Enrollment grew 12.5% in 2022
30%
of OHC families are
unaffiliated with
a synagogue
49%
of first-time campers do NOT participate in Jewish youth group or activities, making Jewish camp their primary immersive experience with Jewish peers
94%
of OHC families reported that their child’s camp created an ambiance and atmosphere where your child was proud to be Jewish
88%
88% of OHC families reported that
their child’s first summer at
camp had an impact on
their child’s Jewish identity
*data from the 2022 One Happy Camper North American Survey
In response to the war in Ukraine and incoming refugees to the US, FJC provided support to camps that, in partnership with local RSJ organizations, engaged Ukrainian refugee families resulting in 109 refugees participating in family camp programs and 9 refugee children attending day and overnight camp sessions free of charge. During the 2022 season, FJC’s Russian-speaking Jewish (RSJ) Initiative enabled 20 overnight camps to recruit a total of 943 RSJ campers, 374 of whom were new to Jewish camp. The Initiative also provided training and support in RSJ engagement to the staff of 27 organizations (camps and communities) through a series of Community of Practice sessions.
109
refugees participating
in family camp programs
943
Russian-speaking
Jewish campers
“I’m so happy to update you that [the] kids are doing great. They absolutely loved the camp and made so many new friends. This is [an] amazing place, and I’m entirely grateful for everyone’s kindness and patience helping them to adjust and have so much fun… They still can’t stop talking about it… What you did for these kids… goes beyond help and compassion. We will pay it forward at any opportunity we have… Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
-Family of Ukranian refugees whose children were campers at NJY Camps
Small Communities Incentive Grants
In summer 2021 FJC partnered with an anonymous funder to provide grants to first-time campers who came from small Jewish communities (fewer than 10,000 Jews). In 2022 369 campers received Small Community grants to attend one of 13 select camps; 204 were first-time campers and 165 were second summer campers. Looking to 2023, FJC secured new funding to expand the program across the US and Canada for 250+ new campers to attend any overnight camp in the FJC network.
JFAM
JFAM, FJC’s Jewish Family Camp initiative, completed its first operational year in 2022, providing enriching Jewish weekend experiences for families with young children. With a goal of attracting families who have minimal involvement in Jewish life and connecting them to each other and to community, this provides trainings and workshops and funding to support tuition subsidies for families, capital enhancements and staff capacity.
The seven participating camps worked in partnership with organizations like Honeymoon Israel, PJ Library, and local JCCs, which have large constituencies of the target market to register families. With each successive year, the goal is to build enrollment with an aim toward sustainability at the end of the grant.
In 2022 JFAM camps ran 16 weekends for 282 families, including 295 children – 262 of which were ages 0-8.
Following the weekend,
97%
of families said they are likely to attend another JFAM weekend.
98%
of families said they are likely to recommend JFAM to others.
67%
of families reported that they are likely to incorporate a new Jewish ritual at home.
71%
of families reported that they are likely to send children to Jewish camp.
“We left feeling welcomed by a community…
-JFAM participant
we didn’t know existed.”