Lessons from JCC Leaders on Running a Great Camp

JCC camps are a cornerstone of community engagement, personal growth, and Jewish identity. For decades, these camps have provided children with enriching experiences that blend recreation, education, and cultural traditions. Today, the demand for structured summer programs is growing, and JCC camps are uniquely positioned to meet this need. 

In this blog, experienced JCC leaders share their firsthand insights on running impactful camps, from creating meaningful traditions to boosting enrollment and managing operations efficiently. 

Parents are actively seeking high-quality summer experiences for their children, and participation in structured summer activities is increasing. In 2023, 55% of U.S. parents enrolled their child in at least one structured summer program, such as day camps or enrichment courses, according to a Gallup poll. The desire for these programs is growing, with nearly half of K-12 parents (48%) in 2024 wishing their child could have participated in more summer activities than they did the previous year. 

JCCs aren’t the only ones seeing a growing demand for camps and childcare. Parks and recreation centers have seen the demand for camps grow as well, with 68.4% saying they offered day camps and summer camps in 2024, up from 66.8% in 2023. When analyzing same-store nonprofit customer data, Daxko also found that childcare and camp fees increased 5% year-over-year (net, minus discounts). 

For JCC leaders, this increasing demand presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Camps are no longer just a summer staple—they are an essential part of a child’s development, providing enriching experiences that extend far beyond the season itself. The immersive experience is what makes JCC camps so valuable—they offer structured environments where children build friendships, develop leadership skills, and connect with Jewish culture in a meaningful way.

As family expectations evolve, JCC camps must continue to deliver experiences that go beyond childcare. More than ever, parents want programs that provide enrichment, personal growth, and social connection. Research published in the Journal of Youth Development found that camp participation helps children develop empathy, humility, and altruism—all skills that are essential for long-term success. 

Additionally, as technology becomes more embedded in everyday life, families are actively seeking ways to disconnect and engage in real-world experiences.  

To meet these evolving expectations, JCCs must be intentional about designing programs that balance fun with skill-building. Some ways camps can rise to the challenge include: 

• Expanding Specialized Programs: Parents are increasingly looking for camps that offer targeted learning experiences, such as STEM, arts, and outdoor adventure programs. By incorporating specialty tracks, JCC camps can appeal to a broader range of interests while still fostering a strong sense of community. 

• Prioritizing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Camps that integrate SEL principles—such as teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution—help children develop the interpersonal skills they need for success in school and beyond. Structured group activities, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects can create meaningful learning experiences. 

• Year-Round Engagement: Families don’t just want a great summer—they want ongoing community connections. JCCs that extend camp-inspired programs into the school year, such as weekend retreats, service projects, or family activity days, can keep families engaged and increase retention year after year. 
• Emphasizing Jewish Values in Everyday Camp Life: While traditions like Shabbat celebrations or Israeli dance are key highlights, many JCC camps are also weaving Jewish values into daily activities.  

While every JCC camp has its own unique traditions and structure, the most successful programs share common themes: strong leadership, a commitment to Jewish values, and a focus on both camper and family engagement. To explore what makes a JCC camp truly impactful, we turned to experienced JCC leaders who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of running a thriving camp. 

At the heart of every JCC camp is the ability to create lifelong memories for campers and staff alike. These moments of joy, connection, and discovery are what keep families returning year after year. 

Creating these unforgettable moments requires intentional programming and a staff that is deeply invested in the camp experience. Some ways JCC camps can foster these special moments include: 

• Developing signature traditions that campers look forward to each year, such as end-of-camp celebrations, talent shows, or community service projects. 

• Encouraging camper-led activities to give children ownership over their experience, helping to build confidence and leadership skills. 

• Integrating Jewish cultural elements into daily camp life, whether through music, storytelling, or special themed weeks. 

For those stepping into a leadership role at a JCC camp, the first summer can feel overwhelming. From managing staff to engaging families, there are countless moving parts.  

