MJCC Day Camp Brochure 2023

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Ages 3 - 15

June 14 - Sept. 1, 2023

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

safe

fun!

To MJCC Summer Day Camp!

We provide quality programs that are age-appropriate, fun, and safe for ages 3 - 15.

From the moment you drop your camper off at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center to the moment they climb back in the car to go home at the end of the day, we make sure that a good (and safe!) time is had by all. Through socialization, arts and crafts, sports, games, and imaginative play, we encourage growth, inspire confidence, and provide the framework for lasting memories and friendships.

Our camp is imbued with a sense of Simcha (joy), Kehila (community), Ruach (spirit), and Kef (fun). Throughout all of our programs, we encourage discovery and self-expression.

Table of Contents

Welcome page 2

Camp Contacts page 4

Why MJCC Day Camp page 5

Inclusion + Calm Space page 6

Important Dates page 7

Camps Calendar pages 8-9

Camp By Age page 10

Our Camps page 11

Rates + Registration page 12

More Details page 13

FAQ pages 14-15

MJCC Membership page 16

The MJCC welcomes everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

camp contacts

Contact Info

Youth Programs Manager: Holden Regnier

Direct Office Line: 971.254.8332

MJCC Main Phone: 503.244.0111

Fax: 503.245.4233

Email: daycamp@oregonjcc.org

Camp Address:

6651 SW Capitol Highway Portland, OR 97219

Our Staff

It takes a great staff to make a great camp. We carefully screen and interview candidates to ensure that we hire staff who are committed, hardworking, and enthusiastic role models for kids. All of our staff undergo a criminal background check and are certified in First Aid and CPR. All camp staff participate in our intensive, multi-day staff training. Many of our camp staff return to us year after year, and our campers are excited to see their favorite counselors each summer.

Connect with us online: oregonjcc.org/daycamp facebook.com/mjccpdx instagram.com/mjccpdx

Holden Regnier (He/Him)

why mjcc day camp?

Full-Day Fun Options!

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

CIT Program

“Counselors-in-Training” learn leadership + teamwork

Jewish Culture

Such as: Shabbat every Friday

Consistent Counselors

Teaching 21st Century Life Skills

Such as communication, collaboration, and creativity

Health + Safety Protocols

Member Discounts

Make Friends for Life!

Offering outstanding camp programs since 1947!

summer of fun!

Our kids love every day of camp, and they enjoy their friends and counselors so much! They have fun stories to share and are making great memories with you all. We truly appreciate everyone who comes together to make the summer memorable and enjoyable for our kids.

Inclusion

Our summer camp is a place where values are taught, community is developed, and friendships and memories are made. Our mission is to be accessible for campers with various needs and backgrounds, and our goal is to provide a successful camp experience for all.

If your child requires additional assistance or support, we strive to make appropriate accommodations in all our camp programs. We work to understand and thoughtfully address each camper’s needs to determine what resources we have to enable meaningful participation.

For more information, please contact the Camp Management Staff at daycamp@oregonjcc.org or 971.254.8332.

Calm Space

Our calm space is a dedicated room for campers who may need time and space away from their group. Campers may come and go from this space as needed. If a camper ever feels overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just needs some alone time, this space will have sensory friendly games and counselors available to support them. If you believe your child may need frequent access to this space, please note this in your camper’s health form and inform staff of any specific details regarding your camper’s needs.

- Sababa and Kef Camper Parent

important dates

March 1, 2023

Member Registration opens (8:00 am)

March 6, 2023

General Registration opens (8:00 am)

June 23, 2023

Camp Kickoff Schmooze

Campers and parents will have the opportunity to meet counselors, get to know other camp families, get a sneak peak into their pod’s rooms, and check out camp spaces. More information and details will be shared via email to registered camp families in June.

August 17, 2023

End of Camp Carnival

Campers and their families from all of summer are invited to celebrate the end of our Day Camp season together! There will be games, music, a bounce house, and refreshments. More information to be shared during summer.

*Note that campers must be on an MJCC Membership prior to enrolling in order to access early member registration, as well as member rates. We cannot retroactively honor member rates.

camps calendar

SABABA

(Ages 3 - 4)

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Half Day: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

SIMCHA

(Kindergarten)

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

KEHILA

(Grades 1 - 2)

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Specialty June 14-16

Back in the Saddle (country/western)

Skyhawks Basketball (am) *

Skyhawks Soccer (pm) * No Pre-care and After-care

Skyhawks Basketball (am) *

Skyhawks Soccer (pm) * Art Camp (pm) * No Pre-care and After-care

Back in the Saddle (country/western)

Skyhawks Basketball (am) * Skyhawks Soccer (pm) * No Pre-care and After-care

Skyhawks Basketball (am) * Skyhawks Soccer (pm) * Art Camp (pm) * No Pre-care and After-care

Back in the Saddle (country/western)

* Shortened weeks. Vacation Day Camp will be offered on Monday, July 3, 2023.

