2024 Camp Guide

CAMP GUIDE

JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 99

Photo / Hathaway Brown

CAMP GUIDE

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JANUARY 26, 2024

CAMP GUIDE

Jewish values become part of camp experience ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

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ummer may seem far away, but registration for Jewish summer camps is opening. While some might opt for a sleepaway or overnight camp, day camps offer different opportunities for kindergarten to middle school-aged campers.

Shelby Goldstein, Park Day Camp director at Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike, and Rachael Speck, division director of children and family, day camping and teen engagement for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke about the benefits of Jewish day camps and what they offer.

“Having a camp be a Jewish camp is something that really enhances the experience,” Speck told the Cleveland Jewish News. “You can go almost anywhere for fun in the sun or sports and arts and crafts and swimming, but I think being at a Jewish camp really adds meaning to that experience. …. A lot of our experience is framed through Jewish values and those Jewish values are integrated into almost every element of the camp experience.”

At Jewish day camps, there is the celebration of what makes Judaism “special” and includes different activities such as singing Hebrew songs in the morning and throughout the week, Goldstein said.

“I think that it really allows kids to connect with their Judaism and just celebrate being a Jew,” she said.

Although it is a Jewish day camp, the camps at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh are open to everyone, whether they identify as Jewish or not, Speck said.

“It is less about religion being tied in and more about the values being integrated into each of the activity areas,” Speck said. “… We have those set Jewish values that we focus on throughout the summer and each week at Shabbat, we recognize those campers who really lived out that value of the week.”

At Park Synagogue’s day camp, it is a way for Jewish children to be with other Jewish children, Goldstein said.

“I think it’s great for kids to get to know kids all different faiths and just the

Goldstein

Speck

“I think that it really allows kids to connect with their Judaism and just celebrate being a Jew.” Shelby Goldstein whole diverse group, but I think that really getting to know your Jewish counterparts is something that is really beneficial for kids,” Goldstein said.

Along with just meeting other Jewish children, it is an opportunity to meet new children from different parts of the community or different schools as well since campers are usually there for multiple weeks, Speck said.

Day camps are usually Monday through Friday with the times ranging based on the session and camp. Park Synagogue’s day camp is normally 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended care as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late at 6 p.m. for working families, Goldstein said. The camp is eight weeks long, but also offered are sessions that are two, four and six weeks, she said.

For the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, the programs are all full day and there are specialized camps that are one week but most campers are in the camps for multiple weeks. They base their camp schedule about the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Speck said.

“We know a lot of our families rely on us for child care, so we try to make sure that we align our camp dates with when children aren’t in school and families need child care,” Speck said.

“Having a camp be a Jewish camp is something that really enhances the experience.”

Rachael Speck

CAMP GUIDE

JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 101

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SERVING NORTHEAST OHIO CAMPERS SINCE 1947 RED BARN • CHINCAPIN • RED OAK

JANUARY 26, 2024

Safety protocols should be at top of checklist when vetting camps STEVE MARK

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ot long from now, you’ll be sending your children to summer camp. Along with the endless checklist of things to pack, etc., you’ll want to get a highlighter for this item: check on camp safety procedures.

No doubt you’ve vetted prospective camps for their safety protection protocols.

Liz Stevens, co-director at Camp Walden in Cheboygan, Mich., said families should ask how the camp prepares before campers arrive.

“In 2023, the county sheriff visited Stevens Walden for a thorough walk-through of the grounds,” Stevens, who with her husband, Scott Ruthart, are camp co-directors, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

“He received a copy of our IOC (intruder on camp) action plan and brought to our attention the emergency-response program Smart911, in which we are now registered. We reach out annually to all the local emergency services to make them aware of the dates camp will be in session.

“With fiber internet finally available in our area, we are making significant investments to “wire” the camp. This will allow us to incorporate many new security measures:

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surveillance cameras, the ability to lock buildings remotely, silent alarms and more. What we don’t want is for this equipment to detract from the natural beauty of the grounds nor create anxiety in campers. Our goal would be to incorporate these elements in ways that go undetected by most campers yet still provide additional safeguards.”

Equally as important is the pre-camp training of counselors.

“Staff receive training on how to respond should there be an electrical storm, fire or an IOC,” said Stevens, who “grew up” at Walden from ages 1 to 22, and returned as a director with Ruthart since 2006. “This includes preparing for any emergency vehicles that might speed onto the property. All certified lifeguards must also complete Walden’s on-site training, which includes reviews of rescue equipment and techniques, AED use, etc. Our health staff leads a training on food allergies, the use of EpiPens, tick-borne disease and more.

