Written by Aaron Cantor, Emma Litwak, David May-Stein, Brandi Tedesco, and Kathy Wayne
There is a particular kind of energy that shows up in the days right before Camp opens. If you’ve experienced it before, you know exactly what we’re describing. All of our JCC Camps are underway, fulfilling our stated mantra of “living 10 for 2” – meaning we live the 10 months out of the year, to get our 2 months at Camp. Across all five of our JCC Camp programs, Emma Kaufmann Camp, J&R Day Camp, South Hills Day Camp, Specialty Camps, and Performing Arts Camp, over a thousand campers will call our programs home this summer and experience something that genuinely has the power to change them.
When we talk about what we hope that looks like, we always come back to four words: Connections, Values, Growth, and Fun. We send kids to Camp to connect with friends who become family and a community that will show up for them long after the summer ends. We send them to learn values rooted in Jewish wisdom and lived experience. We send them to grow in confidence and independence, so they leave more ready for whatever comes next. And we send them to have fun, because kids, and honestly adults too, just need that sometimes.
With all of our programs operating for at least a week, and Specialty Camps kicking off shortly, here’s what is happening so far!
South Hills Day Camp
One of the highlights of the summer so far has been welcoming our Shlichim, Israeli Ambassadors, who have quickly become an integral part of the South Hills Day Camp community. Through Israeli dancing, games, songs, cultural activities, and simply spending time with campers throughout the day, they bring an energy and connection that makes camp feel even more special.
It has been incredible to watch campers build relationships with our Shlichim, ask questions, learn about life in Israel, and gain a broader understanding of the global Jewish community.
Whether leading a spirited dance at flagpole, teaching a new Hebrew phrase, or joining campers in everyday camp activities, they help create meaningful moments that embody what camp is all about: building connections, celebrating our shared values, and creating experiences that campers will remember long after summer ends.
Emma Kaufmann Camp
At EKC, our first week has been nothing short of incredible. There is something about the energy of opening week that reminds you exactly why you do this work. The waterfront is alive, the bunks are full, and the ruach of this first week is already carrying us straight into Shabbat.
Tonight, I will stand with over 500 campers and staff and sing Shalom Aleichem together for the first time this summer, and I genuinely cannot wait. There is no better way to close a first week than that.
If this week is any indication of what the weeks ahead hold for us, we are in for something really special.
Performing Arts Camp
What a fantastic first week at Performing Arts Camp (PAC)! Our 45 talented campers have filled the camp with energy, laughter, and a shared love of singing, dancing, and acting.
This week, we held auditions for our musical production of High School Musical 2, and we were so impressed by the confidence, creativity, and hard work each camper brought to the auditions. It has been heartwarming to watch new friendships form already and to see our campers bond over their passion for the performing arts.
The excitement is contagious, and we can’t wait to see how much they grow as performers and as a cast family throughout the next few weeks. We are off to a great start and look forward to an unforgettable camp experience together!
Specialty Camps
Our Specialty Camps team had a wonderful three days of staff training as counselors and inclusion specialists prepared for an exciting summer ahead.
During training, staff participated in team-building activities, reviewed camp policies and safety procedures, practiced leading engaging programs, and focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for every camper.
The enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication shown by our team have been inspiring, and we are feeling confident and ready for an amazing summer. We are counting down the days and can’t wait to welcome campers on July 6 as we kick off another unforgettable season of Specialty Camps!
J&R Day Camp
J&R is officially underway, and the energy around camp has been incredible! Flagpole has been electric each morning as campers eagerly jump into Israeli dancing, proudly share their unit cheers, and learn the Hebrew word of the day. This morning featured a personal favorite: the weekly bus song competition, which had campers singing at the top of their lungs and showing off their camp spirit before the day even began.
This week, we are also introducing our first middah of the summer, Kehillah Kedosha (Sacred Community). At J&R, camp is more than just a place we spend our summers. It is a community where everyone belongs, supports one another, and helps create a welcoming environment for all. Through daily conversations, activities, and shared experiences, campers are learning that each person plays an important role in making our camp community strong, kind, and sacred. We are excited to continue building our Kehillah Kedosha together throughout the summer.
Summer is just getting started, and there’s still time to join the fun! We have openings in select camp programs. To learn more about our camps and register, click HERE.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and happy camping!
