Situated on 267 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, with picturesque Lake Gary as its centerpiece, Jacobs Camp provides a relaxing, natural setting. Our modern facility includes more than 30 buildings – all climate-controlled - and a diverse range of recreational spaces – all fully-accessible. We are committed to making Jacobs a place for everyone to have a great time.
The staff at the Jacobs Retreat Center has worked together for many years perfecting the art of good service. Each person is dedicated to helping you love your experience at the Jacobs Retreat Center as much as they love working here!
In addition to summer programs, Jacobs has hosted hundreds of retreats for team building, outdoor education, staff training, spiritual exploration, youth programs, sports teams, universities, birthday parties, family reunions and events as well as corporate conferences and other outings.
Allow us the opportunity to serve your group and we will customize your event to meet your specific goals. Once you have been a guest at the Jacobs Retreat Center, you will want to make this special place your second home!
Capacity: 112 people in private hotel-style rooms.
Accommodations: The Faculty Center has 28 double occupancy private bathrooms and 28 double occupancy shared bathrooms. Heat and air-conditioning are provided by individually controlled units in each room.
Capacity: 308 total; 14 to 16 per building
Accommodations: Our 22 dormitory-style group cabins, all of which are air-conditioned, are equipped with bunk beds, storage cubbies and large group bathrooms. These cabins are spread across the grounds, and all have a lake view. Most cabins are equipped to sleep 14 on top & bottom bunks, with two cabins sharing a central bathroom with 7 sinks, 7 showers, 6 toilets, and a water fountain; all of our cabins are fully-accessible.
Welcome Center: Situated close to the main entrance of Camp, the Welcome Center is an ideal reception center! The room includes an assortment of seating options, and a movable front counter.
Dining Hall: The carpeted dining hall can comfortably seat up to 375. The building is equipped with a sound system, permanent video rear-projection system, and a stage that can support anything from skits to full productions. Breezeway: the main crossroads of Camp, the Breezeway is where guests often meet before meals to relax and talk about the day. It is also a good place for casual programming. The Breezeway is also equipped with a stage and sound system.
Cultural Center: This very large main room can be subdivided into two activity spaces (one with a permanent video system), and is home to our Performing Arts activities. The building also has four breakout rooms, two of which also serve as the Camp Library.
Berman Activities Center: The Berman Activities Center is our largest indoor facility, seating up to 1500 people. It was designed to be a sports center because it has a gym floor, but can double as a large-group meeting facility. The building is equipped with bathrooms and locker rooms.
Fitness Center: Air-conditioned facility that includes a full Paramount weight machine circuit, free weights, and a range of cardio machines, including: treadmills, recumbent and stationary bikes, a stair climber, a rower, and an elliptical cross-trainer.
The Performing Arts Center: The Performing Arts Center is a beautiful structure with a main auditorium that can be used for programs, productions, and worship services; and, four breakout rooms that double as activity spaces (two dance studios, one music/recording studio, one rehearsal/green room).
Pierce Center: Located across from the dining hall, the Pierce Center is a great setting for a smaller meal, group meeting, or as an event lounge. The Pierce Center also has a big-screen with satellite TV, vending machines, couches, and a small kitchen.
The Techneon Program Building: This multi-purpose building serves as home to our Digital Media programs and is well-suited for small group break-out sessions.
The building has three small classrooms, and a larger room – the studio – that can accommodate up to 100 for a meeting.
Theodore (Ted) Levi Creative Arts & Crafts Center: Our creative arts center includes a large main room that can accommodate up to 100, two small classrooms, and two porch areas – one screened and one open.
The Goldberg Chapel: Situated on a peninsula in the middle of our beautiful Lake Gary, the Goldberg Chapel has benches arranged theater-style and is the perfect setting for worship, special presentations or just to enjoy the sunset. The centerpiece of the Chapel is a beautiful work of art, a must-see for first-time visitors and a special gathering place for returnees.
Grant Meyer Adventure Area: Our Adventure Area makes the Jacobs Retreat Center the ideal place to challenge yourself personally, develop teamwork skills, and learn new ways of communicating with your peers and others.
From sports fields and equipment to the only alpine climbing tower in the state of Mississippi, Jacobs Camp has everything you need for an active retreat.
Outdoor Sports Facilities: With a wide range of outdoor fields and facilities, many lighted for nighttime use, you can play just about every sport at Jacobs.
- Softball field
- Soccer field
- Basketball court
- Volleyball court with a grass surface
- Tennis center with three concrete courts
- Ga-ga pit (a.k.a. Israeli Dodgeball)
- Kickball field (day use only)
- Kickballs
- Softballs and bats
- Soccer balls
- Basketballs
- Volleyballs and nets
- Dodgeballs
Challenge Course: Jacobs has the best ropes course in all of Mississippi! All challenge course activities must be overseen by a trained facilitator. Groups are expected to hire their own trained facilitators whose certifications must be approved by the Camp. (If you need referrals for trained facilitators, please be in touch with the Camp.) The course includes:
- 50' Alpine Climbing Tower - the only one in the state of Mississippi!
- High ropes course with 9 different elements
- Low ropes challenge course with 15 different elements
- 35' outdoor climbing wall
- Zip line
- Giant swing
The Eighty Acres: Set apart from the main areas of Camp, the “Eighty Acres” is a beautiful and serene natural setting for great outdoor activities and adventure.
- Golf driving range, 250 feet long
- Bike trails: One of our best mountain bike and hiking trails encircles the Eighty Acres, and is almost two miles long.We also have miles of bike and foot trails throughout our grounds.
- Hiking trails
- Primitive camp site
Campfire Circle / Amphitheater / Prayer Trail: No camp would be complete without a Campfire Circle, and we have a beautiful one! With a lighted stage, ample seating, a wooded backdrop, and plenty of shade, the amphitheater is a great place to gather around the fire. Set off in the woods near the amphitheater is a Prayer Trail - with beautiful art work as a guide, one can stroll through the Jewish prayer service and experience this beautiful natural setting.
Our team will happily prepare all meals and snacks for your group. You determine meal times and choice of service. We usually serve meals either buffet-style or family-style depending upon your requirements.
Our Kitchen Staff stands ready to cater special meals, snacks, and parties for your group. Almost anything is possible with enough advance notice. We will work with you to develop a price for any "specials" you may want (including waiters).
Dining Hall: The Dining Room is equipped with folding banquet tables and stacking chairs that can comfortably seat up to 375, with 12-16 people per table. The venue is equipped with a sound system, permanent video rear-projection system, and a stage that can support anything from skits to productions.