“We have a wonderful insurance company that sends a representative to camp to give what I call the ‘scared straight’ talk on child sexual abuse: what it is and what it looks like when a predator is grooming a potential victim.

It’s a powerful presentation. Walden staff know that they are never, ever to be alone with a camper – for everyone’s safety.

“Everyone we hire will have already conveyed that they understand the weight of the responsibility they are undertaking by working at camp, that they will be caring almost 24/7 for other people’s children, and that keeping those children safe (both physically and emotionally) will be their No. 1 duty.

“Good staff have an innate sense of what is safe and what isn’t – even a muscle memory in certain scenarios. The vast majority of safety protocols at camp are similar to those they have been practicing their whole lives. For instance: stopping a child who is running with scissors, or reporting to a higher authority when they see an exposed nail on a picnic bench. There are certainly a few Walden-specific protocols, and they grasp those very easily.”

Then, there are the advisories and warnings a camper should expect when they arrive.

“First and foremost, we talk about what to do during storms and if there were to be a fire on camp,” Stevens said.

“Bad weather is probably the biggest potential threat to campers and staff – lightening and high winds – so we’re very firm about getting into a building immediately should they hear the storm siren. We stress water safety continually throughout the summer, starting with a “mock general swim” where the entire camp sits through a 20-minute presentation as to how the waterfront functions and its many rules: no swimming unless lifeguards are on duty; no going on the docks unless directed to do so by a staff member who is also present; the proper way to wear a life jacket; etc.

“As for scenarios involving an IOC or violent person, that’s a very delicate conversation. We have children and adults attending camp whose communities or college campuses have recently experienced mass shootings (in Highland Park, Ill. and at Michigan State University), so we have to be conscious of the trauma they may still be carrying. We do not practice ‘armed intruder’ drills with campers, nor do we broach that SAFETY | CONTINUED ON PAGE 103

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Private school summer boarding camps can augment learning STEVE MARK

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any private schools in the Cleveland area conduct summer educational programs for their students.

A unique option is for private schools to offer summer boarding camps.

One such program is Spire Academy in Geneva, which augments its’ sports performance academy with a summer program at the school’s Olympic training facility.

Ben Shank, director of camps at Spire, discussed the advantages of augmenting a regular school-year curriculum with an extended summer Shank training camp.

“Athletes from all over the world attend our summer extended training camps that are 2-6 or more weeks,” Shank told the Cleveland Jewish News. “These athletes include our student athletes, those aspiring to be Spire student athletes and those who plan to return home to play with their home team.

“Spire summer camp coaches are the same coaches who train our academy students. Our goal is to create a positive training environment where an athlete is motivated by coaches and peers. Having our academy coaches train campers provides consistency in the quality of training and reinforces personal skill development beyond sport.

Spire attracts between 1,200 to 2,000 campers each summer in the sports-performance atmosphere, according to Shank.

“We offer over 800 acres and 850,000 square feet for the athlete to train,” said Shank, who has been with the academy since 2022. “At Spire, athletes become physically stronger, faster, more flexible and agile with increased endurance.

“At Spire, athletes become physically stronger, faster, more flexible and agile with increased endurance.”

Ben Shank

SAFETY | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 102

subject with children. However, we do train our employees how to respond. Staff know what to do in those situations, and, at camp, staff are always nearby. What campers need to know is if they ever see someone in camp who is unfamiliar, appears out-of-place, or is acting strangely, they need to immediately let an adult know.

“Good camps already have all the rules and protocols in place for keeping children safe and they communicate that information clearly and repeatedly – before camp and during,” Stevens said. “But campers should always, always ask questions if they are uncertain or uncomfortable in a situation.”

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

They also become well-educated, confident, motivated, selfdisciplined human beings who thrive under pressure and are ready to tackle the world.

“Spire Academy camps offer every component of the path to success whether that be college or professional.

Spire camps encompass not only skill development which is expected, but performance training in our state-of-the-art gym and mindset development classes to establish goals, maintain focus and manage expectations that come with being an elite athlete. Campers can expect to apply newly learned skills through competitive drills and games.”

Shank shared his philosophy toward running a successful

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summer camp – things families may want to look for at any camp offering.