RUACH

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Skyhawks Basketball (am) * Skyhawks Soccer (pm) *

Skyhawks

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Skyhawks Basketball (am) *

JR. + SR. CIT (Grades

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

Full Day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Skyhawks

camps by age

Camps by Age

Sababa: Ages 3 - 4

Simcha: Kindergarten

Kehila: Grades 1 - 2

Ruach: Grades 3 - 4

Kef: Grades 5 - 7

CIT: Grades 8 - 10

* Campers should register for the grade they are rising into in the fall of 2023.

Member Registration opens March 1

General Registration opens March 6

Sababa | Cool (Ages 3 - 4)

We aim to offer your child a summer of exciting exploration and nurture your child’s development to help them make connections to the world around them. We inspire imagination through hands-on activities and large and fine motor skill development while balancing individual needs and interests. Sababa campers will participate in activities around the weekly camp themes and have Jewish enrichment activities on their own. Sababa campers will go outside as much as possible and celebrate Shabbat on Fridays. Please bring naptime bedding if desired. Full-day campers will have quiet/nap time after lunch. Campers must be potty trained. (No diapers or pull-ups). Sababa campers do not participate in swimming.

Simcha | Joy (Kindergarten)

These young campers want to have fun and explore. Camp can be challenging for our young friends - just as they have gotten their routine down at school or at home, they are in a new environment, doing new things. We recognize this and work to give our Simcha campers some extra TLC. Simcha introduces kids to camp, promoting fun, friendship, and life skills. Experiences will encourage your child to make new friends, build social skills, develop teamwork, inspire imagination, and foster creativity.

Simcha provides a well-rounded foundation for the future. With smaller camper-to-counselor ratios, experienced counselors, structured activities, purposeful play, and naptime option for full-day campers, we aim to balance the needs and interests of each child. Campers must be fully potty trained.

Kehila | Community (Grades 1 - 2)

Kehila engages campers in a wide variety of ageappropriate activities within a well-planned and structured format. Campers are encouraged to try new things, work as a team, think outside the box, and be creative. We promote curiosity, persistence, and self-control. Campers will gain self-confidence and adaptability, all while having fun and making new friends.

Ruach | Spirit (Grades 3 - 4)

Tailored to their growing interests and activity levels, Camp Ruach promotes social skills, adaptability, and self-confidence. Campers are encouraged to collaborate and co-create with one another in an environment that promotes positivity and growth. We strive to instill accountability, initiative, and creativity and provide campers with the support to try new things and explore new interests.

Kef | Fun (Grades 5 - 7)

Kef campers will have the opportunity to explore, discover, and most importantly, interact socially with peers. Look forward to field trips and outings. We aim to foster valuable life skills with Kef campers, such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Campers will work as a team and build independence, all while having “Kef” (fun)!

Counselor in Training

JR. CIT (Grades 8 - 9). SR. CIT (Grade 10)

This leadership development program is designed to empower teens by offering new responsibilities and challenges, including working with younger campers and counselors each day of camp. CITs gain hands-on experience during their program, learning positive mentorship and leadership skills. Campers in the CIT program collaborate with their dedicated Unit Head and other staff, get to work with different age groups, and even help create and facilitate camp activities. Junior CITs will primarily be working with Simcha through Ruach aged campers, whereas Senior CITs will primarily be working with Sababa and Kef aged camper groups. CITs regularly will have their own group outings, like field trips to local parks and ice cream shops. Senior CITs will also be able to accompany Kef campers on their group field trips.

our camps

Classic camp Specialty camps

Sababa

Weekly: June 26 - Aug. 17

Half-day: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Full-day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Summer camp is beneficial for preschool aged children as it introduces children to concepts such as following a schedule, learning group rules, taking responsibility for their belongings, and getting along with others in a group setting. Sababa will aim to help your preschooler build self-confidence, work in a team, and learn to follow the rules while having fun engaging in arts, crafts, songs, water play, and much more.

Simcha, Kehila, Ruach, Kef, + CIT

Weekly: June 26 - Aug. 17

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Classic camp includes sports, cooking, Jewish culture, drama, nature, arts + crafts, and swimming. Campers often stay with the same counselor throughout the summer, which provides a sense of consistency and helps campers feel safe and comfortable. Classic camp has a different theme each week! Campers create crafts, play games, and do activities that revolve around the theme. See pages 8-9 for the themes. We go outdoors as often as possible but have the opportunity to stay indoors, as well. All campers celebrate Shabbat on Fridays.

