“The magic of Camp Jenny is in the people that dedicate their time and effort to it. The staff and teens involved all want to make a difference in the lives of the kids. They want to help them all feel loved, comforted, and accepted, and that's why it has such a large impact.”
Elise Belkin, JAFTYite and Camp Jenny CIT
This past Memorial Day Weekend, 10 JAFTY teens from the Temple, plus JAFTY alumni and parents participated as specialists, counselors, and other volunteer positions at Camp Jenny.
Camp Jenny is held on the grounds of URJ Camp Coleman and hosted by NFTY's Southern Area and Southern Tropical Regions' mitzvah corps. This event gives underprivileged Atlanta-area children the opportunity to receive the love and encouragement of teen mentors and to participate in classic camp activities.
“The moment that made me realize what Camp Jenny is all about was when the girls came to Sports, but one girl was sitting alone away from the activities.” Jodi Gilmore, JAFTY President, said. “I asked if she wanted to join in, and she said she just wanted to run. And I said ‘I can make that happen!’ We raced across the large field and amazingly, she beat me! Afterwards she thanked me sincerely and I asked why. She told me, ‘I can't run when I'm home. It isn't safe to run alone outside.’ That is what put it into perspective for me. Camp Jenny provides the safety and security for these kids to do things they normally couldn't do.”
Being selected to staff Camp Jenny is a big honor and responsibility, and having such a large group from Jacksonville demonstrates our teens' commitment to social action.
Lexi Morris, NFTY-SAR Membership VP, loved her job as Dance Specialist. “My favorite moment was seeing a camper’s face light up when their favorite song came on in Dance. I was surprised by how many campers came up to me during meals to show off their dance moves!”
Evan Caplan, JAFTY Communications VP, volunteered as a CIT and says, "I am so proud of how everyone changed the lives of the many children that attended Camp. Each and every JAFTY member worked so hard and displayed an incredible amount of passion. I highly advise everyone who hasn't attended Camp Jenny before to apply, because I promise that it will impact you in so many positive ways!"
JAFTY works year round on social action projects, and hosts an annual Social Action Banquet to benefit Camp Jenny. This year, the banquet will be held December 2nd at Congregation Ahavath Chesed and is chaired by Sara Branly, JAFTY’s Social Action VP. The entire community is invited to “Set Sail with JAFTY” for the cruise-themed banquet and silent auction. Supporting this event will help tremendously, as the money raised will directly help send more kids to Camp Jenny.
Elise Belkin, JAFTYite and Camp Jenny CIT
This past Memorial Day Weekend, 10 JAFTY teens from the Temple, plus JAFTY alumni and parents participated as specialists, counselors, and other volunteer positions at Camp Jenny.
Camp Jenny is held on the grounds of URJ Camp Coleman and hosted by NFTY's Southern Area and Southern Tropical Regions' mitzvah corps. This event gives underprivileged Atlanta-area children the opportunity to receive the love and encouragement of teen mentors and to participate in classic camp activities.
“The moment that made me realize what Camp Jenny is all about was when the girls came to Sports, but one girl was sitting alone away from the activities.” Jodi Gilmore, JAFTY President, said. “I asked if she wanted to join in, and she said she just wanted to run. And I said ‘I can make that happen!’ We raced across the large field and amazingly, she beat me! Afterwards she thanked me sincerely and I asked why. She told me, ‘I can't run when I'm home. It isn't safe to run alone outside.’ That is what put it into perspective for me. Camp Jenny provides the safety and security for these kids to do things they normally couldn't do.”
Being selected to staff Camp Jenny is a big honor and responsibility, and having such a large group from Jacksonville demonstrates our teens' commitment to social action.
Lexi Morris, NFTY-SAR Membership VP, loved her job as Dance Specialist. “My favorite moment was seeing a camper’s face light up when their favorite song came on in Dance. I was surprised by how many campers came up to me during meals to show off their dance moves!”
Evan Caplan, JAFTY Communications VP, volunteered as a CIT and says, "I am so proud of how everyone changed the lives of the many children that attended Camp. Each and every JAFTY member worked so hard and displayed an incredible amount of passion. I highly advise everyone who hasn't attended Camp Jenny before to apply, because I promise that it will impact you in so many positive ways!"
JAFTY works year round on social action projects, and hosts an annual Social Action Banquet to benefit Camp Jenny. This year, the banquet will be held December 2nd at Congregation Ahavath Chesed and is chaired by Sara Branly, JAFTY’s Social Action VP. The entire community is invited to “Set Sail with JAFTY” for the cruise-themed banquet and silent auction. Supporting this event will help tremendously, as the money raised will directly help send more kids to Camp Jenny.