Why Camp J?

Camp Friends are Forever Friends

Camp provides:

Developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences
• Discovery through experiential education
• Caring, competent role models
• High staff to camper ratios
• Service to the community and the environment
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

The Trager Family JCC is open and accessible to everyone regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation or special need. Camp J is an inclusive camp that offers children with special needs and learning differences the opportunity to fully enjoy the Camp J experience.

FACILITY

The 30-acre Trager Family JCC campus includes green spaces, two gaga pits, an educational garden, and programming tents. The outdoor pool complex includes a nine-lane, 25-meter heated lap pool, a family pool with a diving well and the Seng Jewelers Wading Pool for our youngest swimmers. Camp’s indoor space includes two full-sized gymnasiums, two auditoriums with theatre stages, indoor child-friendly activity spaces, a heated indoor zero-depth entry pool and more.

CAMP COUNSELORS

Our dedicated and responsible camp counselors are carefully vetted and selected for their skills, experience and interest in working with children. They receive 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. Two Israeli Shlichim (counselors from Israel) will be at camp all summer infusing Israeli culture into Camp J.

Daily Swim

All campers participate in free swim every day (weather permitting) and are supervised by counselors, certified lifeguards, and a camp supervisor. At the beginning of each session, campers are evaluated by aquatics staff. Depending on the campers’ swim ability they receive a colored wristband worn during camp. 

Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons will be provided for campers in Keff (traditional camp for grades K-2nd) who are red bands for 30 minutes, three days a week. Campers who are receiving swim lessons will still have free swim each day. 

Specialists

All traditional campers will have the opportunity to meet with specialists in areas such as: visual art, nature, creative movement, science, drama, music, sports, and Israeli culture. Each camper enrolled in traditional camp will participate in these areas throughout the week.

Communication

We will post regular photos and updates to our Camp J – Louisville Facebook page so you can see what your camper is up to all day! We will also email you each week with information regarding the week’s schedule, specific drop-off and pickup information, a list of what to bring, and any announcements for the week. Please make sure the correct email addresses are on when registering for camp.

If at any point you would like to discuss your camper’s experience, please email dsiskin@jewishlouisville.org or call at 502-238-2708.

Judaism at Camp

We strive to create a space at camp where all of our Jewish campers feel comfortable. Camp J is considered a Jewish normative space, meaning that Camp J will default to serving kosher foods, celebrating Shabbat each week, and learning Jewish songs. Camp J does not teach theology or proselytize, campers of all faiths are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

All campers will participate in a Shabbat program on Fridays. To celebrate Shabbat, age appropriate activities are planned throughout the day.  We begin the camp day with a special morning circle under the camp tree with all campers on site and conclude with a closing circle and a special Shabbat program on Fridays. These programs highlight Jewish traditions of peace, reflection, and quality time with loved ones. 

BRING ISRAEL TO YOUR HOME

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! 

Bring the Israeli experience to your entire family by hosting our Shlichim for a few weeks in your home! Hosts will receive a discount on camp as a thank you. For more information, please contact David Siskin at dsiskin@jewishlouisville.org

MORNING & afternoon CIRCLE

Every morning and afternoon all campers join under our camp tree for music, singing and dancing. These are special times in our camp day when all campers are participating together and celebrating the beginning and end of each camp day.

 

Educational GARDEN

Our on-site garden provides hands-on experiences include watering, tending and picking fruits and vegetables. The campers learn how to grow and care for all the nutritional foods grown in the garden. The fruits and vegetables are enjoyed by our campers and the community.