Jewish Summer Camp

Jewish Summer Camp - JCC Camps

Enrich your child's culture at Jewish summer camps. Unless your child is enrolled in a Jewish school or is extremely active in a Jewish community, it's unlikely that the child experiences all aspects of Judaism. By sending your child to JCC camps, that child experiences all aspects of the Jewish culture.

Facts about Jewish Summer Camps

The Jewish Camping Foundation lists more than 110 JCC camps throughout the United States and Canada. Camps include day camps and overnight camps.

There are Jewish summer camps for all ages from children to older teens. Most camps happily accommodate special needs children and some camps are designed strictly for special needs children, including those with Aspergers, autism, Down syndrome or a physical handicap.

Jewish summer camps offer a variety of programs. Some camps specialize in athletics while others focus solely on the Jewish lifestyle. There are even camps that travel to Israel and Jerusalem allowing youngsters to view the Jewish culture overseas.

Tips for Finding a Suitable Jewish Summer Camp

When narrowing your search for JCC camps, start by exploring websites. The Jewish Camping Foundation offers links to many Jewish summer camps. Be sure to check the sample daily activity schedule to make sure that it's a good fit for your child.

If one camp looks great, but you're not sure you can afford it, don't give up. There are grants and scholarships available to help parents send their child to suitable JCC camps.

Make sure the camp accepts your child's age group. Some JCC camps are strictly for teens, while others stick to the younger camper. You should also check gender restrictions, there are many all-boy or all-girl Jewish summer camps.

As your Jewish community members where they've sent their children. Word of mouth referrals are usually the best way to determine a camp's quality. Also ask your community leaders for suggestions.

Don't be afraid to ask to visit a Jewish summer camp before making a final decision. Many parents tour camps in the height of camping season the year before their child goes to camp. This allows parents to talk with campers to get a feel for what the camp offers, meet the staff and how activities are managed.

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