“Organization and communication with families and athletes,” Shank said. “Since we are a boarding program, everything needs consideration from airport pickup, a clear registration process, nutrition, dorm supervision, off-site activities, fun things besides sports training, and most important, the athletes returning home better, more supported, with a bunch of new friends.”

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

CAMP GUIDE

How learning becomes part of summer camp experience LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

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ummer is the one season of the year when school is not in session. However, school-aged children can still learn during the season – they just have to trade class for camp.

Renata Brown, director of school and family learning at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Scott Vollmer, vice president of education and exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, explained how summer camps at museums continue to educate campers,

even when they aren’t in school.

“Summer camp is a great way to make new friends, experience some really fun things and continue learning throughout the summer,” Brown told the Cleveland Jewish News.

Attending summer camps can expose children to ideas and people that they might not be otherwise. This gives children a chance to meet new friends and learn something new while they are out of school.

Children attending the camps find themselves having fun during the week, Brown explained.

Campers can also find themselves to be inspired when

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they participate in learning – and camp – in a new environment, Vollmer told the CJN. “No matter what your camp week entails, you’re going to be inspired, whether it’s through the exhibits or through any installations that we have that aren’t just what you do in the classroom,” he said.

Children also find themselves Brown exciting with a change of scenery when it comes to their summer camps, Vollmer added.

New content is another way to inspire children and keep them engaged throughout the time they spend at summer camp, he explained. The changing information can make it so children are absorbing new information each week they’re present at camp.

While the summer camps at the Vollmer Great Lakes Science Center don’t go out into the downtown area, they do take advantage of being close to Lake Erie, Vollmer said. The nature summer camps study the lake by using water filters, an environmental dashboard – which measures the effect that the center’s utility output has – and talking about the biodiversity that can be found in and on the lake.

Children also spend time in the exhibits to learn and focus more on a specific subject, he explained. The exhibits they spend most of their time in depends on which camp they signed up for.

“Campers that come here feel like they own the place, which is what we want,” Vollmer said. “They walk around here with a sense of pride.”

Being involved in the community through workshops and field trips brings attention to their summer camps, which bring in campers from all over the northeast Ohio area, he explained.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers summer camps for children and teenagers beginning first through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, and ninth through 12th grade.

The Great Lakes Science Center offers STEM summer camps for children in kindergarten through second grade and third through sixth grade.

The Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History offer scholarships to their summer camps for families that can’t otherwise afford it.

“Summer camp is a great way to make new friends, experience some really fun things and continue learning throughout the summer.”

Renata Brown

CAMP GUIDE

JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 105

SUMMER CAMP AILABLE V A S P I H S R A L SCHO Ohio Wesleyan University’s OWjL is adding a new day camp this summer to complement its residential camp. OWjL’s camps engage gifted and talented students through various topics, like this 2023 camp called “Murder in the Chem Lab, ” a whodunit where campers solved a murder through science. | Submitted photo

Ohio Wesleyan expands summer offerings with day camp option

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hio Wesleyan University’s OWjL program is expanding its summer camp offerings with a new day camp.

According to a news release, this is the first time in its 43-year history that it is adding a new camp to serve gifted and talented students grades four through six throughout the state. The new camp, which will be held in July, joins OWjL’s residential camp, which annually hosts gifted and talented sixth through eighth graders to spend a week in June living and learning on the Ohio Wesleyan campus in Delaware, a suburb of Columbus.

“More than 85 percent of Ohio’s identified gifted students did not receive special services during the 2022-2023 school year,” Josie Bair, director of the Ohio Wesleyan/Junior League of Columbus (OWjL) program, said in the release. “For many campers, the OWjL experience is the first to confirm that being bright is rewarding, fun, and a gift worth developing.”

Campers can choose from up to 50 classes in science, mathematics, computing, creative development, humanities and the arts, the release said. Classes are designed to be engaging, through recognizable topics like its recent offerings –“3D Printing: How to Engineer for the Future,” “A Taste of Hogwarts” and “Hunger Games: Can You Survive”.

All classes are taught by OW faculty, staff and alumni, as well as national board-certified secondary school teachers, teachers of gifted and talented students, and other experts in each field, the release said. Students are also mentored by camp counselors, which include OW students, and students from other colleges and universities.

This year’s camp schedule includes three, one-week residential camp sessions from June 9 to June 14, June 16 to June 21 and June 23 to June 28. The day camp session is slated for July 22 to July 26.

