The record warm days in February in Arizona serve as a potent reminder that summer will be here in no time. It’s time to start thinking about camp for the kids. While there are lots of options these days, the three JCCs in the state want to give kids the option to enjoy their offerings within the context of a Jewish day camp setting. Everyone is gearing up for the most diverse and exciting summer yet!
The East Valley JCC announced that ECE Director Pam Morris will head up the preschool camp at the Chandler facility. Kids from ages 2 to 4 will enjoy a wide array of activities in Camp K’Tonton. Three three-week sessions start May 26, with a pre-camp and post-camp week available, as well.
Camp for those from kindergarten through ninth grade is called Camp Gadol and is broken into age groupings. Camp director is Jeff Hast, who moved to Arizona last summer. “I am definitely a proud product of the JCC preschool and day camps system,” says Jeff. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Jeff spent “17 fantastic summers” at Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia. He has years of experience working in preschools, elementary schools, Hebrew school and classrooms for children with special needs. With a B.A. in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in Jewish professional leadership as well as a master’s in business administration from Brandeis, Jeff is a welcome addition to the local Jewish community. Jeff was also a volunteer for Otzma, a yearlong volunteer program in Israel.
“I am thrilled to be joining the East Valley JCC and becoming an active member of the greater Phoenix Jewish community that has already shown itself to be so welcoming and wonderful,” says Jeff. “I am very passionate about working with children of all ages, creating fun and memorable Jewish experiences for youth and teens while supporting others in creating programming and developing their new ideas. I cannot think of a better place where I get to do all of those things every single day than at the JCC, and I cannot wait to begin!”
EV JCC is putting extra energy into a more comprehensive Counselor in Training program for those “hard-to-please” teens entering grades 10 and 11. The CIT program offers leadership opportunities, mitzvah projects (which provide community service hours), team building, field trips and even resume guidance. The program combines “training, real world experience and adventure.” Interviews are required for acceptance, and interested teens are encouraged to apply now.
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At the Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale, the dedicated staff is gearing up for a summer filled with a multitude of options for the young camper. “We listened to the community and have designed programming to fit community needs,” says Camp Director Jane Wray. To that end, Camp Shemesh will offer not only traditional summer camps and sports camps, but also weekly specialty camps to appeal to just about any interest area you can imagine. “Some weeks we’ll actually have seven different types of camps going on,” says Jane with a grin. “We have partnered with some professional companies for some areas and have made sure to hire the best and most experienced staff, as well.”
One example of partnering is the new Academic Camp for grades K-8. “We were told that many kids need some reinforcement or want to get a little ahead in some academic skills. We are so fortunate to have Pardes School right on our campus, and (we) are working with them,” Jane says. In this camp, academic classes will be offered three mornings a week, with the remaining time being filled with more traditional camp activities.
The J is also partnering with a variety of sports organizations to offer high-level specialty sports camps. Among the partners are the Phoenix Rush Soccer Club, Ventura Basketball Academy, AZ AirTime for gymnastics and acrobatics, Seth Korey Tennis and AmenZone Foundation for fitness and conditioning. They even have drama coaches coming in for the special “Camp Shemesh Has Talent” camp. The J has also expanded its number of weeks for Camp Ometz for children with special needs.
“We feel it’s imperative to be sensitive to the needs of the community,” Jane says. “We really think we have a camp that will be just right for each camper!”
Early Bird Special deals are available until March 20.
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The Tucson JCC has a great summer planned, filled with camps old and new. Director Scott Zorn and his staff are busy planning activities around this summer’s theme, Around the World, with weekly themes celebrating different cultures throughout the world.
Back again are traditional camps, Shalom (grades K-2) and Giborim (grades 3-5), which include specialists in arts, crafts, community service, drama, cooking, dance, music and Judaica. Also back are sports camps, including Junior Sports Camp for grades 2 and 3, and Ultimate Sports Camp for grades 4-6, focusing on sportsmanship, skills and drills with weekly focus on specific sports. The campers will enjoy visits from the Diamondbacks and FC Tucson (Arizona’s premier development soccer league team). Also returning are the popular Travel Camps for Teens with weekly trips in and around Southern Arizona.
There’s plenty new this summer, as well. Camps are now open to nonmembers. New offerings include one-week specialty camps in photography, cooking with Haile Thomas and pottery. Check out Camp Noar for travel to Southern California and Colorado for grades 8 and up.
The Israeli connection will include visits from Tzofim Caravan (Israel Scouts) and hosting the Sports4All Youth Basketball team from Tucson’s Israel Partnership city Hof Ashkelon, Israel. Camp J is the only American Camp Association accredited camp in Tucson.
tucsonjcc.org | 520-299-3000 | [email protected]
Many temples and synagogues offer at least preschool care and camps. Check out the multitude of offerings available for your youngsters to have a fun and exciting summer within a Jewish atmosphere.
