The Health of Jewish Summer Camp Revealed

JData has launched JData Revealed, a monthly newsletter with information and ideas from JData.com. Developed at Brandeis University with the support of the Jim Joseph Foundation, JData is a public repository of information about the organizations that comprise the Jewish education system in North America.

With the 2011 summer camp season winding up, it is appropriate the inaugural issue focuses on the world of nonprofit Jewish summer camps – enrollments, budgets, staffing and other data that define the size, shape and health of the field.

These camps, key institutions in the Jewish educational system in North America, are known for fun, friendships and creativity. Yet they are also settings in which children, teens and young adults are immersed in Jewish life and community and where Jewish learning takes place.

The JData directory has contact information for 147 Jewish nonprofit overnight camps in North America – independent and community camps as well as those that operate under the aegis of a denominational or Zionist movement. They span the religious spectrum from secular through Modern Orthodox. Searching the directory, you will find camps located throughout the United States and Canada.

Articles in this issue are authored by, Jeremy Fingerman on The Power of JData & Overnight Camps, Paul Reichenbach on New Insights, New Opportunities, Steven Weinberg on JData & The Jewish Camp Movements and Dan Brown on I Believe In Camp … But Show Me the Data.

The JData researchers also look at key indicators of campers, staff and operating budgets along with camp retention rates, session options, incentive grants and more.

Future JData newsletters will consider the landscape of Jewish day schools, early childhood centers and congregational and other part-time schools.