The OWjL program was founded in 1981.

Mandel JCC to offer camp programs in February

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he Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood will offer two camp programs in February.

A Presidents Day Vacation Camp will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Cost is $70 for members and $85 for nonmembers. To register, visit mandeljcc. org/kidsclub.

The camp is for children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade, and will include camp favorites, including arts and crafts, sports, games and swimming in the indoor pool, according to a news release.

The J is at 26001 S. Woodland Road.

A Camp Wise Winter Weekend in Claridon Township will be offered from 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18 to 5 p.m. Feb. 19.

Cost is $160 for members and $180 for nonmembers.

To register, visit campwise.org The camp is for fifth through eighth graders and will include sledding, snowman building, winter games and activities.

Kosher meals and treats will be provided in the dinner hall and campers will spend the night in heated cabins.

Have an unforgettable summer and make new friends while learning about Jewish values and traditions.

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For more information and to apply, visit www.jecc.org/rsjcamp/ email campgrants@jecc.org or call 216-371-0446

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JANUARY 26, 2024

CAMP GUIDE

Camp counselors gain work experience, make lasting friendships

Grow Confidence, Camaraderie and Community as your Dreams Become a Reality!

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

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hildren across the country will be signing up for summer camps in the coming months. However, there is another group of people that will also be preparing to attend camp – counselors.

Camp counselors, whether it’s their first year or they’re returning to a camp they’ve worked at before, will find positive aspects of their summer job.

Jill Korsok, director of community education and recreation at Orange Community Education and Recreation in Pepper Pike, explains what camp counselors do and what benefits they Korsok reap.

“Most camp counselors come away having a great experience and years down the road they look back at it with fondness and can take skills that they learned by being a camp counselor with them through their whole lives,” Korsok said.

Camp counselors work to create and conduct the games and activities campers enjoy during the time they spend in the program, she explained. For example, they will prepare large group games, arts and crafts projects or hikes, she

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added.

They also spend time getting to know the children that spend their time at the camp, she said. Counselors spend all day with the children, so they learn what their interests are and get to create a fun environment for campers to be a part of.

They may play a part in helping children make friends, as well.

“When they (the counselors) go through camp training, which is an important part of becoming a counselor, they learn to look for the child who needs a friend that day or hasn’t met a friend, yet,” Korsok said.

Counselors must be aware of their surroundings and any possible safety concerns. During their time at camp, counselors learn to give first aid, CPR and use of an AED defibrillator, Korsok said.

“Their primary role is to create a safe environment for all kids who are in our programs,” Korsok said. “And on top of that, they’re creating a fun environment.”

For first-time counselors, they learn to be an employee and develop skills they may need later in life or in the workforce. They learn to work as a team with their coworkers to encourage the safety of the group of children they’re responsible for watching, she said.

Counselors develop leadership skills that they may need to be able to guide the children through their day, or days, at the summer camp.

Another skill they learn is how to quickly adapt when things, such as a preplanned game or activity, may not be going the way they were expected to, she added. Counselors will also learn how to work with children and answer questions or explain camp rules in a way, or ways, that children would understand.

The counselors develop friendships with their coworkers, develop new skills and learn, or practice, responsibility – all while getting paid to do so, Korsok explained.

“They (camp counselors) come away from the experience with a new appreciation for working and being in a work environment that can be challenging, at times, and a lot of fun,” Korsok said.

“Most camp counselors come away having a great experience and years down the road they look back at it with fondness and can take skills that they learned by being a camp counselor with them through their whole lives.”

Jill Korsok

Register at mandeljcc.org/daycamps daycamps@mandeljcc.org • 216-593-6249

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Camps of all sizes offer unique appeal to campers BECKY RASPE braspe@cjn.org

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hoosing the right summer camp can be overwhelming with so many options out there for families to explore.

To simplify that process, families must first choose the best camp format for their child – day camp or overnight camp.

According to Casey Backus, camp and scout program educator at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, and Tali Cornblath, assistant director of Falcon Camp in Carrollton, which is about 22 miles from Canton, choosing between a day or overnight camp starts with the child’s comfort Backus level and what their parents hope they get out of the experience.

For first-time campers, Backus said day camp programs are “ideal” while overnight camp is good for campers who are ready to “grow and become more self-reliant.” Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers various day camps for campers ages 3 to 8 throughout the summer.