Pre-Care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

After-Care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Supervised fun to provide more flexibility to your summer schedule! Open to all MJCC Day campers. Camper must be enrolled in an MJCC Day Camp for the week to be eligible for pre- or after-care.

Swimming

Our Simcha, Ruach, Kehila, and Kef campers get in the pool each week. It is one of the great benefits of MJCC Day Camp! We have an outstanding aquatic facility that allows kids to enjoy the water safely under the close supervision of Red Cross certified lifeguards. Note: Sababa campers do not swim during summer day camp. A swim assessment is required for all campers. Life jackets will be available for all swimmers. Please bring your own towel.

Skyhawks Camps

Kindergarten - Grade 6

Half-day camps with full-day option. No Pre-care and After-care options.

June 14 - 16

June 20 - 23

Aug. 21 - 25

Aug. 28 - Sept. 1

Skyhawks Basketball: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for the beginning to intermediate player. Using curriculum that is built on a progression, basketball coaches focus on the whole player, teaching respect, teamwork, and responsibility in an active camp that involves passing, shooting, dribbling, and defense.

Skyhawks Soccer: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for the beginning to intermediate player. Using curriculum that is built on a progression, soccer coaches focus on the whole player, teaching respect, teamwork, and responsibility in an active camp that involves passing, shooting, dribbling, and defense. No cleats please, and shin guards are optional.

Sign up for both Skyhawks morning and afternoon camps. We provide care from 12:00 - 1:00 pm if registered for both morning and afternoon camps. Make sure to sign up for Lunch Bunch and remember to bring your own lunch.

Art Camp: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

June 20 - 23

Aug. 21 - 25

Create, color, craft, sculpt, and more! This specialty art class will have varying art projects each day, offering campers time to learn new art techniques and will get to take their masterpieces home with them.

* Please bring a snack and water bottle to all specialty camps.

rates + registration

Camp Hours + Rates

Simcha, Kehila, Ruach, + Kef: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Weekly Cost: $415. Member Cost: $375.

Sababa

Full-day: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: $435. Member Cost: $385.

Half-Day: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: $260. Member Cost: $230.

Jr./Sr. - Counselor in Training: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: $220. Member Cost: $195.

Pre-care: 8:00 - 9:00 am

$50/week. Member: $45/week.

After-care: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Cost: $75/week. Member: $68/week.

Skyhawks Camps - Half-day (full-day option) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Lunch Bunch 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Half-day Camps: Cost: $220. Member Cost: $195.

Lunch Bunch/week: Cost: $55. Member Cost: $50. No Pre-care and After-care options

Art Camp: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Cost: $220/week. Member: $195/week.

*** Shortened weeks will be prorated.

Discounts

• Become an MJCC Member!

Members receive a discounted rate on camps! Plus receive and additional 5% off if you register by April 30!

• Guests: Receive 5% off until March 31, 2023.

• Multi-Week Discounts

Multi-Week discount options will be available at time of enrollment.

Member Registration opens March 1

General Registration opens March 6

Registration New Registration System!!

• Camp registrations for each week are accepted through Thursday of the previous week. We make every effort to accommodate late registrations after Thursday. Call 971.803.7311 for any late registrations. Late registrations are not accepted after Friday.

• Payment is due at the time of registration.

• Enrollment fees totaling $500 or less must be paid in full at the time of registration and may be paid by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX.

• Enrollment fees over $500 may be split into two payments (with a valid credit card on file): one at the time of registration and the other on or before May 31, 2023. The second payment will automatically be charged on May 31, 2023.

Financial Aid

Visit our website for the financial assistance form oregonjcc.org/daycamp. Fill out the form and send to daycamp@oregonjcc.org. We are grateful to the Andrea & Herman Marenstein Endowment Fund, funding the Martha Olshen Scholarship for MJCC campers. We are also grateful to Juan Young Trust for providing financial aid. For more information regarding camp scholarships, please email daycamp@oregonjcc.org.

Cancellations + Refund Policy

Cancellations will incur a $25 processing fee per child per camp. Cancellations made within 14 days of the start of camp cannot be refunded.

MJCC Day Camp reserves the right to cancel camp programs due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Should cancellations occur, Day Camp staff will contact the parents/guardians prior to the camp and refunds or transfers will be given. MJCC Day Camp also reserves the right to dismiss a camper whose behavior violates our Behavior Agreement, in which case no refund is given. The Behavior Agreement can be found in the MJCC Parent Handbook that is emailed to all camper families. Please review the behavior agreement with your camper.

