A Summer Letter from the President

Jul 26
2 min read

Dear Friends of BJP,

Greetings from Fairfield University! Our students, teachers, and counselors arrived at Camp Montmartre 2026 last Saturday, and I’m happy to report that the annual program is off to a great start.

Why is camp so important? I’d like to suggest that one of our activities–swimming lessons–serves as a microcosm for the entire experience.

Fairfield, Connecticut is a long way from Flatbush, Brooklyn. Our students are delighted by the rolling lawns on campus, not to mention the deer and turkeys that sometimes stroll through the grounds.

What’s more, our middle school students learn in high school classrooms, at Fairfield Prep, and live and recreate in college facilities, at Fairfield University. These environments allow our students to imagine themselves into the successful academic futures that lie ahead.

Especially for our rising 6th graders, many of them away from home for the first time, camp is like jumping into the deep end.

The spirit on the pool deck is infectious. There is a mix of nervousness and excitement, especially during swim tests when campers strive to earn their green wrist band. To me, there is little more inspiring than hearing students encourage one another.

The only thing more inspiring is the look on a swimmer’s face when they have passed the test. It’s not about the wrist band. It’s not even about swimming. It’s about confidence, growth, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Please keep our students, faculty, and counselors in your prayers as camp continues. We admire our students’ courage and appreciate our faculty and counselors’ loving guidance. We are grateful to our partners at Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep and everyone who makes this experience possible.

Thank you for your support of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful summer, and please know that you remain in our prayers.

With best regards,

James L. Kennedy

President