“However, a full week away from Cornblath home and family can be scary,” she said. “Day camp also allows campers to work on self-

care like putting on sunblock, feeding themselves lunch and changing for water day. However, after a long day of activities, such as creek walks, studying bugs and making slime, campers get to return home for dinner.”

A more seasoned camper would likely seek out programs where they can “develop independence and self-confidence,” which can be found at overnight camps, Cornblath noted. Falcon Camp operates an overnight camp in two-, four-, six- and eight-week sessions from mid-June to mid-August.

“Making your bed every day, deciding what to have at meals, and navigating friendships without direct input from a parent/guardian helps a camper take the next step in maturity and growth,” she added.

While there are many similarities between day and overnight camps, including programming, staff quality and structure, Cornblath said the big difference is this takes place away from home. When campers can navigate dayto-day life on their own, she explained it “increases their self-confidence and trust in themselves.”

“If the camper is young, a half-day camp experience could be a safe option for time away from parents and guardians.”

Casey Backus

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“Making your bed every day, deciding what to have at meals, and navigating friendships without direct input from a parent/guardian helps a camper take the next step in maturity and growth.”

Tali Cornblath “They know they can do hard things,” Cornblath said.

“Separate from this, overnight camps can sometimes offer things like out-of-camp overnight trips, more formal learning opportunities and more.”

However, according to Backus, day camp settings are often “unique and more diverse” than an overnight camp, with options ranging from classical dance, art and sports, to interacting with animals or coming to Franklin Park to learn about plants.

“It would be extremely hard to find an overnight camp with experts in all those fields,” she said.

Backus added day camp also provides flexibility to a camper’s schedule, allowing parents to potentially send their child to several camps during the week or to block time out for other outside-of-camp activities.

“If the camper is young, a half-day camp experience could be a safe option for time away from parents and guardians,” she noted. “If a camper or parent has a busy schedule, one week of day camp could add a little fun recreation to the calendar. If the camper is a talented artist, there are experts leading a day camp just for them.”

Specifically for Franklin Park’s campers, Backus said campers can explore the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, a two-acre interactive garden where campers can learn about the natural world and Ohio’s landscape. It also has a “hot shop,” a large Chihuly art collection, topiaries, the Paul Busse Garden Railway, Japanese koi, an onsite playground, an education garden and a weekly farmer’s market.

“Every day is a new adventure,” she added.

At Falcon Camp, Cornblath said campers learn skills “in the moment,” which can translate into life skills.

“Because campers come to us for a minimum of two weeks, we get to know everyone, and campers have the opportunity to gain mastery in activity areas,” she noted.

“When campers leave Falcon, they have both had an amazing time, but have also gained skills like independence, leadership, conflict resolution and more.”

Regardless of the type of camp a family chooses, simply being able to choose is important, Cornblath added.

“Not everyone is ready for overnight camp,” she said.

“Additionally, even if someone is ready for overnight camp for two weeks, they may not be ready for a whole summer.

It’s important that kids have the ongoing programming and care that camp provides the whole time they are out of school, whether in a day or overnight form.”

This story first appeared in the Columbus Jewish News. To read others like it, visit columbusjewishnews.com

108 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

How camps handle camper homesickness

The Michael & Anita Siegal One Happy Camper Program

ABIGAIL PREISZIG apreiszig@cjn.org

CAMP IS SO COOL!

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t is common for children and guardians to be nervous about the first year at summer camp. Being in an unfamiliar place can lead to new feelings – both positive and negative.

Aaron Cantor, director of Emma Kaufmann Camp in Morgantown, W.Va.; Robin Rubenstein, family engagement director at Camp Ramah in Conover, Wis.; and Abby Solomon, director at Camp Livingston in Bennington, Ind., discussed ways to ease first-year jitters.

The goal should never be to avoid these sometimes uncomfortable feelings, but to expose, acknowledge, normalize and provide children with the tools to work through them before, during and after camp, Cantor said.

“By acknowledging homesickness early on and by setting it up as something to be expected, oftentimes it opens up the door to what else might be bothering, making nervous (or) giving anxiety to their camper,” he said.

Feeling homesick can be a catch-all term to describe concerns children are hesitant to express. These concerns may include uncertainty around what to do if they are hungry, need to use the bathroom and how to make friends, Cantor added.

Practicing independence and self-advocacy with children at least one-year before coming to camp can prepare them for being away from their family, Rubenstein noted.

