Character at Camp
The Character at Camp Initiative, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, combines research and programming to evaluate and elevate character development practices at North American Jewish Summer Camps. The initiative’s objective is to understand and share how Jewish camps develop exceptional human beings with high levels of character and prepare them to go into the world and make it a better place.
CHARACTER AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
For summer 2025, Foundation for Jewish Camp is excited to introduce the Character Ambassador Stipend Program, designed to enhance character development and staff engagement at Jewish day and overnight camps. This stipend funds a seasonal position dedicated to promoting character development by training bunk staff to lead activities and programs that develop character, integrate character development into camp culture and rituals, and create a camp specific resource on character by the end of the summer. FJC has developed The Character at Camp Pocket Guide—a practical resource for bunk staff to engage campers and foster social-emotional growth in middle school campers. Before the summer, FJC will train your Character Ambassador to use the guide and prepare them to train others. Ambassadors will modify the guide for your camp for future years to come, ensuring a tailored and lasting impact on your camp community.
Full details on this program can be found in the Character Ambassador Description PDF.
HOW TO APPLY
There is a brief application, which should take 15-30 minutes to complete.
Apply by February 24th.
Questions: Camp leadership is welcome to join us on Thursday, February 6 at 12:00 PM EST for open office hours.
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE COHORTS
The Character at Camp Initiative provided grants to camps in two Community of Practice Cohorts to focus on three areas:
Research and Learning: Your camp will learn which values drive your community, areas of strength and growth, and how your camp culture impacts the character of your young people.
Resource, Program, and Staff Development: Working with a team of character development experts, together, we will highlight and improve upon best practices of character development for your community and the greater camping field.
Marketing and Communications: Your camp will be trained and equipped with resources on how best to market your camp as a valuable place for character development.
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