Applications for Camp Jamison’s 2026 overnight summer camp are officially open.

For youth ages 8–15, primarily from Philadelphia

2026 Dates
Main Session: July 19–25 (Sunday–Saturday)
Optional Extension: July 26–29 (Sunday–Wednesday)

Apply Early — Spots Are Limited

Camp Jamison is first come, first served.

Deadline: May 1, 2026
Applications may close sooner if spots fill.

Why Camp Jamison

Camp Jamison is a peace-driven overnight camp where young people:

• Build real friendships
• Grow confidence
• Spend their days outdoors (swimming, boating, hiking, creating)

Many of our staff were once campers—this is a community that grows with you.

More Than Just a Week

Camp doesn’t end in July. Through year-round mentorship and events, campers stay connected and supported long after the summer.

Apply Now

Camp Jamison uses a sliding-scale model to make camp accessible.

Apply Here

 

Questions?

jacqueline@campjamison.org

This summer marks a major milestone: 15 years of Camp Jamison! That’s 15 summers of Philly kids swimming, leading, connecting with nature, and becoming the best version of themselves.

With more campers than ever this year, we’ve put together a simple way for our community to support us:

Our 15th Summer Amazon Wishlist
https://a.co/irlmnK6

 

This list includes the everyday supplies that power camp — like:

• Pillowcases (which our campers will turn into Olympic flags for our first-ever Camp Jamison Games)
• Art and craft supplies for memory-making
• Sensory headphones to help every camper feel safe and comfortable
• Bluetooth speakers so each lodge can host a dance party

The entire list totals just over $1,000 — and with support from our community, we know we can clear it quickly.

• Every item ships directly to camp
• Every gift helps a camper feel prepared, safe, and included
• Every dollar counts

Whether you’ve donated before, sent a camper, or are just learning about Camp Jamison — this is a simple and direct way to make an impact.

Let’s get camp ready. Let’s make this 15th summer unforgettable.

#GratefulForThisJawn
#CampJamisonTurns15
#SupportCampJamison

We’re Speaking at the 2025 Tri-State Camp Conference!

Camp Jamison is thrilled to announce that we will be presenting two powerful sessions at the 2025 Tri-State Camp Conference, the largest gathering of camp professionals in the world! Our team, led by Jacqueline McDonough, alongside Jaymi Phillips, Ajae Adams, Sincere Jackson, and Allana Gray, will bring critical conversations to the forefront about fostering inclusivity, checking biases, and creating camp spaces where all children thrive.

Session #1: Adultification of Black Children: Checking Biases in Camp Settings

Tuesday, March 11, 2025
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Room 315

Session Description:

Black children are often viewed and treated as more mature than their peers, leading to unrealistic expectations and disciplinary disparities in various settings—including summer camps. This session, moderated by Jacqueline McDonough, will explore how adultification bias affects Black campers and what camp professionals can do to create safe, equitable, and developmentally appropriate environments. Our panelists, all former campers turned camp leaders, will share personal stories and research-backed strategies to help staff recognize and address implicit biases, ensuring that Black children experience the joy and freedom of childhood at camp.

Session #2: Creating Inclusive Camp Cultures: Strategies for Retaining Black Campers and Fostering Belonging

Thursday, March 13, 2025
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Room 315

Session Description:

Diversity in camp enrollment is only the first step—true inclusion requires intentionality. This session will use Camp Jamison as a case study to explore how camps can go beyond diverse recruitment to ensure retention, belonging, and success for Black campers. Led by Jacqueline McDonough and former campers who are now camp leaders, this discussion will highlight key strategies for addressing bias, fostering positive camper-staff relationships, and cultivating a culture of inclusivity. Attendees will leave with three actionable takeaways for improving camper retention through marketing, program development, and relationship-building.

Why These Conversations Matter

Camp should be a place where all children feel seen, valued, and empowered. These sessions will challenge camp professionals to critically examine how implicit biases affect the camp experience and equip them with the tools to build more inclusive, joyful, and equitable communities.

Join Us at Tri-State!

We are honored to share our insights and experiences at the 2025 Tri-State Camp Conference. If you’re attending, we’d love to see you at one (or both!) of our sessions. Let’s continue pushing the conversation forward to ensure that every child has a place to belong at camp.

Tag us on social media and let us know if you’ll be there!
#CampJamison #TriStateCampConference #InclusionInCamps #CampLeadership #GratefulForThisJawn

Final Call: Camp Jamison 2025 Registration Closes March 15!

Are you searching for the perfect overnight summer camp experience for your child? Look no further—Camp Jamison 2025 registration closes on March 15!