Independent activities may include completing hygiene

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Ramah Camps • Camp Wise • Moshava Camps Emma Kaufmann Camp • Camp Stone URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) NCSY US-Based Summer Programs and many more!

Restrictions may apply. For more information visit www.onehappycamper.org, email onehappycamper@jecc.org or call 216-371-0446.

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CAMP GUIDE

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Cantor

Rubenstein

Solomon

tasks like bathing or brushing their hair and learning to make a simple snack. Self-advocacy may look like asking for extra blankets when cold or a snack when hungry, she said.

Sleepovers with family or friends are also a good way to simulate feelings that may arise at camp and practice independence.

“It’ll give them their own coping skills,” said Solomon, adding that families can talk through and provide concrete ways to work through those feelings. “It’ll give them the confidence to get to camp.”

Including children in the packing process is another way to ease nerves, both Cantor and Rubenstein stated.

Choosing what swimsuit or T-shirts they want to wear during camp can create excitement and make them aware of what they came with and they need to leave with, Cantor said.

If the child is a picky eater, guardians are often nervous about the menu at camp, Rubenstein suggested.

“I think there’s a lot of worry about kids eating, but of course kids eat and they’re hungry and they’re busy all day and sometimes when kids are away from their families and they’re surrounded at a table with other kids they’re more inclined to try new things,” she said.

Camps will share menus, schedules and other materials as well as get to know children and families before camp.

Virtual meet and greets, connecting campers in similar areas before their first camp experience and on-site family weekends are opportunities for first time campers and their families to become familiar with what to expect and address any concerns ahead of the child’s summer away.

Additionally, on-site educators, psychologists and social workers serve as a resource for camp staff to address students experiencing home sickness while at camp, the directors said.

“In almost every case they eventually move through it, which is amazing, and I think it’s a really good lesson for kids to learn,” Rubenstein said. “Things can be hard, and they get better.”

First year campers are not the only ones who may experience home sickness. Sometimes third- or fourth-year campers will have big life changes, or friends may change, and this can create different feelings, Cantor said.

Despite the possibility of homesickness, campers can still have fun, Solomon mentioned.

“We say the phrase ‘homesick and happy,’” she said.

“You can be both homesick and have a great time at camp simultaneously.”

CAMP GUIDE

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Camp leads to unique opportunities for personal growth, independence COURTNEY BYRNES cbyrnes@cjn.org

F

rom community-building to confidencebuilding, summer camp can help children develop social-emotional skills that can benefit them throughout their lives.

According to Alyssa King, special programs director at Columbus Academy in Gahanna, and Jeremy Klotz, director of URJ Goldman Union Camp in Zionsville, Ind., the skills kids can receive from camp experiences are valuable.

“I really do think summer camp is one of those magical places that help you explore outside that rigidity of maybe the academic year,” King said. “You can be a little freer and have time to really dive into those things and I think that’s really important. I think summer camp serves a really good purpose for kids.”

Columbus Academy’s Summer Experience offers an array of thematic-based programming in the arts, academics and athletics for kids from pre-K through 12th grade, which King said she is a big proponent of as it gives them an opportunity to find a lifelong love of learning or explore new interests.

Throughout the day, there are activities and opportunities for campers to focus on socialemotional skills and community building

King

Klotz

through interactions with each other. King noted the importance of community-building after the COVID-19 pandemic left many kids isolated. “(In the morning), they’re doing all kinds of icebreakers and get-to-know-you activities so that we can bridge that social gap that may have come during 2020, that they might have a little bit of a gap in that development,” she mused.

Campers not only work and interact with each other, but also with trained counselors and staff who are there to help them succeed.

Columbus Academy has “Camper Care” coordinators whose role is to support campers who may be struggling so that they can remain in the classroom.

“We have things built in where they’re going to see themselves succeed,” King explained. “And I think that’s really important.

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The confidence level that they need to succeed and to move forward and to try these different things.”

Campers are also given choices of activities, allowing them to explore their own interests or develop new ones. In addition to exposing campers to new interests, they also meet other kids from all different types of backgrounds and with different learning styles, which King said “expands their knowledge of how they’re going to interact with the world.”

Camp offers a different learning experience from school as the main goal is to have fun through days packed with activities and often disconnected from technology.

“I love the human aspects and growth opportunity that the camp setting provides for kids, but also for everybody,” Klotz said. “...

