Posted on December 30th, 2011
Incubator II provides resources, expertise, and guidance for entrepreneurs as they implement their vision for new nonprofit, Jewish specialty camps. This unique and forward looking entrepreneurial opportunity will build on the success of the first Incubator, which launched five Jewish specialty camps in 2010.
The camps of Incubator I – 92Y Passport NYC, Adamah Adventures, Eden Village Camp, Ramah Outdoor Adventures, and URJ 6 Points Academy – continue to surpass their enrollment and retention goals, proving the demand for Jewish specialty summer camps. By combining Jewish culture and learning with specialized areas of interests, such as the environment, hiking, spiritual growth, film, fashion, or sports, the Incubator I camps created a model that blends Jewish identity with immersive experiences.
Evaluation of Incubator I shows that nearly 1,000 campers of these specialty camps would have otherwise not attended Jewish camp. And, three quarters of returning campers' parents said that camp "positively impacted" their child's Jewish identity.
Building on this success, Incubator II will provide expertise and support to a new cohort of four individuals or organizations as they plan and implement new models of nonprofit, Jewish specialty camps. Through a rigorous selection process, the Incubator advisory committee selected nonprofit specialty camp proposals possessing strong Jewish missions that weave Jewish culture, values, and learning throughout the elements of the camp program. In particular, the Incubator seeks to develop camps that continue to reach demographic groups and geographic regions underserved by existing traditional and specialty Jewish camps.
Once implemented, the Incubator II camps - Camp Zeke, Camp Inc., JCC Maccabi Sports Camp, and URJ Six Points Science Academy and Technology Camp - will reach a new segment of Jewish youth entering grades six through twelve, strengthening their Jewish identity and contributing to their specialized interests.
Foundation for Jewish Camp, Inc: Specialty Camps Incubator Evaluation