jCamp is a summer journalism workshop run by the Virginia Association of Journalism Teachers & Advisers (VAJTA) at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, home of the student paper The Breeze. Started in 2009, it has been held at JMU for ten years.
Campers choose daily break-out sessions in writing, photography, video, design, law and ethics, and digital journalism. It suits beginners, students sharpening their skills and publication staffs planning the year ahead.
Benefits & funding
- Instruction, a dorm room and meals, all covered by the registration fee you pay.
- 2026 fee: $525 by April 1, $575 by May 1, $625 by June 1.
- No scholarships are mentioned on the camp page.
- Billed as five days; the 2026 camp ran July 19–22.
Eligibility
- Students entering grades 7–12 in the fall (the registration form’s grade options).
- Journalism advisers may attend alongside their students (optional).
- Any experience level, beginners included.
- Out-of-state campers are welcome; no state or citizenship rule is stated.
- Campers can come as residents or commuters; a commuter fee is not published.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Complete VAJTA’s online registration form, with parent or guardian details.
- 2Mail a check payable to VAJTA by the fee-tier date (last: June 1); registration counts only once payment arrives.
- 3A release form and camp information follow after payment.
Program timeline
Early-bird registration ($525)
April 1, 2026
Regular registration ($575)
May 1, 2026
Final registration deadline ($625)
June 1, 2026
Camp at JMU
July 19–22, 2026