As the cooler temperatures this week suggest, summer is drawing to a close and fall will soon be upon us. Not one to give up on the sun and fun so easily, though, I thought I might extend the summer just a bit by highlighting some of our camps’ most recent crowning achievements:

• 97% of EKC families describe their overall summer experience as excellent or good.

• 98% of EKC families describe the overall environment at camp as excellent or good.

• 94% of EKC families reported that camp was excellent or good in having a positive impact on their child’s Jewish identity.

• JCC day camps served 750 children from 90 different schools across Allegheny County.

• 87% of day camp families report that camp was excellent or good at creating an environment that helped their child to experience growth and try new things.

• 87% of day camp families report that camp was excellent or good at creating an environment that supported their child’s mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

• Staff retention across our day camps was nearly 60%, which is 13% higher than the national average according to the Foundation for Jewish Camp.

• As indicated by THIS ARTICLE, our unique approach to inclusion at JCC day camps continues to evolve and meaningful culture change is happening.

And looking forward to next summer:

• Less than three weeks into registration for Summer 2025, 86% of EKC’s 2024 campers have already registered for Summer 2025 and EKC has already equaled the number of unique registrations for the entire 2024 summer (Day camp registration doesn’t open until September 17!!!).

• 19 different age groups/genders at EKC already have a waitlist for Summer 2025.

• 92% of day camp families report that they are extremely likely or likely to recommend camp to family and/or friends.

• 86% of day camp families report that they are extremely likely or likely to return to camp next summer.

So, as the summer sun begins to set, we are not only filled with immense pride and joy reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and impact at our JCC camps this year, but we are already bubbling with anticipation for what awaits next summer. And before we officially turn the page and head into the fall season (click HERE for our full lineup of fall programming in both Squirrel Hill and South Hills), we still have two more weekends at the Henry Kaufmann Family Park. The weather on Saturday and Sunday is forecast to be sunny and in the high 80’s, so be sure to come join us and make some more summer 2024 memories!

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,

Jason