OUR STORY

Jefunira Camp was founded in 1991

by Jeff Gamble and Ira Lit

The story of Jefunira Camp starts in 1986 when Jeff Gamble met his freshman roommate, Ira Lit. It turned out to be a pretty good match and they became close friends. After graduation, they wanted to take a break before heading off to graduate school. Both of them loved working at summer camp so they decided that they would start their own. Their first summer they had eight campers. The next summer they grew to 15 campers and hired their first counselor. The rest is history.

Initially, camp had a different name. But because Ira and Jeff were such big parts of camp, everyone called it Jeff and Ira camp. With a bit of imagination, Jeff and Ira Camp became Jefunira Camp. Around the time they changed the name to Jefunira Camp, they decided that running camp was something they wanted to do long-term. To ensure that they were following all of the best practices and procedures of an outstanding camp, they decided to seek accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA). We have been accredited since 1994. Several years after we received our ACA Accreditation, we chose to become members of the Western Association of Independent Camps (WAIC). WAIC provides independent camp owners with a professional network and supports that helps all members ensure that every camper has the best possible camp experience.

After several years of running the camp together, Ira decided that he was ready to return to graduate school. He went on to get his PhD in education from Stanford University.

about us

Meet Our Leadership Team

Jeff Gamble - Jefunira Senior Team

Jeff Gamble

Director & Founder

Jeff was born in Columbus, Ohio on the campus of Ohio State University. When he was two years old, his family moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he grew up and spent his summers attending and then working at camp.

After graduating high school in 1986, he moved to the Bay Area to attend Stanford University. He started university with the intention of becoming a doctor. But he found his true calling in working with children. After university, he and his freshman roommate, Ira, decided to start a day camp, Jefunira Camp.

Jeff has been running Jefunira Camp since its inception. Jeff is married to Terri and has three amazing children, Jayson, Jared, and Jolie.

Gabe Schacter-Brodie

Director

During the school year Gabe works as a first grade teacher in the San Fransisco Unified School District. In the classroom, Gabe loves to teach writing and he loves to sing camp songs with his students!

In his free time, Gabe enjoys reading, hiking, and watching the Warriors.

This summer will be Gabe’s 16th year at Jefunira! Since he was a camper he has spent every year looking forward to camp. Gabe’s favorite Jefunira Camp activity is Bucket of Fortune. His favorite ball to pull from the bucket is #29… because who doesn’t love a free Otter Pop?! Fun fact: Gabe is a 2x trivia night champion!

Mary McClain

Director

Mary started working at Jefunira Camp in 2003! She has been a huge part of what makes Jefunira special for many summers. Recently, she has been away from camp for a few years to have her two wonderful kids! This year we are happy to welcome her back!

Mary was a career elementary school teacher in San Francisco Unified before joining the Jefunira team full time. Her favorite camp activities all have “bucket” in the title: Tip the Bucket and Bucket of Fortune!! Now she also works part time at a preschool and loves to volunteer in her kiddos’ classrooms.

Mary and her family are big fans of baseball. You might run into her anytime you go to Oracle Park. Mary loves watching (and coaching) her kids and the Giants playing baseball, but when it’s her turn on the field, she’s playing soccer.

Jayson Gamble

Director

This summer will be Jayson’s 9th year working at Jefunira! Though, he attended as a camper since he was old enough to walk. He is constantly working with Jeff to make Jefunira the best camp ever!

Jayson is a board game connoisseur. His knowledge and love of board games is invaluable at camp. He spends the year finding the newest, most interesting games for all age groups and testing them with his friends. He then brings copies to camp. He ensures all the group areas are stocked with the most intriguing and fresh board games on the market. He likes to make his rounds in the morning and at lunch time to teach people new games or learn them from others. When you see him around camp be sure to ask him what his favorite currently is!

When Jayson isn’t playing board games he is collecting retro video games and consoles, fixing up old pinball machines, and playing with his dog Jet. Fun fact: Jayson is a master scuba diver!

Our Mission

…is to create a safe and welcoming camp community where children develop self-esteem, self-confidence and social/emotional skills.

We believe that kids thrive when they are outdoors, unplugged, safe, and having fun.

Jefunira Camp

When a child has a sense of belonging at camp, they are free to explore new activities and interests. When the focus is fun and belonging, and not competence or failure, the child is free to explore, take risks, and grow. Each camper can play and have fun while making friends, developing self esteem and self confidence.

Enroll Now
Jefunira Camp

Our combination of an exciting, well-rounded program and a talented, creative, and experienced staff will provide an extraordinary summer experience for your child. Jefunira Camp is a mix of good old-fashioned summer fun, games and activities from around the world, and our own unique innovations. We provide a nurturing, safe, and fun camp experience for all children.

Enroll Now
American Camp Association

Jefunira Camp is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized organization focuses on program quality and health and safety issues, and requires us to review every facet of our camp operation. Jefunira Camp has voluntarily submitted to this independent appraisal performed by camp experts and has earned this mark of distinction.

Visit the American Camp Association