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Reconstructionist Judaism is a progressive, contemporary, community-centered approach to Jewish life that integrates a deep respect for traditional Judaism with the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual, and spiritual life. At Camp JRF, we are committed to building a dynamic and inclusive community each year. Throughout the entire day, Camp JRF is a Reconstructionist community in which the spiritual values of character, Zionism, creativity, wisdom, tikkun olam, and holiness are lived. Participation, egalitarianism and inclusivity, hallmarks of all Reconstructionist communities, are also a daily feature of our camp. For more information on Reconstructionism and on the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, click here .
We are planning for nearly 400 youth from all across the world.
Staff and campers come from across the United States, Canada, Israel, and beyond. Our staff are all college age (or older) and we recruit both from our Reconstructionist congregations as well as from colleges and organizations around the world. Campers and staff at Camp JRF are fun, caring, and energetic, and being on staff is a truly wonderful and enriching experience.
The Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus of Camp JRF is located in South Sterling, Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains, approximately 25 miles from Scranton, Pennsylvania, 110 miles from New York City and 125 miles from Philadelphia.
On 120 acres of wooded lands and field, the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus is a full service camp facility. The site includes:
Camp JRF is a smoke free facility.
Campers have an opportunity to enjoy the many facilities of camp: the lake and pool, sports fields, and the ropes course. They also spend some of their day in their eidah (unit) where they explore Judaism through experiential and artistic activities that are both interesting and fun. They spend time singing, eating, playing, and learning together as a camp community. Counselors work with campers both within the tzrif (cabin) and eidah settings, as well as in specialty areas across camp. Specialists spend the majority of their time working in a given area of camp where they have the opportunity to work with many different campers throughout the course of the day. For a typical daily schedule, click here.
Reconstructionism is based on the framework of innovation growing out of knowledge. Shabbat at camp includes spirited services led by our campers; lively singing and dancing; time for rest and relaxation; and a change from our regular daily schedule.
Camp JRF offers too many activities to list here, but some of the options available to our campers during the summer include softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, arts and crafts, drama, singing, canoeing, kayaking, ga-ga, Ultimate Frisbee, nature awareness, high and low ropes, swimming, biking, guitar playing, dancing, and hiking. As a staff member, you will be expected and encouraged to bring your talents to camp, to participate in camp activities, and to help expand our programs with your creativity and expertise.
Camp JRF is looking for specialists in various areas, waterfront staff, administrative staff, and many other positions. Please click here to see all the options available, and do be in touch with us if you have further questions.
Counselors live in cabins that sleep 10 to 12 campers plus two counselors in comfortable bunk beds. All cabins have electricity, lighting, and bathrooms (including toilets and showers). Each camper and counselor has personal shelf space, and all are welcome to bring posters, pictures or other items from home.
Senior staff members, specialists, support staff, and certain program staff live in separate staff housing.
Every meal at camp provides variety so that campers will always find something to they like to eat. Camp meals include pizza, burgers, pasta, and tacos, plus so much more. All meals are Kosher, and whenever meat is served, there will be nutritious and tasty vegetarian options. Basic sandwich ingredients such as soy "peanut" butter and jelly are available at every meal. Camp JRF strives to be a nut sensitive environment.
Eidah (unit) assignments are typically made during Staff Orientation. While your preference is important to us, camp will place you where you are most needed.
Every staff member is entitled to one hour off during the program day. This time is for you to relax, check your email, watch a movie, write letters, or do whatever else you need to do - while staying on camp property. You will also have time in the evening, after the campers have gone to sleep and you have finished your evening meetings, to unwind from a long and exciting day.
You are also entitled to a specified number of days off (generally five total over the course of the summer). Days off are typically from 5:45 pm until 4:30 pm the following day. Camp will help to coordinate trips to the local movie theater, malls, etc so that you can have a relaxing time off even if you don't bring a car to camp.
Salary is based on the position, your experience, and the number of summers you have worked at Camp JRF.
Camp JRF has a no tipping policy; staff are not to accept tips from campers or parents. Parents wishing to honor a particular staff member may do so by making a donation to the camp Staff Appreciation Fund.
You are welcome to bring your cell phone to camp, and you may use it during your hour off, after the campers have gone to sleep, and on your days and nights off. (We do not allow campers to have cell phones and we therefore ask all staff members to keep their phones out of the cabin and, in any case, away from campers.)
Camp will have computers available on which to check your email. Please be aware that these computers are for the whole staff to share, so you may only be able to check your email every few days.
Winter: 101 Greenwood Avenue Suite 430, Jenkintown PA 19046
Summer: PO Box 10, 1 Pine Grove Road, South Sterling, PA 18460
© 2012 Camp JRF