Give Your Child an Unforgettable Summer Adventure

From July 28 to August 3, 2025, campers will enjoy a full week of adventure, friendship, and growth in a diverse and inclusive camp environment. At Camp Jamison, we focus on joy, community, and leadership, giving campers an opportunity to unplug, explore nature, and create lifelong memories.

Why Choose Camp Jamison?

• 15 Years of Transformative Experiences – We’re celebrating our 15th summer with our most exciting program ye
• Outdoor Adventures – Canoeing, swimming, basketball, hiking, and team-building activities.
• Leadership Development – A supportive environment where kids grow into confident leaders.
• Diverse & Inclusive Community – Kids from all backgrounds come together to learn and grow.
• Affordable & Flexible Pricing – Sliding scale tuition and financial aid available to make camp accessible to all families.

Limited Spots Available – Register Today!

Spots are filling fast, and once the deadline passes, we won’t be able to accept additional campers. Don’t miss out on giving your child a fun, safe, and enriching summer camp experience at Camp Jamison!

• Session Dates: July 28 – August 3, 2025
• Registration Closes: March 15, 2025
• Affordable Tuition Options Available

How to Register:

1. Visit our website at Register Here
2. Complete the registration form
3. Secure your camper’s spot with a $125 deposit

 

Contact Us

Need more details? Have questions about registration or financial assistance? We’re here to help!

Email us at jacqueline@campjamison.org or connect with us on social media.

Join us in making Camp Jamison’s 15th summer the best one yet!

#GratefulForThisJawn #CampJamison2025 #OvernightCamp #SummerCamp #SummerOfJoy

Thanks to the generosity and support of our community, 2024 has been one of the most impactful years yet for Camp Jamison. This year’s Annual Report reflects our growth, dedication to community values and commitment to making the camp experience unforgettable. Here’s how supporters like you helped make magic happen this year.

Expanding Our Reach and Welcoming More Campers

In 2024, we proudly welcomed five additional campers into our family. Yet, even as our camp community grows, demand continues to exceed our current capacity—resulting in a waitlist of over 90 young people eager to experience Camp Jamison. This growing interest highlights how deeply our program resonates with families and the unique value of our supportive, immersive environment. We’re committed to finding ways to expand our capacity in 2025 so that no child has to miss out on this transformative experience.

Innovative Programming: Strengthening Our Peacebuilding Curriculum

This year, our programming took an exciting step forward as we strengthened our peacebuilding curriculum, a core component of Camp Jamison’s mission. Campers participated in activities designed to build skills in empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution, all while fostering a sense of community. These peacebuilding exercises provided campers with the tools to handle conflicts thoughtfully and respectfully, laying the foundation for positive relationships both at camp and beyond. This focus on peace and understanding has not only shaped our campers’ experiences this year but will continue to influence them long after their time at camp.

Financial Health: Increased Grants, Decreased Individual Giving

2024 brought a significant increase in grant funding, which allowed us to bolster our programs and reach even more children. However, we also faced a decrease in individual donations. Individual gifts have long been vital to Camp Jamison, directly impacting our ability to keep our programs affordable and inclusive. As we look to the future, we aim to re-engage our community of individual supporters to help bridge this gap and continue providing scholarships to campers in need. Each donation—big or small—plays a critical role in making camp accessible to every child who wishes to attend.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025

As we turn our focus to 2025, we’re excited to build on this year’s successes. Our primary goals include expanding our capacity to reduce the waitlist, enriching our peacebuilding curriculum, and rekindling individual donations to secure a sustainable future for Camp Jamison. With these priorities in mind, we are committed to continuing the legacy of creating life-changing camp experiences that empower, uplift, and unite young people.

Join Us in Making 2025 Our Best Year Yet

As we reflect on the achievements of 2024, we know we couldn’t have done it without the support of our community. This coming year, we need you more than ever. Whether you’re able to donate, volunteer, or share our mission with others, your involvement is essential to our success. Let’s ensure that Camp Jamison continues to be a place of joy, growth, and belonging for all.

For a closer look at our 2024 achievements, view the full Annual Report.

Join Camp Jamison’s Board: Help Us Make the 15th Year Our Best Yet!

We are proud of our incredible journey over the past 14 summers at Camp Jamison. What started as a dream to create an inclusive, affordable camp for children from diverse backgrounds has grown into a thriving community where campers and staff come together to create lasting memories, develop lifelong skills, and embrace peace building. As we approach our 15th summer, we are looking to expand our board and welcome new members to help us continue this success.

A Unique Opportunity to Shape the Future

Camp Jamison’s board has always played a crucial role in guiding our mission, ensuring that we provide accessible summer experiences for children who need them most. As we prepare for our milestone 15th year, we seek passionate, dedicated individuals to join our board and contribute to our vision of growth and sustainability.

