The recent Jewish Camp Expo bustled with energy as over 1,200 attendees eagerly explored the latest advancements and resources available to camps. From sprawling outdoor setups to carefully curated booths, the expo showcased everything imaginable that a camp might need. Live horses, cows and sheep added an authentic touch for camps seeking to incorporate animal care and farm experiences. Vendors displayed essential services like bathroom facilities, plumbing, electrical work and countless other necessities that ensure a camp runs smoothly. The event delivered a one-stop resource for camp directors and planners preparing for upcoming summer sessions.
Amid the vast array of tangible resources, one booth stood out — not for its physical structure or supplies, but for its educational and developmental offerings. YU Global, specializing in custom course development, found itself unexpectedly busy throughout the event. The overwhelming interest in YU Global’s offerings highlighted a crucial trend in the camping world: the growing demand for specialized skills, training and leadership development within the camp ecosystem.
While many might assume camps were primarily about providing programming for campers, the conversations at the YU Global booth revealed an equally important priority. The conversations repeatedly centered around addressing the unique challenges of Jewish camp environments through specialized staff education.
Representing YU Global at the expo, I observed firsthand as camp directors and administrators articulated their need for professional development that goes beyond traditional pre-camp orientation. Camps recognize that well-trained counselors and specialists are the foundation of a successful camp experience. Inquiries about custom modules covering topics like conflict resolution, child development, building inclusive communities, and Jewish educational approaches tailored to camp settings were typical throughout the day.
Camps are always looking to enhance camper programming, particularly for older age groups and specialty tracks. Several directors explored options for leadership development curricula, specialized Jewish learning experiences, and skill-building programs that could be integrated into existing camp structures.
This focus on staff development signals an evolution in how camps approach their educational mission. Rather than simply adding more activities for campers, directors are investing in enhancing the capabilities of the adults who shape the day-to-day camp experience.
“Our counselors are the heart of camp,” one director noted after a lengthy discussion at the YU Global booth. “When we invest in meaningful professional development for our staff, we’re enhancing every aspect of the camper experience.”
The significant interest in staff training amid the excitement of animals and activities suggests that Jewish camps are increasingly recognizing that their educational impact depends not just on what they offer, but on who delivers it and how well they’re prepared for their essential role. Through our tailored staff training programs and interactive online mini-courses for campers—perfect for those inevitable rainy days—YU Global continues to partner with camps to elevate both staff capabilities and camper engagement throughout the season.
Beth Chesir is director of Enrollment and Career Services, YU Global. Email Beth at [email protected] to plan your organizational learning needs and build a framework that drives success across your company.
