At Camp Jamison, kids don’t just have fun – they grow into confident, caring leaders.
EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE!
At Camp Jamison, we run programs that give kids real experiences —
outdoors, in community, and beyond the city.
outdoors, in community, and beyond the city.
Find the right program below.
CAMP JAMISON FLAGSHIP
1-week overnight camp for Philadelphia youth ages 8–15
July 19–25, 2026 (extended option through July 29)
A SUMMER OF JOY, PEACE & GROWTH
- Canoeing
- Campfires
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Friendship
- Joy
CAMP JAMISON ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Building the Next Generation of Camp Leaders
This fall, Camp Jamison is launching a new mentorship program that connects current campers with Camp Jamison alumni who have already walked the same path.
Our alumni mentors are young adults from Philadelphia who grew up through Camp Jamison and understand the experiences, challenges, and opportunities our campers face.
The goal of this program is simple: create meaningful connections, encourage academic success, and strengthen the Camp Jamison community beyond the summer months.
How the Program Works
Each mentor will be paired with a small group of three campers.
This group model encourages campers to build relationships not only with their mentor, but also with one another.
Program Timeline
Early September
- First virtual group meeting
Friday, September 18
- Back-to-School Celebration at FDR Park
- Campers meet their mentors and fellow group members in person
- Participants receive a backpack and a full set of school supplies
This event is open to all Camp Jamison families, even if they are not selected for the mentorship program.
Late September
- Two to three additional virtual group check-ins
The program includes four touchpoints over approximately six weeks, with most activities taking place virtually.
Safety Is Our Priority
Every Camp Jamison alumni mentor completes:
- An FBI background check
- A Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
- Required mentor training before the first session
We’ve also built additional safeguards into the program:
- Mentors never meet with campers one-on-one
- All virtual meetings are scheduled and managed through Camp Jamison
- Private texting, direct messaging, and social media communication are not permitted
- Any concerns shared by a camper are immediately communicated to Camp Jamison staff
Families will know who their child’s mentor is and will always have direct access to Camp Jamison staff.
Program Details
- No cost to families
- Funded through a City of Philadelphia grant
- Limited to 15 participants during the first cycle
If interest exceeds the number of available spots, families will be placed on a waitlist and contacted about future mentorship opportunities.
Interested in Participating?
The application takes approximately five minutes to complete.
Questions? Contact the Camp Jamison team at (215) 703-8002.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
CAMP RISE TOGETHER
We’re proud to partner with the School District of Philadelphia to launch Rise Together — a trauma-informed overnight experience for high school students focused on healing, connection, and growth.
JOIN US from July 6–10, 2026
With the support of trained, trauma-informed staff, students will:
- Build resilience and strengthen emotional well-being
- Connect in a safe, supportive space with peers
- Explore mindfulness, reflection, and stress-reduction practices
WHO CAN APPLY? HOW TO APPLY?
Current 9th-11th grade students attending a School District of Philadelphia high school.
Spots are limited. First 75 students will be accepted. Fully Covered. Stipend Provided.
Speak with your School Counselor to learn more and apply OR contact us!
Year-Round Mentorship and Community
Camp Jamison doesn’t end when the summer does.
Throughout the year, we stay connected to our campers through mentorship, community events, and ongoing relationships with staff. These connections provide young people with consistency, support, and a trusted community beyond a single week at camp.
Our staff—many of whom are former campers—serve as mentors who show up, check in, and remain present in campers’ lives. This continuity strengthens relationships and reinforces the values experienced during the summer.
- Peacebuilding Beyond the Summer
- Community Events & Ongoing Connection
- From Campers to Mentors
- Field Leadership & Advocacy
- Looking Ahead
Our peace-driven approach continues year-round.
Through conversations, mentorship, and community gatherings, young people continue building skills in communication, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution. These are not one-time lessons—they are practices that develop over time through consistent support and real-life application.
Camp Jamison creates spaces where young people can reflect, reconnect, and continue growing in how they show up for themselves and others.
Throughout the year, Camp Jamison hosts events that bring campers, staff, and families back together.
From seasonal gatherings to informal meet-ups, these moments allow relationships to continue and deepen. Campers reconnect with peers, staff stay engaged as mentors, and families remain part of the broader Camp Jamison community.
These touchpoints help ensure that no one leaves camp and feels disconnected from the community they built.
Year-round engagement strengthens our pipeline of young people who grow into leaders within the community.
Former campers return not only as summer staff, but as mentors and role models throughout the year. This creates a cycle of support where young people are guided by those who have shared their experiences and understand their journeys.
Our work extends beyond our own community.
Jacqueline McDonough, M.Ed., Founder and Executive Director, is a recognized speaker and researcher in the camp and youth development field:
Speaker at the American Camp Association (ACA) Tri-State Conference for three consecutive years
Selected speaker for the ACA New England Conference (2026)
Published research on BIPOC youth engagement and retention through camp staffing models
Camp Jamison staff also attend and present at conferences, contributing to broader conversations about youth development, equity, and camp culture.
We participate in advocacy efforts such as ACA’s Hill Day, recognizing that access to camp and youth development opportunities are connected to larger systems and policy decisions.
We are continuing to expand our year-round mentorship and programming to provide deeper, more consistent support for the young people we serve.
Get Involved
To learn more or partner with Camp Jamison’s year-round work: jacqueline@campjamison.org.
