Crisis & Camp on the Move: Jacobs Camp

Podcasts

Jul 17

Season 2, Episode 14

Imagine the worst possible case scenario happening at camp... now add 14 more fires your team has to put out.

This week's host, Allison, is joined by Jacob's Camp's Carolyn and Anna as they talk camp crisis management. They're not just talking the talk, they walked the walked.

This episode shares about the absurd crisis that Jacobs Camp endured this summer, including but not limited to: power outages, moving "base" twice, and not having enough movies for bus rides. Anna and Carolyn share how they managed to make the most out of their situation with great community members, strong internal communication, and a whole car dedicated to snacks. You will soon find out why one camper in particular clamors about the "epic field-trips" he goes on when he goes to Jacobs Camp.

If you're looking for a story that will have your gears turning about camp crisis management plans (or just a wildly true story), this is the pod for you.

Producer EmJ's Takeaways:

Breakfast discos can solve a lot of things but not everything
Happy staff = happy campers = happy families
There is more and more that makes the sentiment "it's not what you know, it's who you know" truer and truer.

Need Summer Camp Staff Training Support?

Send Jack an email or check out our free 5 part email series: Summer Camp Staff Training Blueprint

Show Notes

Anna Herman

Anna is so excited to be the Executive Director of the URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Anna grew up in Dothan, AL, and began attending the Henry S. Jacobs Camp at age 11. In addition to being a camper, Anna also was a counselor and unit head. Following graduation from the University of Alabama, she became the assistant director at Jacobs, after which she served as a congregational youth director and as the assistant director of the URJ Meetings and Conventions Department. Anna then transitioned to the assistant director of business operations for the URJ’s camping system.

In this role, in which she partnered with our 14 URJ camps across North America, she gained a wealth of camping knowledge.

Throughout, she remained connected to Jacobs Camp as a lay leader, serving as the Camp Committee – Development Committee Chair. She also met her husband Nadav at Jacobs Camp, and surrounded by family and many friends from Jacobs and the URJ, they were married at the chapel on Lake Gary.

Anna is thrilled to be home to lead the Jacobs community, and to inspire generations of future campers to create Jacobs “magic” every summer

Carolyn Harari

Carolyn Harari, at age 10, won the all camp talent show with a performance of “Sk8ter Boi” by Avril Levigne. Carolyn believes batons are critical in relays and there is nothing better than packing for camp. She has experience with day camps, overnight camps, and even running a camp out of your house. Currently, Carolyn is the Associate Director at URJ Henry S Jacobs Camp. Carolyn’s background is in early childhood and teaching. When thinking about anything related to camp, she asks “how will this impact the kids?” She loves to dream big and turn those dreams into reality.