One of the defining characteristics of JCC camps is their ability to seamlessly weave Jewish values, traditions, and culture into the camp experience. Whether through storytelling, community service, or shared rituals, these elements help campers connect to their Jewish identity in a meaningful way. 

Many JCCs structure their camp programming around weekly themes tied to Jewish values, reinforcing important lessons through hands-on activities. Beyond formal programming, Jewish values can also be infused into the camp culture itself.  

While every camp has its own unique approach, some successful strategies include: 

• Tying values to action: Concepts like Tikkun Olam or Kavod can be reinforced through service projects, nature conservation activities, or daily kindness challenges. 

• Making traditions interactive: Instead of just teaching about Jewish customs, camps can immerse campers in them through music, dance, and hands-on activities. 

• Encouraging staff to model values: Counselors and leadership play a crucial role in demonstrating Jewish values through their behavior, helping campers see these principles in action. 

By embedding Jewish traditions and values into the rhythm of camp life, JCCs create an environment where campers feel a deep sense of connection—to each other, their community, and their heritage. 

For JCC camps to thrive, strong enrollment and ongoing family engagement are key. Many JCC leaders have found success by focusing on word-of-mouth marketing, referral incentives, and post-camp programming to keep families connected year-round. 

One of the most effective ways to grow enrollment is through referrals from current camp families. Parents trust recommendations from their peers, making word-of-mouth marketing one of the most valuable tools for attracting new campers.  

A strong relationship with families shouldn’t end when camp does. Offering year-round engagement opportunities helps JCCs maintain connections, increase retention, and encourage future enrollment. Here are some ways JCCs are keeping families engaged: 

With parents juggling busy schedules, the registration process must be simple and accessible. Using an online camp management system can help streamline sign-ups, payment plans, and communication, making it easier for families to enroll and stay informed. Regular updates, engaging social media content, and parent-friendly camp software also play a crucial role in keeping families connected and excited about camp.

Running a successful JCC camp requires careful financial planning, strong safety protocols, and efficient operations. Camps operate on tight budgets, making it essential to balance high-impact investments with strategic cost-cutting.  

With campers participating in outdoor activities, field trips, and group events, safety is a top priority. JCC leaders stress the importance of structured protocols and constant vigilance.  

Behind the scenes, well-organized operations help camps run smoothly. Using technology for online registration, staff scheduling, parent communication, and camp arrival day can save time and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, investing in staff training and appreciation can improve retention and morale. 

Learn how the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Albuquerque increased program registrants by 30% since 2020 with Daxko. 

As family needs evolve and new challenges emerge, JCC camps must continuously adapt to stay relevant and impactful. From changing parent expectations to advances in technology, the future of JCC camps will be shaped by a commitment to innovation, engagement, and community connection. 

Families today expect more than just a safe place for their children during the summer—they want enriching experiences that justify the investment. To meet these expectations, JCC camps will need to continue offering diverse programming, including specialty camps focused on STEM, arts, outdoor adventure, and leadership development. 

As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life, many families are seeking opportunities for their children to disconnect from screens and engage in real-world experiences. This shift presents an opportunity for JCCs to emphasize the importance of face-to-face interactions, outdoor activities, and social-emotional learning as core components of their camps. 

While summer is the core camp season, many JCCs are already extending their offerings into year-round programming. Expanding engagement through after-school programs, school break camps, and family events can help strengthen community ties and provide additional revenue streams. Camps that build lasting relationships with families beyond the summer months will be better positioned for long-term success. 

The future of JCC camps is bright, and by staying tuned in to changing family needs, investing in innovative programming, and reinforcing their role as centers for Jewish community and engagement, JCCs can ensure that their camps continue to thrive for generations to come. 

Looking for more ways to engage families before, during, and after camp? Download the Nonprofit Marketer’s Guide to Community Outreach for expert tips on building stronger connections with your community year-round.