Foundation for Jewish Camp Report Highlights Rising Engagement & Retention
Annual census of more than 300 camps finds increasing staff retention, strong family satisfaction and tens of thousands of new families
NEW YORK — Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) today released 2025 State of the Field Census Part 2: The People We Impact, the second installment of its annual census of Jewish camps across North America. Providing an overview of more than 300 day and overnight camps, the report finds that the Jewish camp field is thriving, with increasing camper and young adult staff retention, high satisfaction of belonging and positive Jewish identity, and tens of thousands of new families choosing Jewish camp for the first time.
“This data tells a powerful story: Jewish camp is gaining momentum, and the people who make it possible — campers, families, and staff — are showing up in record numbers,” said Jamie Simon, CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp. “At the same time, the Census makes clear that camps need continued investment in staffing and capacity to meet growing demand. FJC is committed to ensuring every camp has the resources it needs and every Jewish child has access to a transformative camp experience.”
The new report complements Census Part 1: The Business of Operating Jewish Camp, released in December 2025, which highlighted record attendance at Jewish camps and expanded financial aid distribution of $47.2 million. Together, the two Census reports by FJC’s Learning and Research Department, offer the most comprehensive picture of the state of Jewish camping in North America. Key findings from Census Part 2 include:
- Growth and Engagement — Nearly three-quarters of overnight camps and day camps plan to increase enrollment for summer 2026. In 2025, overnight camps engaged approximately 15,810 new families and day camps welcomed about 23,770 new families.
- Demand Remains Strong —In 2025, camps reported higher capacity than in 2024, overnight capacity increased modestly by 1% while day camps increased their capacity by 5%, driven by facility upgrades and program expansion. Overnight camps had a combined waitlist of around 2,600 campers and day camps had a combined waitlist of around 2,000 campers, underscoring persistent demand.
- High Satisfaction — Families consistently report that Jewish camp fosters Jewish identity, social skills, confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. 94% of overnight camp parents and 90% of day camp parents were satisfied with their child’s camp experience.
- Rising Staff Retention — Retention rates among young adult North American staff increased by 22%. Total staff increased in 2025, up 3% at overnight camps and 4% at day camps.
The Census findings come during a period of significant momentum for Jewish camp and FJC. A record high of nearly 200,000 young people participated in Jewish camp last summer. FJC is also preparing to roll out its 2026 Strategic Direction, which will detail a roadmap to ensure that every Jewish camp is built to last and every Jewish child has access to exceptional Jewish camp experiences.
Read the executive summary of Part 1 & Part 2 here.
Read Part 2 of the report here.
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.