2025 Camp Guide by Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

CAMP GUIDE

Photo / Camp Ramah Canada

Jewish summer camps can help build identity

Ready. Set. Summer!

DAY CAMP 2025 | JUNE 9 - JULY 25

Come experience a summer of fun, adventure and learning for kids 24 months-Grade 12. Registration is now open!

We hope to see you this Summer at Laurel!

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

The summer months can be a time for fun and relaxation, especially for students that don’t have school. However, that doesn’t mean they have to sacri ce getting in touch with their religion.

Jewish summer camps allow campers to have fun summer experiences, such as spending time outside, without giving up Jewish education.

Campers can make friends while also developing their Jewish identity and connecting with their heritage through celebrations, music and more, according to Rabbi Simcha Dessler, menahel and educational director at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights, and Aubree Lieberman, director of day camps and youth services at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland in Beachwood.

“A Jewish camp a ords children the opportunity to live, imbibe and strengthen Jewish identity,” Dessler said. “ e camp experience fosters friendships and a Jewish sense of belonging. Engagement in Judaism is integral for a lifelong commitment to our heritage and for many children camp helps achieve this goal.”

“Jewish camps also teach the importance of giving back through acts of kindness and community service, often tied to Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world),” she said. “Many also gain a deeper appreciation for their heritage through interactive activities that incorporate Jewish holidays, traditions and history in creative ways.”

Learning about and practicing di erent aspects of Judaism is incorporated to camp activities, creating a “dynamic environment” where campers can “explore their heritage,” she added. At camp, children and camp counselors alike can nd a place where they can safely explore their Judaism.

e camp experience can be di erent for campers that are also students at a Jewish day school and for those that are not, he noted. Campers that spend their school days at a Jewish day school have the same messages reinforced during their summer at a Jewish camp, but attending a Jewish summer camp may be the only opportunity students that attend other schools have to develop their Jewish identity.

“For one who is not a day school student it might be the child’s only or best chance for immersive Judaism or Jewish identity,” Dessler said. “In camp, children have an opportunity to experience Judaism infused into their daily lives and routines. It helps become part of them and those memories often last a lifetime.”

Children can be exposed to students from other schools, aiding in the development of essential life skills – which can also be part of their goals during the summer, he added. All campers will learn skills they can use every day, such as communication leadership and resilience, as well as the importance of giving back through kindness and community service, Lieberman explained.

“A Jewish camp provides a safe, welcoming space for campers to explore and strengthen their Jewish identity,” Lieberman said. “ rough traditions like Shabbat celebrations, music, dancing and Israeli culture, campers experience the beauty of their heritage in a way that feels authentic and joyful. ese experiences often leave a lasting impression, helping children carry their Jewish identity into adulthood and connect with their larger community.”

“Jewish camps also teach the importance of giving back through acts of kindness and community service, often tied to Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world).”

Aubree Lieberman Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland

Dessler Lieberman

Youth Services Director aims for lasting impact on JCC campers

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

Aubree Lieberman spent her childhood years at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland in Beachwood with her family. As a result she’s experienced its impact rsthand and now works as its director of day camps and youth services.

Spending time at the Mandel JCC helped her develop a sense of community and it’s meaningful to her to contribute to the organization that “had such a formative impact” on her, Lieberman, a resident of Cleveland Heights, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

“I participated in programs and activities with my family when I was younger – I’m one of four girls,” she said. “We spent a lot of time here at the Mandel JCC. It always had a lasting impression on me. When I was a teenager, I played for the Maccabi basketball team. It really created a profound sense of community.”

Lieberman wanted to help create impactful experiences for children at the Mandel JCC in a way that was similar to her experience, allowing each child to feel a sense of belonging and connection, she said. Seeing children grow and develop this sense of belonging are some of her favorite moments to witness.

“It’s really about helping kids realize their potential and helping them discover the courage to try new things,” she said. “One of the things I’ll always remember is we had a camper who was really hesitant to try kayaking in the lake and after some coaching and some encouragement, not only did they try but they really ended up loving it and they started asking to go out kayaking on the lake every chance they could get. Similarly, I’ve seen kids blossom in our Francine and Benson Pillo Family Performing Arts Camp. It is so rewarding to see a shy child gain con dence during their rst performance or take on leadership in a

“It is so rewarding to see a shy child gain conﬁdence during their ﬁrst performance or take on leadership in a group project.”

Aubree Lieberman Mandel JCC

group project.”

Each time a camper gains the con dence to try something new, Lieberman is reminded that camp isn’t about the activities, but helping children grow and develop con dence that lasts throughout their lives, she said. e work she does is “beyond rewarding,” and more than seeing the campers grow, it’s also ful lling and inspiring to see the camp counselors grow into “capable and compassionate leaders,” she said.

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

Lieberman works to make each camping experience welcoming, creating a place where children of “all walks of life” can learn from each other and develop connections that remain throughout their lives, while still strengthening the Jewish community in the area, she said. In addition, she wants to o er programs that help children explore their interests, develop valuable skills, discover their potential and create an inclusive community.

