What is Reconstructionism?
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.  For more information on Reconstructionism and on the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, click here.

How many campers will be at Camp JRF in 2008?
We are planning for more than 300 children from all across North America.

From what areas do the staff and campers come from?
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 across the country. Campers and staff at Camp JRF are fun, caring, and energetic, and being on staff is a truly wonderful and enriching experience.

Where is the camp located?
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.

What facilities does the camp have?
On 130 acres of wooded lands and field, the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus is a full service camp facility. The site includes:

• Lakefront with canoes and kayaks
• Cabins with bunk beds, electricity, and modern bathrooms
• Heated swimming pool
• High and low ropes course and climbing wall
• Tennis courts, baseball diamond, volleyball and basketball courts, and athletic fields
• Arts center
• State-of-the-art theater
• Newly renovated dining hall
• Indoor gym
• Hiking trails
• Complete health center

Camp JRF is on a smoke free campus.

What is a typical day like?
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 will 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. 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 a typical daily schedule, click here.

What is Shabbat observance like?
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.

What activities are offered at Camp JRF?
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, piano, canoeing, kayaking, ga-ga, ultimate Frisbee, nature awareness, high and low ropes, swimming, gymnastics, 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.

Are there other positions available besides counselor positions?
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.

Where do staff members live?
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, and certain program staff live in separate staff housing.

What are meals like at camp?
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. Fresh fruit is available at every meal, as well as basic sandwich ingredients such as soy "peanut" butter and jelly.

Can I pick with which eidah (unit age-group) I want to work?
Eidah (unit) assignments are made approximately one month prior to the summer. While your preferance is important to us, camp will place you where you are needed most.

Do I get time off during the day? Do I get days off?
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 and nights off. Days off are a full 24 hours (from 5:00 pm until 5:00 pm the following day) and nights off are from 5:00 pm until curfew (1:00 am). 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.

How is salary determined? Are there bonuses?
Salary is based on the position, your experience, and the number of summers you have worked at Camp JRF.

What is the camp's policy on tipping?
Camp JRF has a no tipping policy; staff are not to accept tips from campers or parents.

Will I have access to my email and/or cell phone?
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.