Summertime Means Lots of Fun at JCC Camp

Summer Camp 2011 is underway at the Jewish Community Center, and that brings many children to campus for fun-filled weeks of wide-ranging activities. Children and their families choose from traditional camp programs and specialty camps.

 

In the dance group, children have already been working hard on three dances that they will master by today.

Children are also taking swimming lessons, and engaged in art projects, kickball, ga-ga and more!  Throughout the summer some campers will participate in drama, basketball, horseback riding and travel camps. On Wednesday, the bubble truck came, blowing bubbles that provided slippery wet fun for one and all. Pirate day was scheduled for today.

The JCC Summer Camp’s reputation for high quality programs has grown, and this year’s camps attendance has increased by about 38 campers the first week, with 249 children enrolled in the first week of camp, and 500 campers total for the summer.

The staff at JCC Summer Camp is a well-rounded bunch who love working with children.

According to Camp Director Julie Hollander, “some of the staff first came to the JCC Summer Camp as kids.” Others are experts in their fields, so children in dance, sports, drama and other specialty camps are learning and having fun with the best.

Hollander said her favorite part about JCC Summer Camp is “making sure the kids have an awesome summer and are learning new things.” The counselors help make sure the kids are having a great time throughout their various activities. Hollander likes to see kids “getting excited and spirited about being at camp.”

Sofia Brantley, a second grader, said her favorite part of camp was “cheering for the Armadillos” her camp group name.

The Jewish aspects of camp add to its success. Tikkun Olam service projects and participating in some Shabbat rituals on Friday mornings at morning circle add meaning to the program.  One of the activities is planting a garden and donating the food to the Meyer Food Pantry at Jewish Family & Career Services.

On Tuesday, Jared Tuvlin, a kindergartner, said his favorite parts of camp so far have been “painting the raised bed garden (behind the pavilion) and going off the diving board.”

While some of the camps have filled up completely, there are still openings in Camp Keff, Camp J-Tots, CenterStage, Horseback Riding, Basketball Camp, Trek 46 and Adventure Camp.

CenterStage is the theater program for children interested in learning how to sing, dance and act. Camp Keff is for youngsters in kindergarten through third grade. Camp J-Tots is the preschool program.

For more information about JCC summer camp, go to the camp page by clicking here or call 459-0660.

Daniel Greenberg says, “This is the best camp ever.”

[by Michael Klein]

{gallery}Community/2011/061711/CAMP{/gallery}

Leave a Reply