FJC Elevate Israel Cohort 2 Application

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Even before the events of October 7th, the conversation around Israel was complicated, nuanced, and often difficult to engage in if you didn’t feel like you knew “enough.” That sentiment has only continued in today’s fractured climate, and there are few places to learn about Israel for its own sake.


Now in its second year, Elevate Israel is a partnership between Spertus Institute and Foundation for Jewish Camp that supports full-time camp professionals in increasing their knowledge of Israeli history, culture, and current events. This program is designed to support year-round camp professionals in increasing their knowledge of Israeli history, culture, and current events. Camp leaders will gain the confidence to engage with stakeholders and make key decisions about Israel Education at camp. Participating camp professionals will attend a 3-day intensive in-person seminar in Chicago at the Spertus Institute, led by Spertus faculty. The in-person seminar is accompanied by pre- and post-seminar Zoom sessions to help provide context for and digest the learnings from our time in Chicago.

 

You can learn more about Elevate Israel here.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This program is designed for:

  • Year-round day and overnight camp professionals who oversee Israel Education at their camp.
  • Professionals from camps from across the U.S. and Canada. While the in-person seminar will be held in Chicago, we encourage camp professionals from across FJC’s network to apply.
  • More than one person from the same camp may apply.
  • Those interested in focusing on Israel Education for its own sake. While there will be some discussion of how to apply this knowledge at camp, this is not the primary focus of the seminar.
  • Those excited to connect with a wide range of peers in the camping world! This program is a great opportunity to get to know other Jewish camp professionals.

PROGRAM DATES & LOGISTICS

Program Dates:

 

Two Pre-Seminar Zoom Sessions:

  • Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
  • Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET


In-Person Seminar at Spertus Institute in Chicago:

  • Tuesday, February 17 – Thursday, February 19, 2026


Three Post-Seminar Zoom Sessions:

  • Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
  • Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
  • Post-Summer Zoom: September 2026 (Exact Date TBD)

In-Person Seminar Logistics & Costs:

 

FJC will cover the cost of hotels and most meals while in Chicago. The cost of travel to/from Chicago for the in-person seminar is the responsibility of the participant’s camp/organization.* 


 

* At FJC, we don't want financial means to be a barrier to program participation. If the financial burden of transportation/travel costs would prevent you from attending, please reach out to us, and we will work with you to try to provide subsidies where possible. Those interested should reach out to David Korenthal (david.korenthal@jewishcamp.org) to discuss options. Please note that any subsidies that we may be able to offer would likely be on a first-come, first-served basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE

Application Process:

 

Applications for Cohort 2 will launch in November 2025. All interested applicants should submit an application form by Friday, December 5, 2025. FJC will review applicants on a rolling basis up until the December 5th deadline. Once our team has reviewed your application, we will reach out to schedule a short conversation via Zoom for us to learn more about you and your goals for the program. This conversation also allows us to ensure you are a good fit for the program and answer whatever questions you may have. Conversations will be scheduled on a rolling basis from late November through mid-December. Cohort 2 will be finalized by early January 2026.

Application Timeline:

  • Applications Open for Cohort 2: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • Applications Due: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
  • Conversations with Applicants (on a Rolling Basis): Late November – Mid-December 2025
  • Cohort 2 Finalized: Early January 2026

QUESTIONS?

Please email FJC’s Midwest Regional Director, David Korenthal at david.korenthal@jewishcamp.org and FJC’s Director, Programs, Amy Meltzer at amy.meltzer@jewishcamp.org with any questions.

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APPLICANT INFORMATION



We would like to use your correct pronouns when reviewing your application as a staff.

A copy of this application submission will be sent as a confirmation to this email address. FJC will primarily be in contact by email - please include an email address that is checked regularly!

Include extensions, if applicable.









APPLICANT'S CAMP/ROLE INFORMATION

Please choose from the list.

ROLE INFORMATION



The number of years you've worked in the field of Jewish Camp. Please include any summers worked as a seasonal staff member (i.e. as a counselor, specialist, unit head, etc.) as well as any years worked as a year-round camp professional.


SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS


1 (Not At All Confident/ No Knowledge) 2 3 4 5 (Very Confident/ Expert)


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CONFIRMATIONS
You have almost completed your application!

Please read and confirm the statements below.
PROGRAM TERMS & CONDITIONS

FINAL SUBMISSION CONFIRMATION

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