We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and our community for their support of the MJCC.

more Details

Communication

Day Camp Office Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Camp Office: 971.803.7311

• Registration confirmation will be emailed once it has been processed.

• Specific camp information will be emailed the week before each new camp week begins.

• Stay up to date on camp happenings through Facebook, weekly camp email updates, and our website at oregonjcc.org/daycamp.

Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/mjccpdx

Join our Facebook group: MJCC Day Camp Families.

Drop-off

Kehila, Ruach, Kef, CIT (8:45 - 9:05 am)

Pre-Care + After-Care

You will be required to walk your camper in to check-in. Park and walk your child to the Green. All campers will be picked up on the Green.

Sababa + Simcha (8:45 - 9:05 am)

Sababa + Simcha campers should be dropped off and picked up in their classroom.

Safety

We are working diligently to ensure the best experience possible for campers during the upcoming summer. Prioritizing the health and safety of our campers, families, and staff members is our top priority. In the case of inclement weather, we will communicate with families about changes to pre-existing plans.

Lunch + Snacks

Bring a meat-free and shellfish-free lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle. Camp does not provide snacks or water bottles. Interested in ordering your camper a lunch from Cafe at the J to be delivered to them at camp? Menu options and order forms are available on the website at oregonjcc.org/daycamp.

Our Campus

Our campers have access to the wide variety of facilities located on our secure campus at the MJCC.

• 25-yard Main Pool + Warm Water Pool

• Kitchen

• Ballroom

• Gymnasium

• Private outdoor fields + play structures

• Racquetball courts

• Multiple rooms for activities

• Climate-controlled Sportsplex with indoor soccer field and gymnastics equipment

Frequently asked questions

Q: What age group do I register for?

A: Camp groupings are categorized by rising grade, so register them for the group with the grade they will be entering in fall.

Q: Is it OK if I’m not Jewish?

A: We welcome folks of all backgrounds and identities at the MJCC! All Jewish Enrichment activities are designed for all children to learn and participate in, including activities like crafts, singing, and dance.

Q: My child isn’t potty trained. Is that OK?

A: While we completely understand that many younger children may not be fully potty trained, children must be fully potty trained to attend camp. Counselors regularly suggest bathroom times and have scheduled potty breaks; however, they are not able to assist with diaper/pull-up changes.

Q: When should I register for Summer Camp?

A: We recommend registering as soon as possible, as spots are limited and spaces fill quickly. There are waitlists for groups if the registration capacity is reached, and if placed on a waitlist you will be contacted if a space becomes available. Registration (if spaces are available) closes the Thursday before the following week of camp at noon.

Q: What if I need to cancel my registration?

A: We understand that things come up and plans change. We ask that all cancellations are made at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the week of camp being canceled. A refund with a small cancellation fee will be issued if done 2 weeks in advance. For emergencies and illness related absences, we offer refunds on a case by case basis.

Q: Why do we need to pack vegetarian lunches and snacks?

A: We are a Kosher campus, which means we all bring meatfree and shellfish-free foods. We ask that regardless of your dietary practices, your child brings no meat or shellfish in their lunches. Peanuts and other nuts are OK!

Q: What if my child can’t

swim?

A: That’s not a problem! Campers that cannot/don’t want to swim will be able to do alternate activities while the rest of their group swims.

Q: Do you provide life jackets?

A: Yes! Simcha (Kindergarteners) are required to wear life jackets. All other age groups must wear a life jacket unless they pass a swim test with the lifeguards. Swim tests are held once a week at the beginning of the week.

Q: Will my preschool aged camper swim?

A: Unfortunately, we do not allow pre-k aged kids to swim for safety reasons. We understand that some 3 and 4 year-olds may be able to swim; however, the majority of children this age are not confident and comfortable enough to swim.

Q: What should my child bring to camp?

A: Everyday essentials for camp include a spare pair of clothes, vegetarian lunch and snacks, a water bottle, a swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen. Even if your child doesn’t swim, some activities may involve water, so we encourage swimsuits to be packed in case it’s needed.

Jewish Community Center

Annual MJCC members with a 12-month commitment receive special discounted rates on camp, programs, and classes. j o i n t h e m j c c ! Receive discounted rates on camp!

• Receive an additional 5% discount on total MJCC camp fees if you register before April 30, 2023.

• FREE adult group exercise and aquatics classes

• Access to Group Swim Lessons

• Fitness + Cardio Center

• 25-yard Main Pool and Warm Water Pool

• Discounts on arts + culture events

• Drop-in sports and more!

oregonjcc.org/membership