Jewish camps across movement and geographic lines identify staff recruitment as a critical challenge. Low compensation and low perceived status are commonly cited reasons that potential applicants choose not work in Jewish overnight camps. In 2000 the Spielberg Theater Fellowship and the Jewish Environmental and Nature Education (JENE) Fellowship (formerly the Nathan Cummings Fellowship) were created to address these issues.

Spielberg Theater Fellowship: With the support of the Righteous Persons Foundation the Spielberg Theater Fellowships were awarded to nonprofit Jewish summer camps with the goal of enhancing Jewish theater at camp. The Fellowship provided a generous stipend and a one-week training seminar to talented theater specialists designated Spielberg Fellows by their camps. International artist, Danny Maseng served as Director of this program since its inception in 2000. A total of 38 Jewish camps and 56 theater specialists benefited from the Spielberg Theater Fellowship.

Jewish Environmental and Nature Education (JENE) Fellowship: The JENE Fellowship (formerly the Nathan Cummings Fellowship) was awarded to nonprofit Jewish summer camps with the goal of enhancing their environmental education program. The Fellowship provided a generous stipend and a one-week training seminar to talented Jewish environmental specialists designated JENE Fellows by their camps. Leading environmentalist and JENE educator, Dr. Gabe Goldman served as Director of this program since its inception in 2000. A total of 42 Jewish camps and 66 environmental and nature specialists benefited from the JENE Fellowship.