From Camp Harlam to the RAC – A Journey of Jewish Leadership and Advocacy
By Olivia Kogan
Eisendrath Legislative Assistant, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
“Welcome home!”
Each time I pulled through the gates of URJ Camp Harlam, I closed my eyes and felt an immediate sense of warmth, support, and belonging. 18058 was more than just a zip code—it was home. It was a promise that within those gates, I was in a space where growth was encouraged, authenticity was celebrated, and transformation was inevitable. It was the place where I could be my full, authentic self—loud, proud, passionate, and honest. The place that deepened my love for Judaism and social justice. The place that introduced me to my lifelong best friends who share similar values, all driven by our love and development at Harlam. The lessons I learned at Harlam guided my research in college and fueled my drive to create meaningful change. It was at Camp Harlam that I discovered what it meant to be part of something bigger than myself, a thriving Jewish community that not only embraced tradition but also instilled in me a responsibility to lead, advocate, and create change.
Now, as an Eisendrath Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), I see just how deeply Camp Harlam shaped my path. From five unforgettable summers as a camper to a transformative journey through Prague, Poland, and Israel, to the overwhelming yet life-changing CIT summer, and finally, to three years on staff as a cabin counselor—Harlam nurtured my love for the URJ, my passion for inclusivity and justice, and my determination to make a difference. In Kunkletown, PA, I not only found my voice, but also learned how to use it to build a more just and equitable world.
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is now hiring for the new Legislative Assistant class of 2025-2026. If you are a recent college graduate or young professional who is interested in Judaism, social justice, and public policy, apply for the fellowship. Applications are due March 7th, 2025. Use this link to apply and learn more about the fellowship.
A Community That Became Family
From my very first summer in 2013, Camp Harlam was more than just a summer camp—it was home and a family. Every year, I found myself surrounded by campers and counselors who created an environment of love, support, and inclusion. Whether it was crafting a speech for unit Shabbat services while dressed in our traditional white, singing and pounding on the Chadar Ohel tables during Friday night song session, or sharing late-night conversations about life beyond the camp bubble, I came to understand that Judaism is strongest when it is rooted in community.
That same sense of belonging has followed me to the RAC, where I now work alongside colleagues who share a deep commitment to Jewish values and social action. Just like camp, the RAC fosters an environment where mentorship, teamwork, and collaboration fuel our work. Each staff member has their own unique journey that led them here, yet we are all connected by the same guiding principle: the pursuit of justice.
Camp Harlam taught me that leadership is about lifting others up, and today I carry that lesson forward as I engage with Jewish teens, advocacy groups, and faith-based coalitions – striving to create a world that reflects our highest values of equity, compassion, and justice.
An Inclusive Space That Led to a Passion for Justice
Camp Harlam has long been a leader in creating an inclusive space for campers of all backgrounds, and I was fortunate to be part of that evolving culture. I attended formal training to be a disabilities and inclusion counselor through the Foundation for Jewish Camp in partnership with Camp Harlam. This training focused on camp inclusion efforts and how to support campers struggling socially and emotionally. Some of the most meaningful moments as a counselor came from helping campers feel comfortable in their bunks, guiding them through personal struggles, and providing a safe environment to grow and develop.
URJ Camp Harlam is a forefront leader in inclusion efforts and I wanted to learn more about this. My experiences as a counselor led me to question how other staff members were being prepared to engage in DEI conversations and respond to instances of bias. Through my university, I had the opportunity to spend four years researching and collaborating with Camp Harlam on my thesis project, which explored counselors’ experiences in supporting the socioemotional needs of non-White campers. My research also examined how formal DEI resources and training influenced counselors’ ability to lead conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as how they responded to instances of oppression and inequality within the camp community.
At the RAC, I now take these lessons with me as I work on legislative issues related to racial justice, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, the death penalty, health care (including mental health), and Native American and Indigenous people’s rights. Just as I sought to create a more inclusive camp environment, I now advocate for policies that ensure all individuals—regardless of race, background, or ability—feel seen, supported, and valued. Camp taught me that real change starts with small, personal moments of understanding and support, and that lesson continues to guide me in my work.
From Camp Programming to Advocacy Leadership
When I transitioned from camper to staff member at Camp Harlam, I took on new responsibilities—mentoring younger campers, organizing programs, and helping to shape their experiences. I quickly learned that being a counselor wasn’t just about supervising kids; it was about creating meaningful Jewish moments for them. Whether through Shabbat services, bunk discussions, or informal song sessions, I realized that my role was to help foster connections and provide opportunities for growth.
One of the most powerful ways I could support my campers was by teaching them the values of equality and equity through both our structured programming and our downtime. A program that stands out in my memory is “Identity Mapping,” which took place on one of the first nights of the session. This program gave campers the chance to explore and reflect on their intersectional identities, while also sparking deep conversations around diversity and inclusion. The conversations that emerged from that program were incredibly meaningful and showed me how valuable it is to create spaces where campers can think critically about their own identities and the world around them.
The experience of running programs for a diverse audience of Jewish youth supported my transition for the work that I do at the RAC with our L’Taken team. The Bernard and Audre Rapoport L’Taken Social Justice Seminar is designed to both expose teens to a variety of public policy issues and explore the Jewish values that inform the Reform Movement’s advocacy around these issues.
Running programs at camp gave me the confidence to lead workshops and educational initiatives at the RAC. Whether I’m facilitating discussions at L’Taken, helping teens craft lobbying speeches, or working with interfaith partners on social justice efforts, I constantly draw upon the skills I first honed at Harlam. It is surreal to watch high school students step into their power, just as I once did when I participated in L’Taken as a 9th and 10th grader. Every time I see a student speak passionately about an issue they care about, I am reminded of my younger self—of the girl who sat in a congressional office, nervously reading her speech, realizing for the first time that she could make a difference.
Carrying Camp Values into My Work at the RAC
Camp Harlam gave me more than just incredible memories; it gave me a foundation of Jewish leadership that I carry with me every day. The lessons I learned about community, inclusion, and activism now shape the way I approach my work at the RAC. Reform Judaism has always emphasized the intersection of faith and justice, and I am grateful that my journey—from singing on Friday nights at Harlam to lobbying for social change in Washington, D.C.—has allowed me to live out that mission.
Camp was just the beginning. The values I learned there continue to guide me, and I know they always will – because once you hear “Welcome Home,” you carry that home with you wherever you go.
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is now hiring for the new Legislative Assistant class of 2025-2026. If you are a recent college graduate or young professional who is interested in Judaism, social justice, and public policy, apply for the fellowship. Applications are due March 7th, 2025. Use this link to apply and learn more about the fellowship.