Disconnecting from technology is difficult, but people do adjust to it and then they’re really able to focus in on their surroundings and the people around them and the activities that they’re engaged in without the normal distractions that we all now live with.”

As URJ Goldman Union Camp is an overnight camp, communication and community-building skills are quickly developed and put into action as campers experience living in a cabin with 13 of their peers. While seemingly a unique situation,

Klotz offered a parallel to when campers move into a dorm in college and that camp experience will lessen their worries and help them navigate conflicts.

“I think there’s some immediate impact based on what kids learn even if they’re here just one session,” he stated. “But certainly kids who come here many years and spend many months in camp in this environment are very comfortable in social environments, even if they’re introverted or not particularly social.”

While camp experiences teach a lot to campers, staff and counselors can also benefit in similar ways. In his own experience, Klotz found the skills learned at camp have been helpful now that he is a parent, he said.

“It comes into play in relationship building 30 years, 20 years down the line,” Klotz noted.

“For me, it came into play in parenting and when I was learning about being a parent and realizing that a lot of the skills I learned about taking care of nine year olds in camp applied to raising kids and establishing boundaries.”

This story first appeared in the Columbus Jewish News.

To read others like it, visit columbusjewishnews.com

110 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

CAMP GUIDE

Camp Chabad | Beachwood, Ohio

FairmountEarly EarlyChildhood ChildhoodCenter Centerisisaaprivate, private,district-sponsored district-sponsored Fairmount learningcenter centerwithin withinthe theBeachwood BeachwoodCity CitySchools.

Schools. learning

SUMMER CAMP CAMP SUMMER

Fairmount EarlyChildhood ChildhoodCenter Center isis aa private, Fairmount Early private,district-sponsored district-sponsored learning center within the Beachwood City Schools.

Fairmount Early Childhood Center is a private, district-sponsored learning center within the Beachwood City Schools.

Fairmount EarlyFOR Childhood Center AGES is a private, district-sponsored FOR CHILDREN 3-7City YEARS CHILDREN 3-7 YEARS learning center within theAGES Beachwood Schools.

SUMMER CAMP SUMMER CAMP SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7 YEARS learning center within thethrough Beachwood City Schools. (entering preschool through entering2nd 2ndgrade) grade) (entering preschool entering CAMP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: FORCAMP CHILDREN AGES 3-7 YEARS (entering preschool through entering 2nd grade)

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CAMP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: (entering through entering 2nd grade) Registration currentlyopen open forresidents residents and non-residents. isispreschool currently for and non-residents.

FOR Registration CHILDREN AGES 3-5 YEARS CAMP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Beachwood Family Aquatic kindergarten) Center (entering preschool through entering CallKaren Karen Leedstoday today forinformation information orto tovisit visit Call Leeds for or Registration is currently open for residents and non-residents.

Beachwood Family Aquatic Center 216.292.2344 216.292.2344 th th non-residents.

Call Karen Leeds today forresidents orBlvd. to visit Registration isEarly currently open for and Fairmount Early Childhood Center •24601 24601Fairmount Fairmount Blvd.

Fairmount Childhood Center •information

7 Weeks of Fun in the Sun! June 10 - July 26 www.beachwoodschools.org/fairmount.aspx www.beachwoodschools.org/fairmount.aspx

Karen Leeds today information ortoto visit 216.292.2344 ForCall information onLeeds the program contactor Sarah Skoczen Call Karen todayfor forplease information visit

Fairmount Early Childhood Center • 24601 or Fairmount Blvd. sskoczen@beachwoodschools.org 216-464-2600

216.292.2344 216.464.2600

www.beachwoodschools.org/fairmount.aspx Fairmount Early Childhood Center • 24601 Fairmount Blvd.

Fairmount EarlyChildhood ChildhoodCenter Center•• 24601 24601 Fairmount Fairmount Blvd.

Blvd.

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SUMMER CAMPS Dance, Music, Theatre, & Visual Arts June-July 2024 Preschool through Grade 8 Half & Full Day Options

Registration is OPEN NOW! Save 5% with code “EarlyReg” before MARCH 23

FairmountCenter.org 440-338-3171 Camps located minutes from Bainbridge/Chagrin Falls/ Chardon/Kirtland/Solon

Photos submitted by camps

CAMP GUIDE

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Camp Tavor | Three Rivers, Michigan

Photos submitted by camps

Hathaway Brown offers a wide array of summer programming for girls and boys, kindergarten through college.

