Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) is looking to invest in ideas that will energize the field, increasing the reach and impact of Jewish camp.

As we look to 2021 and beyond, what will position Jewish camp(s) to be better prepared to thrive and bring the best of camp to our rapidly changing world? For the answer, FJC seeks ideas from our camp community – and beyond – with the Jewish Camp Innovation Challenge!

The Jewish Camp Innovation Challenge welcomes initiatives that address one of the following areas: expanding access and engagement in Jewish camp; enhancing or extending immersive Jewish learning/life; and addressing the pipeline of Jewish camp leadership. Teams will design, test, and launch a project or initiative with tools and support from FJC. Ideas could address a recasting of summer camp for 2021, expanding reach from summer to year round, extending engagement from youth to lifelong, or examining systemic changes. After two stages of competition and innovation workshops, the winning team(s) will be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 to pilot their creation.

The Jewish Camp Innovation Challenge is open to anyone with an idea to develop in response to the prompt. Teams must be at least two people and recommend no more than five. Teams must have representation from at least two camps in the FJC network; representatives may include camp professionals or lay leaders. Applications are open now and will be accepted through July 19th.

To learn more, check out the challenge timeline, and apply, visit the Innovation Challenge webpage. If you’re interested in hearing more about the application process, register here to join us for an information webinar on July 9 from 2:00 – 2:45 PM ET.

We hope you apply and can’t wait to experience your innovative ideas for Jewish camp!