Strengthening our Leadership Pipeline

We have always believed that the future of Jewish camp depends on strong, capable leaders who can inspire, innovate, and nurture vibrant, thriving camp communities. Leadership development is not just an aspiration – it’s a necessity. As our field continues to evolve with new challenges and opportunities, Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) remains deeply committed to investing in talented professionals who will guide Jewish camps for generations to come.

Our Yitro Leadership Program is one prime example of that investment. Designed for full-time Jewish camp professionals in middle management roles, the Yitro Fellowship equips assistant and associate directors with the skills, networks, and confidence to shape the future of their camps – and, ultimately, the broader Jewish communal landscape.

It’s only fitting that this program takes its name from Yitro, the Midianite priest who offers his son-in-law, Moses, timeless wisdom on leadership and sustainability. As we read in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Yitro, he urges Moses to appoint wise and capable individuals to help shoulder the burden of leading the Israelites. His advice creates a shared leadership model, ensuring that governance is not just effective but also sustainable for generations to come.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining Cohort V of FJC’s Yitro Program during its latest seminar in New York City. Over three intensive days, fellows honed an often-overlooked leadership skill: managing up and sideways with authenticity. Through interactive workshops and real-world case studies – including a panel discussion with three powerhouse NYC communal leaders – they explored how to build trust with supervisors, peers, and colleagues. They also examined the middah (Jewish character virtue) of curiosity, recognizing how asking the right questions can drive innovation and meaningful change in today’s rapidly evolving world.

At its core, Yitro is more than a 19-month training program – it’s a leadership incubator, cultivating a strong, interconnected network of Jewish camp professionals who learn from and support one another. Since its inception, Yitro has shaped the trajectories of nearly 80 graduates, 85% of whom remain either in Jewish camping – many promoted to more senior leadership roles – or continue to serve the Jewish community in other capacities.

The ripple effect of our investment in this demographic is profound. Camps with well-trained, strategic leaders excel in recruiting and retaining campers, creating more enriching staff experiences, and fostering Jewish communities of belonging and connection. And the influence of these leaders extends far beyond the summer – they become changemakers in their communities, shaping Jewish life for years to come.

I offered a toast to this extraordinary group, challenging them to see themselves not just as camp professionals, but as stewards and leaders involved in our broader communal conversations and challenges. Jewish camp is more than a summer experience; it is a launching pad for the next generation of Jewish leaders and engaged community members. As data from Leading Edge shows, many of today’s Jewish organizational leaders – both lay and professional – trace their roots back to camp, where they developed the values, resilience, and skills that guide them today.

Reflecting back on my tenure at FJC, I am so proud of our significant investments in camp professionals at all levels. We have strengthened the field’s leadership pipeline which, in turn, has increased our collective impact and growth.

I am confident FJC will continue to prioritize talent development moving forward. We can be sure these passionate and thoughtful professionals will lead not only their camps, but also our broader Jewish communal enterprise for years to come.