Secure Community Network Kicks Off Successful Camp Security Initiative

The Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, and the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), today announced significant progress in working to address the safety and security needs at over 300 Jewish day and overnight camps this past camp season. Through the SCN Camp Security Initiative, undertaken in partnership with the FJC,  participating camps have been connected to SCN’s state-of-the-art intelligence and information-sharing system in addition to being able to receive assessments, physical security guidance, and trainings, working closely with SCN’s Camp Security Initiative Director, Jim Tarasca, in addition to the localized network of security professionals who regularly liaise with camp facilities and staff on the ground.  

Supported by a challenge grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and an anonymous donor, SCN and FJC initiated efforts for the Camp Security Initiative in April. Since its launch, SCN and FJC have provided specialized training programs and workshops to over five dozen day and overnight camps, reaching 3,100 participants across 24 U.S. states and Canada. These proprietary programs are tailored for counselors, administrators, and camp executive leadership, enhancing their preparedness and response capabilities. This initiative has greatly benefited all camps, especially those camps that are not supported by the infrastructure of local community security efforts.

The initiative for this camping season began with regional kick-off events for FJC-affiliated camps, fostering collaboration and distributing SCN’s latest camp safety and security guidance. SCN also organized comprehensive training sessions, sharing up-to-date safety guidelines, resources, and core drills such as Stop The Bleed® and Countering Active Threat Training (CATT). Beyond training, SCN’s security professionals conducted site walkthroughs and assessments to enhance security, refine emergency procedures, and assist with state and federal nonprofit security grant applications.

About Secure Community Network:
The Secure Community Network (SCN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004 under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities, and other partners in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. SCN is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, life, and culture can not only exist safely and securely, but flourish.

About Foundation for Jewish Camp:
Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) fosters excellence and accelerates innovation at 300+ Jewish day and overnight camps across North America by developing adaptive talent, deepening immersive learning experiences, and driving field growth. FJC supports camps in their effort to provide a lifelong connection to Judaism and elevates Jewish camp on the cultural and philanthropic agenda. Learn more at jewishcamp.org.

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