OUR STORY
Jefunira Camp was founded in 1991
by Jeff and Ira
The story of Jefunira Camp starts in 1986 when I met my freshman roommate, Ira. It turned out to be a pretty good match and we became close friends. After graduation, we wanted to take a break before heading off to graduate school. Both of us loved working at summer camp so we decided that we would start our own. Our first summer we had eight campers. The next summer we grew to 15 campers and hired our first counselor. The rest is history.
Initially, camp had a different name. But because Ira and I 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 we changed the name to Jefunira Camp, we decided that running camp was something we wanted to do long-term. To ensure that we were following all of the best practices and procedures of an outstanding camp, we 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 Camp (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 from Stanford University in Education.
MEET THE SENIOR TEAM
Our senior team is at the heart of Jefunira Camp.
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
Camp Director
This summer will be Gabe’s 8th year at Jefunira! He is constantly working with Jeff to make Jefunira the best camp ever!
He spends lots of time reading, playing, and laughing with his friends.
Every activity at Jefunira is Gabe’s favorite activity at camp but he thinks he is most looking forward to the peaceful calm during House of Cards and the hysterical laughter during Tip the Bucket.
Jayson Gamble
Assistant Director
This summer will be Jayson’s 10th year at Jefunira! He is constantly working with Jeff to make Jefunira the best camp ever!
He spends lots of time reading, playing, and laughing with his friends and dog, Jet.
Every activity at Jefunira is Jayson’s favorite activity at camp but he thinks he is most looking forward to the peaceful calm during House of Cards and the hysterical laughter during Tip the Bucket.
Nicole McCutcheon
Assistant Director –
Junior Camper Groups
This summer will be Nicole’s 8th year at Jefunira! She is constantly working with Jeff to make Jefunira the best camp ever!
She spends lots of time reading, playing, and laughing with her friends.
Every activity at Jefunira is Nicole’s favorite activity at camp but she thinks she is most looking forward to the peaceful calm during House of Cards and the hysterical laughter during Tip the Bucket.
OUR PROMISE
We believe that kids thrive when they are outdoors, unplugged, safe, and having fun.
When a child has a sense of belonging at camp, he/she is 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.
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.
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.