Camp JORI

The story begins not with a startup, but with a community institution. In 1909, the Jewish Orphanage of Rhode Island was founded. To provide a summer escape for the children, a camp was established in Narragansett. This initial version laid the groundwork for a long-term operation focused on community and care. When the orphanage eventually closed its doors, the camp was formally established as Camp JORI in 1937, preserving the mission of providing a vital summer experience. The business model was built on providing a comprehensive Jewish camping experience, including everything from sports and arts to cultural and religious activities. For decades, the camp operated on this playbook, building a strong alumni network and fostering a sense of family that it calls "TACEO" – Taking Care of Each Other. A pivotal event occurred in 2003 when the camp executed a major strategic move. It relocated from its original home to a new, 72-acre state-of-the-art facility in Wakefield, Rhode Island. This wasn't an acquisition or an IPO, but a significant capital investment to modernize and secure its future, building facilities designed for contemporary needs, including new cabins, pools, and a large dining hall on Worden's Pond. This relocation represented a major funding success and a doubling-down on its core mission, ensuring its operational capabilities for generations to come.