 

Being a part of the Camp Jamison board means:

• Supporting our campers: Your involvement directly impacts the lives of children from Philadelphia who benefit from our programs every summer.
• Strengthening our programs: With your expertise, we can continue to enhance the activities, peace building initiatives, and camper experience we’re known for.
• Helping secure our future: As we plan for the next 15 years and beyond, your guidance will help ensure that Camp Jamison thrives for future generations of campers.

 

Why Join the Camp Jamison Board?

We are seeking board members who:

• Believe in our mission: Camp Jamison is a diverse, inclusive, and affordable camp that provides children with a safe, enriching space to learn, grow, and make lasting friendships.
• Have a passion for making a difference: Whether your skills are in fundraising, strategic planning, education, or nonprofit management, we want your voice and vision to help us move forward.
• Want to be part of something special: Joining our board means being part of a close-knit community where we work together to ensure that every camper’s experience is transformative and impactful.

A Vision for the Future

We have big plans for our 15th summer and beyond. From expanding our programs to reaching even more children, we’re constantly dreaming of new ways to enhance the Camp Jamison experience. But we can’t do it alone.

 

As a board member, you’ll play a key role in:

• Expanding our reach: Help us engage more campers from systemically underserved communities, ensuring everyone can access the Camp Jamison experience.
• Strengthening partnerships: Work with us to build stronger relationships with community organizations, schools, and businesses that share our vision.
• Shaping our next 15 years: Join us as we plan for a sustainable future that ensures Camp Jamison continues providing an affordable, high-quality camp experience for decades.

 

How You Can Get Involved

We’re looking for board members who are ready to contribute their energy, ideas, and expertise. Whether you have experience in fundraising, nonprofit governance, community outreach, or youth development, there’s a place for you at Camp Jamison. Together, we can make our 15th summer the best one yet.

Join our Open House to Learn More:

We’re hosting a virtual open house where you can meet our team, ask questions, and learn more about the role of a board member.

Register here: Open House Registration

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to take the next step and apply for a board position, fill out our application form. We’re excited to hear from you!

Apply here: Board Application

Secure Your Future: Submit Your FAFSA® Today!

At Camp Jamison, we support our campers and community members year-round, not just during the summer. If you embark on a journey toward higher education, we want to ensure you have all the necessary resources to succeed. One of the most crucial steps in securing financial aid for college is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

Why is the FAFSA® Important?
The FAFSA® form is your gateway to federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Submitting your FAFSA® is the only way to be eligible for this aid, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of college tuition and expenses.

 

Steps to Complete Your FAFSA®:

1. Gather Necessary Documents: Before you start, make sure you have your social security number, tax returns, and bank statements on hand. Having these documents ready will streamline the application process.
2. Create an FSA ID: Your FSA ID is your personal identifier for accessing federal student aid information and signing your FAFSA® form electronically. You can create your FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov.
3. Complete the FAFSA® Form: Visit fafsa.gov to fill out the form. Make sure to enter all information accurately to avoid delays in processing your application.
4. Review and Submit: Double-check your information before submitting the form. After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email and your Student Aid Report (SAR) outlining your eligibility.

 

Key Deadlines:

• State Deadlines: Many states have their own deadlines for state financial aid. Check your state’s deadline and submit your FAFSA® as early as possible to maximize your aid opportunities.
• College Deadlines: Individual colleges and universities may have their own deadlines. Make sure to check with the financial aid offices of the schools you’re applying to and adhere to their timelines.

 

Resources to Help You:

We know that the FAFSA® process can seem daunting, but there are plenty of resources available to guide you:

• FAFSA® Toolkit: This comprehensive guide provides a checklist and timeline to help you stay on track. You can find it here.
• Federal Student Aid Website: The Federal Student Aid website offers detailed instructions, FAQs, and support to assist you throughout the application process.
• School Counselors: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselors for additional support and guidance.

 

Need Help? Reach Out to Head Counselor Jaymi!
If you have any questions or need assistance with your FAFSA® form, Head Counselor Jaymi is here to help! Jaymi is committed to ensuring that all Camp Jamison community members have the support they need to navigate the financial aid process. Feel free to reach out to Jaymi for guidance and answers to any questions you might have.

Final Reminder:
The only way to be eligible for federal student aid is by submitting your FAFSA® form. If unsure which form to complete, check out the helpful graphic below and head to http://fafsa.gov to get started.

Let’s Make Your College Dreams a Reality!
At Camp Jamison, we are committed to the success of our campers and community members beyond the campfire. Completing your FAFSA® is a crucial step toward achieving your college dreams. Remember, a better FAFSA® means a better future. Let’s work together to secure the financial aid you need to realize your educational aspirations.