TEAM – Together Each Achieves More

This summer, we saw firsthand the undeniable impact of people coming together at over 300 Jewish camps across North America – building thriving communities of connection, resilience, and joy – a much-needed antidote to a world yearning for togetherness. Being part of something greater than ourselves wasn’t just energizing; it was essential. This truth – that we are stronger together – has been a consistent theme throughout my career.

Early in my career at General Mills and Campbell’s Soup, I learned invaluable lessons about team leadership which have remained with me and served me well ever since. As individuals, we each brought unique strengths to the table. But as a team, working together, each of us could achieve even more – unlocking our true potential.

I see the same truth in our work at Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC).  I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such a dedicated and talented team of professionals.  They remind me daily that “there is no “I” in TEAM”.  When we work collaboratively together, we achieve more than we ever could alone.

Last week, we convened our full-time team for a very stimulating and meaningful retreat in New York City. When I joined FJC in 2010, we had 22 full-time staff members, most of whom were based in NYC. Today, we have grown to a team of 46, with 22 in NYC and 24 spread across the U.S.! This growth is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the Jewish camp experience.

Our retreat began with an onboarding orientation welcoming the eight new teammates who joined us since our last gathering in late January. Each of them brings fresh perspectives, energy, and skills to help propel our mission forward. We then spent three intense days both reflecting – looking back at our achievements this past year – and preparing – looking forward as we foster organizational and departmental alignment, participate in our strategic planning process, and aspire to produce a record-breaking Leaders Assembly 2024 in Chicago (only 81 days away).

Despite these current difficult and unsettling times, we draw strength from the powerful impact of our work.  We shared observations gleaned from our camp visits this summer, reports on our various programs, and especially, stories depicting the strong connections and friendships forged this summer between Israelis and North Americans spending time together person-to-person, face-to-face.

Camp builds and strengthens community.  Campers, staff, and camp leaders all found profound joy and collective healing this summer, helping to solidify camp’s role as one of the most effective experiences for nurturing pride in one’s Jewish identity and strengthening our global Jewish community.  More communal leaders and philanthropists recognize the importance of the Jewish camp experience – and appreciate FJC’s high-quality work as advocate, convener, catalyst, and accelerator for the field.  For that, we are filled with much gratitude.

Every morning during the Hebrew month of Elul, we listen intently to the sound of the shofar, a call to action as we prepare to begin our new year 5785 in two weeks and, soon after, to commemorate the first anniversary of October 7th.  It seems more important than ever that we must carry forward the strength and resilience we build together at camp, applying these lessons to our communities throughout the year.  Together, we are strengthening not just summer camps, but the very future of Jewish life in North America – one that is vibrant, connected, and filled with hope.

With heartfelt wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyous New Year – let us continue working in unity as a TEAM, because Together Each Achieves More.