This is the central location for all updated tools, resources, and news to help camps survive and thrive during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Please check back for updates.
$10 Million Grant - All Together Now: A Matching Grant for Jewish Camp
Click here for
more information about the recently announced grant - All Together Now: A Matching Grant for Jewish Camp - for overnight camps affiliated with JCamp 180.
For camps participating in All Together Now, we are updating a
campaign toolkit to help make the most of the grant.
Government Resources for Camps
The U.S. (both federal and state) and Canadian governments are making resources available to nonprofits during the crisis. This page shares current information relevant to camps.
>> Updated Government Resources for Camps
Summer ADAPT Offerings
Throughout the summer, JCamp 180 will be offering a number of virtual learning opportunities around the conference theme of ADAPT.
You can find webinars and cohort opportunities here.
Webinars
Asking for Camp NOW!
During this time of crisis, how can you possibly ask your donors to give? The better question is: how can you deprive them the opportunity to support the camp they love AND be a hero who helps ensure it survives long-term?
On Wednesday, May 6, JCamp 180 Mentor Laurie Herrick facilitated a discussion to help participants get ready to have donor conversations and solicitations right now. Topics included preparing a script for speaking with donors, engaging lay leaders effectively in development, and finding community partners to facilitate matching gifts for your campaigns.
Whether your camp is part of the All Together Now matching grant or not, NOW is the time to partner with your supporters. Watch this recording of the webinar to learn how you and your camp can find success.
>> Webinar recording and related resources
Communicating about (Day) Camp in the Time of COVID-19
On Wednesday, April 29, West End Strategy Team (WEST) led a webinar on crisis communications, focused on the needs of day camps. In this webinar, they discussed how to make an announcement that provides critical information while conveying empathy for how campers, staff and families may feel about the news. WEST also shared their recommendations for how to best share your announcement and things to avoid.
>> Webinar recording and related resources
Communicating about (Overnight) Camp in the Time of COVID-19
On Tuesday, April 28, West End Strategy Team (WEST) led a webinar on crisis communications, focused on the needs of overnight camps. In this webinar, they discussed how to make an announcement that provides critical information while conveying empathy for how campers, staff and families may feel about the news. WEST also shared their recommendations for how to best share your announcement and things to avoid.
>> Webinar recording and related resources
Leading in Difficult Times: Camp Lay and Professional Leadership in Action
On Wednesday, April 22, JCamp 180 Mentor Natasha Dresner led a short faciliated discussionon how to lead most effectively during these difficult times. Participants shared with their peers to help each other utilize their talents and lead from a place of strength.
>> Webinar recording and related resources
New and Emergency Funding: JCamp 180 Matching Grants, Fundraising and Government Relief
On Tuesday, April 7, JCamp 180 Mentors Julia Riseman and Aron Goldman and Harold Grinspoon Foundation Project Manager Erica Ryan reviewed the specifics of the recently announced Grinspoon Relief Grants, provided some guidance on Government relief funds, and discussed how camps can focus their fundraising efforts in the coming months.
>> Grant details, including webinar recording and related resources
A Culture of Philanthropy - Building on What Works in Challenging Times
On Wednesday, April 1, inspired by the work done in the JCamp 180 GIFT programs, JCamp 180 Mentor Laurie Herrick led a facilitated webinar discussion about what camps can be doing now to cultivate strong relationships with their donors and build a Culture of Philanthropy.
>> Webinar recording and related resources
Responding to the Coronavirus Crisis - Enrollment Program Webinar
On Tuesday, March 17, 40+ participants joined a special crisis-related Enrollment Program Webinar to hear how other camps are dealing with the coronavirus crisis and break out into groups to share additional questions and potential solutions together.
>> Webinar recording and related resources
Additional Resources
Business of Camp - from the Canadian Camping Association - Document with questions to consider re: the finances and sustainability of camp. Specifically produced for Canadian camps, but relevant for any camp.
Parent Survey re: their plans for camp (from Young Judaea Sprout Lake Camp) - Survey asking parents in what situations they'd send their children to camp and what they would do with their already paid tuition if camp was cancelled.
Example landing page for a camp that has decided not to open in Summer 2020 - We hope none of our affiliated camps have to make the decision to not run camp this summer. But if it is the right decision, it might be worth reviewing how Camp DeSoto shared the news on their website.
New Opportunities for Connection in a Time of Physical Distancing - 4 relationship building actions you and your team can take to make sure your funders don’t forget you and your camp.
Every hand that we don’t shake... - A phone call made of love and concern will be treasured and long remembered.
Camp Shout-outs
We're seeing the field of nonprofit Jewish camp step up big during this crisis.
Here are a few examples of the positive things camps and camp staff/lay leaders are doing.
Email your suggestions and the ideas will be shared with the greater JCamp 180 community.