Too excited to sleep...

I'm sitting here watching the minutes countdown to the JAMers arrival. We've actually had one participant arrive early, and just from the early moments of talking to him, I'm already super excited about the caliber of the JAM 2008 class.

Staff week has been thrilling (exhausting, but amazing!). I can't believe how lucky I am to be working with such a fantastic group of activists! Each staff member has an incredible story, and I'm sure the JAMers are going to learn so much from them! We have been busy planning fabulous programs that relate to facets of Jewish, political, and social justice life! I am personally looking forward to the dynamic speakers we have lined up for summer 2008.

The first day alone captures the essence of JAM--we have programming ranging from the social to social justice, including an introduction to social justice film-making from Yoni Brook, a director making a movie on our very own Summer JAM Director, Shmuly! JAMers will also have their first class of the first session, which will prepare them to for their first day of service on Tuesday! By Thursday, we will be ready for our briefing at the White House and our first DC recreational field trip. I'm already excited for the Fourth of July on Friday--there is no better place to celebrate Independence Day than our nation's capital!

I've am never ceased to be amazed at how much I love this city. My room for the summer overlooks the State Department! Only in DC can you be surrounded by this much power and hope (seemingly two contradictory aspirations). It really is a city of paradoxes, and I can't wait to share "the best district in the nation" with 41 of its newest residents. (Although the summer weather can be get to be a bit of a problem...)

Getting more excited as the minutes tick by...

-Pamela
Assistant Director of Summer JAM

Staff Week Photos

Summer JAM staff were busy all week getting ready for the 2008 JAMers' arrival!

Four Days to Summer JAM

Dear JAMers!

Only four more days until you arrive in Washington, DC! The Summer JAM staff has been here all week getting ready just for you—the programs and classes they are planning are spectacular.

Don’t forget the Summer JAM office contact info:
Summer JAM Office
2300 H St, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: 2002-994-4759, Fax: 202-994-5027

Remind your parents to keep checking the blog as they may see your posts and pictures there! http://dcsummerjam.blogspot.com/ You can also look at our schedule here. Please note that it is subject to change, but take a look to get familiar with our daily routine. You will note that the days are intense, but it promises to be an amazing experience!

Registration & Arriving At JAM on Monday, June 30
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Parents—please be sure to depart campus by 2 PM.)
George Washington University Hillel
2300 H Street, NW (corner of H and 23rd Streets)

If your travel plans change (flight or train is delayed, stuck in traffic, etc), please call Pamela's cell phone immediately!

The first meal is dinner, so please plan accordingly!

Please double-check the Participant Handbook for the packing list and arrival information. JAMers—please leave a copy of the handbook at home so your parents have your contact info, as you will get a new copy when you arrive in DC.

As mentioned in a previous mailing, the Director of Summer JAM, Shmuly, is being filmed for a documentary about religious social justice leadership. The camera crews will be here on Monday—if you have questions about this, pelase do not hesitate to call.

Do not forget to bring linens (towels, sheets, pillow, blanket, etc), alarm clock, cell phone and its charger, with you (the beds are regular twin length)! Get excited for dorm living!

Access to the fitness center at the Smith Center will be complimentary this summer. Upon arrival in DC, you will be given further instructions!

As always, don’t hesitate to be in touch!
-Pamela

Exciting Field Trips!

JAMers have the opportunity to fully experience Washington, DC, this summer!

Tuesday, July 1 – Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exposition of living cultural heritage held annually on the National Mall. The Festival includes programs of music, song, dance, celebratory performance, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling, illustrations of workers' culture, and narrative sessions for discussing cultural issues.

Thursday, July 3 -- The White House
Meeting with Jeremy Katz, White House Liaison to the Jewish Community, Old Executive Office Building

Thursday, July 3 -- Bike the Sites
We will go on a bike tour of the National Mall and Monuments.

Saturday, July 5 -- Nighttime Monument Tour
After Havdalah at the Lincoln Memorial, we will take a nighttime tour of the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials, and the Einstein Statue.

Sunday, July 6 – Harpers Ferry, W. VA & Inner-tubing down the Shenandoah River
We will spend the first part of the afternoon exploring the historic town of Harpers Ferry and then take a guided inner-tube tour down the scenic Shenandoah River.

Monday, July 7 – National Archives

Monday, July 7 – Arlington Cemetery

Tuesday, July 8 – Washington Nationals Baseball Game
We will watch the Nats take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at the new Nationals Park.

Sunday, July 13 – Annapolis, MD and Sandy Point Beach
We will spend Sunday morning exploring historic Annapolis—the capital of Maryland and home of the U.S. Naval Academy, before spending an afternoon on the beautiful beaches of the Chesapeake Bay.

Thursday, July 10 – Capitol Hill Experience The first of two Capitol Hill experiences. Classes will meet with Hill staffers, and then have organized free time on the Hill with an opportunity to take a tour of the Capitol, or visit committee hearings, the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, etc.

Sunday, July 20 – U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Tuesday, July 15 – Israeli Embassy A visit to the Embassy and a briefing by an Embassy representative on the current situation in Israel.

Tuesday, July 22 – The Pentagon
We will tour the headquarters of the Department of Defense, one of the world's largest office buildings, and the nerve center for command and control housing approximately 23,000 military and civilian employees and about 3,000 non-defense support personnel dedicated to protecting our national interests.

Thursday, July 24 – Capitol Hill Experience #2
The second of two trips to the Hill, students will first meet with policy makers in the fields they’ve been studying, and then visit their own representatives’ offices to advocate for issues of importance to them.

DC-Area College Tours
We have arranged group visits to various area colleges for interested participants during their free time. Tours are scheduled for Georgetown University, American University, and The George Washington University.