“J-Day Camps play a vital role in shaping the lives of our children in our community,” Lieberman said. “We provide a space where they can learn, grow and connect with each other. Our day camps are not just about keeping kids busy during the summer, we are about creating meaningful experiences that have lasting impact.”

This scholarship program is a unique opportunity for Jewish children living in Greater Cleveland with at least one Russian-speaking parent.

and second

At Jewish overnight camp, kids discover who they are and who they want to become –while having the time of their lives!

Lieberman

HIRAM HOUSE CAMP

Camp experiences vary by age

MORE THAN CAMPIT’S A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE! campouts cookouts crafts nature studies

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

Many camps serve both children and teenagers. With these di erent age groups come di erent experiences –after all, as people age, their attention spans and abilities change with them.

important to keep in mind the attention span of children can be shorter than that of a teenager, he noted. So, camp activities, including sports sessions, for children will be shorter than the sessions of older campers.

horseback riding high/low ropes course climbing wall archery canoeing campouts cookouts crafts nature studies outdoor sports swimming classes subject to change

Having di erent programs for di erent age groups allows children and teens to experience camp in a way that is understandable to them.

When camps serve a range of age groups, the sta and programming will be adjusted to better serve those participating in the activity, according to Dan Usaj, owner of North East Ohio Lacrosse in Lyndhurst.

“Everyone who teaches, who (has) been a teacher before (knows) the attention span of our young ones are shorter, and so you have to keep them interested,” Usaj said. “We do circuit sessions and at most for our rst, second, and third, fourth graders they’re 10 minutes long. And then we’ll take a water break and go to a di erent thing because of the attention spans and we just know that you know keep them moving with di erent activities keeps them engaged.”

Programs can be crafted di erently for older campers as they often have longer attention spans, so they can participate in activities and sessions that last longer and are more involved, he added.

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• Expanded Athletics program and facilities improvements

• Nature program, sand volleyball court and Frisbee golf course

• More specialized creative arts and athletics curriculum

“We prepare for when older high schoolers come into our camp,” Usaj said. “But, we also have our summer day camp running from rst graders all the way to ninth graders, so there will be a big di erence from what the rst and second graders are getting in terms of intensity to what the ninth graders are getting.”

When it comes to prepping camp activities for younger campers, it’s

“Everyone who teaches, who (has) been a teacher before (knows) the attention span of our young ones are shorter, and so you have to keep them interested.”

Dan

Usaj North East Ohio Lacrosse

Di erent age groups may also have di erent experiences when it comes to actually participating in activities or games, he noted. Older campers will see more competition, which comes from them simply being bigger and more athletic than younger campers.

However, the main goal of the camp remains the same for each age group, he explained.

“ e focus is on fun throughout for the youth,” Usaj said. “ e goal of my mission is to get as many kids to pick up a lacrosse stick that might have never experienced the sport, and for the ones that have picked it up to continue to love the sport through the summer.”

While programming and experiences will look di erent for each camper depending on their age group, summer camps provide campers of all ages with some similar opportunities, as well, he added. All campers have opportunities to meet others outside of their school districts and develop new friendships, and have opportunities to have fun and learn at camp.

“I love the idea (of) what sports camps can do for the fun and imagination of children,” Usaj said. “ e idea of coming into a (camp) with some friends, but also meeting new friends in the camps and have an opportunity to either be brand new to the sport or really seasoned or experienced.”

Usaj

At Hiram House Camp, campers immerse themselves in nature, forge lifelong friendships, and cultivate leadership skills in a safe and supportive setting.

Embark on a summer filled with unforgettable memories and experiences that will stay with you forever.

Include children when discussing which camp to attend

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

Finding activities to do during the summer months may be challenging, but it can be easier when your child knows that they want to attend summer camp. However, there are still decisions that need to be made regarding what camp they want to go to.

ere are many di erent camps to choose from, including camps that focus on music, sports, or science, and day camps or overnight camps.

When looking into di erent summer camp options, it’s important to consider your child’s interests and what they might want out of their camp experience, according to Elizabeth Bolander, executive director at Fairmount Center for the Arts in Russell Township.

“Most importantly, take into consideration your child’s interests,” Bolander said. “Do they enjoy particular classes or afterschool activities? Do they love spending time outside? Maybe they want to try a new sport or want to explore the arts and their creativity. Depending on their interests will ultimately dictate which camp program you choose.”

In order to discover what your child might want to experience during their time at summer camp, you can start with a conversation about camp, which can also help gauge their general interest in camp, she explained. Planning early is helpful because many camps tend to ll their spots quickly.

Besides having a conversation about camp, you may also be able to tell if your child is interested in attending one if they seem to have interests in trying new things, she added.

“Another sign could be if your child is eager to try new things,” Bolander said. “Camps provide plenty of opportunities to explore and to try something new that might not be o ered in their classroom during the school year.”

