the Journal of Youth Development and was conducted by FJC researchers together with academic partners. This study was funded through a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation.
“Every parent hopes their child will come home from camp with greater confidence, lasting friendships, and a stronger sense of who they are and connections to a community where they feel they truly belong. ” said Jamie Simon, CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp. “This research helps explain how camp plays a major role in belonging. FJC is committed to ensuring that every Jewish child can access these formative camp experiences. ”
The paper was authored by FJC Manager of Learning and Research Alecia Moser and FJC Vice President of Learning and Research Nila Rosen, along with academic partners Texas A&M Associate Professor of Educational Psychology Andrea Ettekal, Rutgers University Professor of Psychology Maurice Elias, and University of Kentucky Assistant Professor of Community and Leadership Development Sarah Sprayberry.
The team surveyed 1,225 middle- and high-school campers at five Jewish overnight camps across the U.S. The findings reveal that belonging is one of the strongest predictors of positive youth development at camp, serving as a critical pathway through which young people build character strengths and life skills.
Key Findings:
- Belonging predicts growth: Campers with high feelings of belonging consistently reported stronger life skill development, including increased confidence, motivation, resilience, independence, responsibility, good judgement, kindness, and overall personal growth.
- Friendships are a catalyst: 85% of campers made at least one new close friend. Those who did so reported significantly higher growth, regardless of whether they were new or returning campers.
- Leadership and teamwork stand out: Campers who experienced both high belonging and high life skill development were especially likely to report growth in leadership and teamwork.
- Counselors matter deeply: Counselors who actively foster kindness and inclusion had a measurable impact, particularly for campers who initially felt less connected.
“This is an important finding because it helps us better understand how camp works,” said Nila Rosen, vice president of learning and research at Foundation for Jewish Camp. “Belonging is not simply an outcome of the camp experience, it is one of the primary pathways through which development and growth occur. When young people feel accepted, connected, and cared for, they are more likely to develop the character strengths and life skills that help them thrive.”
The study is part of FJC’s Character at Camp Initiative, a multiyear effort supported by the John Templeton Foundation to study and strengthen how Jewish camps develop young people’s character.
Building on this research and as part of its 2026-2030 strategic direction, FJC will continue investing in initiatives, resources, and professional development opportunities that help camps create environments where every young person feels connected, valued, and empowered to grow.
View the key highlights:
About Foundation for Jewish Camp
Foundation for Jewish Camp grows, supports, and strengthens the Jewish camp movement so camps can deliver exceptional experiences for campers, staff, families, and communities, engaging them in lifelong, joyful Judaism. Learn more at jewishcamp.org.
