In July, ADL sent the following letter to Jewish summer camp administrators throughout the region:
Dear Jewish Summer Camp Administrator,
We hope you are having a safe and enjoyable summer. On behalf of ADL (“the Anti-Defamation League”), we are pleased to send you the below recommendations and resources for religious institutional security.
ADL strongly recommends that religious institutions prioritize building relationships with law enforcement. If you have not already done so, consider inviting local, state and federal law enforcement to your camp for a security walk-through or meet-and-greet at the earliest opportunity.
We also welcome you to utilize and share the following free resources:
a. Security Resource: ADL’s Guide to Protecting Your Jewish Institution: Security Strategies for Today’s Dangerous World (especially “Considerations for Schools and Summer Camps” on pages 68-75)
b. Security Resource: DHS Active Shooter Pocket Card
c. Security Resource: DHS/FBI Bomb Threat Guidance
d. Security Resource: FBI and USPS Suspicious Package Posters
e. Security Resource: FEMA Resources to Protect Your House of Worship
https://www.fema.gov/faith-resources
f. Education Resource: ADL’s Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate
g. Education Resource: ADL’s Table Talk Family Discussion Guide on Gun Violence and Mass Shootings
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/table-talk/gun-violence-mass-shootings
More resources can be found at https://www.adl.org/what-we-do/combat-hate/community-security.
You may also be interested in reading Respect is a Summer Camp Essential: A Guide for Camp Counselors and Administrators, a new ADL educational resource that highlights how camps can provide a respectful and inclusive camp experience for all. You can find this guide at https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/respect-is-a-summer-camp-essential.
Please do not hesitate to reach out for any reason.
Best,
ADL Philadelphia