JCC Summer Camp is more than just a place where children come to play during the summer. It is a transformative experience that your children will remember for the rest of their lives. Every camper will discover, grow and learn within the supportive and safe environment that JCC Summer Camp provides. Whether it’s the new friends your child will make or the first time your child swims across the pool, every camper will come home with new stories about the activities and people at camp. JCC Summer Camp is an experience like no other and it is hard to put into words but it’s all about the smiles and laughter and excitement and campers never wanting to leave and always wanting to come back.
2016 SUMMER CAMP THEME: Imagination
Join us as we explore our creativity through imagination. Throughout the summer, campers will learn the importance of social action and how they can make positive social change. Camp will foster self-esteem and help campers develop their understanding of, and an appreciation for, the world in which we live at camp, at home and in the greater community. We believe that all campers can participate, all campers can succeed and all campers can make a new friend.
COMMUNICATION
Most communication between JCC Summer Camp, campers and their families will be done electronically, please add us to your address book so we don’t end up in the SPAM folder! All camp calendars, overnight packing lists, and weekly updates regarding camp will be emailed. PLEASE make sure your correct email address is on file with the Camp Office prior to the beginning of camp. Photos will be uploaded to the JCC Louisville Summer Camp Facebook page daily. Reminder: by signing the camp registration form you are authorizing the JCC to use your child’s image. In the event you do not wish your child’s image be used, please submit your request in writing to the Camp Office.
You can expect the following communications from us:
- The Wednesday before each week your child is registered you will receive a session letter emailed to you with information about overnights, field trips and other special events that will occur that week.
- Each evening you will receive an email from your child’s unit head with photos and stories about camp that day
- Each Friday you will receive the weekly email newsletter with photos and stories about camp that week
- Photos posted daily (Monday through Friday) on the JCC Facebook page
- A call or email from the camp office if we are missing an RSVP for an overnight or other special event paper work
- A call from a member of the camp leadership team if your child has ongoing/consistent challenges in line with our camp conduct policy
- The camp staff is always available during the summer to answer questions about general programs.
- Check the JCC Summer Camp Facebook page for pictures and reminders.
CAMP STAFF
Our dedicated and responsible camp staff are carefully selected for their skills, experience and interest in working with children. They receive extensive training prior to the summer and ongoing supervision during the summer to ensure they provide the highest quality care. They are trained in creative programming, group dynamics, child development, conflict resolution, safety procedures and more. An Israeli Shaliach (counselor from Israel) will be at camp all summer infusing Israeli culture into JCC camp. Click here for Camp Director contact information.
The JCC has the perfect facility for your child’s summer camp experience rain or shine. Our 17-acres include 2 softball fields, 2 soccer fields, a gaga pit, 2 playgrounds, a new fire pit and a covered pavilion with picnic tables. Camp’s indoor space includes 2 full-sized gymnasiums, auditorium with theatre stage, indoor child-friendly activity spaces, heated indoor pool and a full dance studio. The outdoor pool complex includes a nine-lane 25-meter heated lap pool, family pool with a diving well and the Seng Jewelers Wading Pool for our youngest swimmers.
MORNING CIRCLE
Every morning our campers begin their day with music, singing and dancing.
Afternoon Circle
Each afternoon our campers will end their day with music, singing and dancing
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Our on-site garden provides hands-on experiences include watering, tending and picking fruits and vegetables. The campers will learn how to grow and eat healthy food. The fruits and vegetables are not only enjoyed by our campers but are also donated to the Jewish Family & Career Services’ food pantry.
YACHAD – PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The JCC is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion or special needs. Yachad is our inclusion program that offers children with special needs and learning differences the opportunity to fully enjoy the JCC camp experience. Some children are assigned a full-day advocate while others utilize an advocate assistant during challenging times or activities. Advocates personalize the camp experience to meet the individual needs of the child. Intake forms are required for acceptance into the program. If your child has any form of IEP or attends an alternative school it is recommended you complete an intake form prior to enrollment in camp. For more information, contact Camp Director, Betsy Schwartz at bschwartz@jewishlouisville.org or 502-238-2708
ACA Accreditation
ACA Accreditation means that your child’s camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation–from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your child’s camp reflect the most up-to-date, research based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
BRING ISRAEL TO YOUR HOME
Your Family Can Make a Difference!
Your family has an opportunity to be part of a wonderful and unique experience. Campers enrolled in our day camps are fortunate to experience the joy of Israel with our Shlichim (staff from Israel). They infuse our day camp programs with Israeli music, dancing, sports, food, language, trends and the inside scoop on Israeli life! Personalize the experience for your entire family by hosting one of our Shlichim for a 1- 2 week period. For more information, please contact any of the year-round staff .
CAMP CONDUCT POLICY
Every effort will be made by staff to ensure a positive camp experience for your children. In the event that there are behavioral difficulties, which are deemed irreconcilable, children may be removed from any JCC summer program either in part or in full. Availability of refunds, partial or full, will be determined by Center staff.
CAMP COMMITTEE
- David Elster, Chair
- Caren Bailen
- Catie Bayne
- Keren Benabou
- Judith Danovitch
- Seana Golder
- Andrew Ignatow
- Nic Noles
- Kristen Yoffe
F
UNDED IN PART BY
- Perelmuter and Goldberg Orthodontics
- Florence Kreitman Isaacs Summer Camp Fund
- Sadye and Maurice Grossman Community Service Camp Fund
- National Inclusion Project
- JCamp 180
- Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence
The JCC is open and accessible to everyone regardless of age, race, religion, national origin or special need.
CAMP OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, February 28, 1-4pm
Ask questions about summer camp. Tour the facility and outdoor camp space. Meet the camp directors and some year-round JCC camp employees.
REGISTRATION
JCC Member priority registration begins February 1, 2016
Community registration begins February 28, 2016
Space is limited, many weeks sell out quickly
DISCOUNTS
*New Camper Enrollment
Save $50 off your first week of enrollment your first summer.
*A new camper has not attended camp in 2012-2015.
Camper Loyalty Discount *
Re-enrolling campers from 2015, sign up for 9 weeks of camp and take $50 off your 9th week.
A limited number of scholarships are available to members who enroll in traditional camp. Scholarships may not be used in conjunction with any other discount. Deadline to apply is May 4. Financial assistance may run out prior to this date.