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Browse through academic, athletics, adventure, theatre, and specialty camp options to create your own one-of-akind experience.

Visit hb.edu/summer

112 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

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CAMP CHABAD

2024

CAMP GUIDE

Falcon Camp | Carrollton, Ohio

JUNE 24 AUGUST 16

REGISTER TODAY! Girls ages 4-12 • Boys 4-6 years

Jewish Education • Swimming • Sports • Hiking • Singing & Dancing • Drama Arts & Crafts • Cooking & Baking • Games • Workshops • Special Activities • Experienced Staff

PLEASE CALL OR TEXT • JILL WEISZNER • (216)402-4877 • jiris770@aol.com Camp Chabad is an equal opportunity provider.

CAMP

‫ב"ה‬

Heated Pool Hot Lunches Shaded Sports Fields Visiting Shows Shabbat Parties Extended Care Field Trips

GAN IZZY SOLON

Register today at www.ganizzysolon.com

June 17 - August 2 9:00 am - 3:00 pm For Grades K - 7

Photos submitted by camps

Jewish Community, Social Justice, Youth Leadership ACTI

Girl Scouts are a force of nature.

It's where your adventure begins

This summer plan an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors at Girl Scout Camp.

To learn more visit gsneo.org/summercamp customercare@gsneo.org | 800-852-4474

Youth-Lead Overnight Summer camp in Three Rivers, MI 1-5 WEEK SESSIONS FOR CAMPERS ENTERING 2ND-12TH CALL OR EMAIL FOR DETAILS AND DISCOUNTS! www.camptavor.org | info@camptavor.org | 269-215-1399

VITIE S INC SWIM LUDE: MING BOAT ING PADDL E BOA RD ARTS & CRA S FTS MUSI C ISRA ELI D AN INNO VATIV CING E& IMMA GINA TI PROG RAMM VE ING

CAMP GUIDE

JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 113

Great Lakes Science Center Camp Curiosity | Cleveland, Ohio

The Academy is limited to only 30 students!

Will you be one of them?

Photos by Ken Blaze/Great Lakes Science Center Photos submitted by camps

Now accepting inquisitive students for summer 2024

ARE YOU CONNECTED? Enrich your learning, prepare for college, and get paid through this nine-week summer humanities program.

CJN.ORG

Cleveland JewishNews

More information at tri-c.edu/YHA @CleveJN

@CleveJN

@CleveJN

24-0012

114 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

BIG DREAMS NEED CONFIDENT SMILES.

HB Summer Programs | Shaker Heights, Ohio

CAMP GUIDE

Here are 4 reasons why so many parents choose Success Orthodontics by Dr. Felix Gen! Actual Patient

Preventive, pediatric orthodontics with focus in treating airway problems.

Trusted by dentists, specialists, & their families since 1998.

Artistic approach to smile design that’s more than just straight teeth.

Expert in accelerated treatment (see results in only 6-8 months).

Photos submitted by camps

Lions Leap $1,200

Struggling academically?

We can change that!

For more than 50 years, Lawrence School has delivered academic excellence to students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD.

Alphabet Adventures $500

June 12 – July 10, 2024 / 7:45 – 11:45 a.m.

For preschoolers & kindergarteners, ages 3–5

You won’t believe how far your child will leap ahead in just four weeks when immersed in evidence-based classroom strategies. Our certified teachers use a multisensory approach, based on Orton-Gillingham methodology, to boost reading, writing, math, and organization skills. Small class sizes, grouped by skill level, ensure the needs of every learner are met. Each morning includes four 40-minute academic periods with playground fun in between. Join us for Lions Leap and your child will gain confidence and discover how enjoyable learning can be!

An 11 day program.

No classes Mondays, Fridays, and June 19 & July 4 Ensure future reading success with our evidence-based alphabet classes. Learners will build essential pre-reading skills by strengthening their phonemic awareness through a variety of visual,auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile activities that connect sounds to letters. In addition to pre-literacy skills, your child will also experience STEM and math concepts through specialized instruction.

For students entering grades 1–6

June 12 – July 10, 2024 / 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Space is limited—register today!

Questions? Call 440.526.0717. lawrenceschool.org/summer

CAMP GUIDE

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Summer at University School | Shaker Heights, Ohio and Hunting Valley, Ohio

PR PR S S M M A A R R PROG PROG

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N E K W A H K N THI Summer programs for boys and girls ages 4-18

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