Once you’ve determined your child is interested in summer camp, you can begin working with them to determine which camp they’d like to attend – a process that can be started by already having two or three camps picked out to discuss, she noted. To go over camp options in more

detail, it can be helpful to have catalogs from di erent camps available.

Knowing these details can also help when it comes to preparing for the camp you and your child have chosen to sign up for, she mentioned.

“Start by familiarizing your child with the camp and what they can expect,” Bolander said. “Discuss the daily activities, routines, and any special events they might participate in. Managing their expectations ahead of time will help ease their transition and set them up for a positive experience.”

Having these conversations and including your child in the decision making process allows them to feel as though they have more control over the situation, which can lead to them feeling more excited about experiencing a camp that aligns with their interests, she added.

“It gives them a sense of ownership and ensures the camp aligns with their interests and comfort levels. When children are part of the decision, they’re more likely to approach the experience with enthusiasm and con dence, leading to the best possible experience for everyone.”

2025 SUMMER CAMPS

Bolander

Big or Small? How camp size impacts camper experience

BILL MOTCHAN

One of the most popular themed programs at Ratner Summer Camp is known as “Our Favorite Pets.” e campers experience an up close and personal visit with chickens, a therapy dog, or a macaw. It’s one of the bene ts of participating in a smaller size camp. e camp, which is operated by e Lillian and Betty Ratner Montessori School in Pepper Pike, averages 45 campers per week, according to camp director Ellyn Gleisser Klein. e size of Ratner Summer Camp makes it ideal to support a mission of hands-on learning and collaboration, she said.

Jewish Center of Solon and the camperto-sta ratio is just right to give campers individual attention, she said.

“In groups of young campers, it’s always important to have lots of extra hands on deck,” Galperin said. “We love getting our former campers back as sta . As soon as campers age out of our program, they can be CITs, or counselors in training, and help with a group of younger campers. is is a win-win, because the kids adore the young teens, and the CITs get such great life and leadership skills, while helping out with campers they love in the familiar, happy, camp atmosphere.”

“With the relatively small number of campers that we have enrolled, we can o er many exciting and fun activities with our di erent themes throughout the summer,” she said. “We have many visitors and special events that would be impossible to maintain safely and fun with a larger group. For example, we have a foam party every year that can only handle 30 children at a time. If we had a larger camp community, we would not be able to do this most popular activity.” emed programs are especially conducive to smaller camp size, Klein said. Camp Ratner designs them to o er kids a unique learning experience. Among the themes is a session called “Community Helpers,” where police o cers, re ghters and postal workers visit camp – with their vehicles.

“ e kids have the most fun playing in the retruck hose spray,” Klein said. “We also have a ‘Winter in July’ theme with the foam party, which acts as snow. And we always end the summer with a ‘summer fun’ theme that includes a dance party outside, a visit from the librarian at Cuyahoga County Library and tie-dye shirts for our craft.”

Camp Gan Izzy is a day camp, but it has a traditional sleepaway camp vibe, complete with arts and crafts, sports and singing. Ratner Summer Camp is also a day camp which mirrors the Ratner School’s Montessori classroom set-up. Toddler classes have two counselors and max out at 10 children per classroom. e t3- to 6-year-old classes have two counselors with an ideal size of between 15 and 20 campers each.

e size of Ratner’s camp groups means campers get more individual attention and experiences during the theme programs, like “Under the Sea,” where a scuba diver visits, with photos, videos and diving equipment. Another camper favorite is the “camping” theme, where the kids get to spend time with animals native to the Ohio forest.

Like Ratner Summer Camp, Camp Gan Izzy is relatively small, with about 200 campers over the course of the summer, according to camp director Mushkie Galperin. e camp is operated by Chabad

Bill Motchan is a freelance journalist.

“In groups of young campers, it’s always important to have lots of extra hands on deck.”

Galperin Klein

Easing the sleepaway camp adjustment

BILL MOTCHAN

Sleepaway camp can o er children many positive bene ts, from independence to con dence building. Many camps plan activities designed to bring shy children out of their shells. But an introverted child still may struggle in an unfamiliar environment. Sharing a cabin with strangers can be a di cult adjustment, according to Tali Cornblath, assistant director of Falcon Camp in Carrollton.

homesickness, she said.

“We do have things in place before camp even begins,” Ridgeway said. “We send a letter home to new families for the parents to read called ‘Homesick and Happy.’ We send the kids a letter, too, which says, ‘Hey, this is the EKC team and we’re super excited you’re coming to camp.’ It includes a winter gift to get them excited and pumped up for the summer.”

Falcon Camp also is proactive in counseling parents of campers well before they arrive. Parents sometimes are concerned that their child might not t in. Camp sta ers make a point of creating an open and welcoming atmosphere, Cornblath said.

Cornblath Ridgeway

“A struggle we sometimes see is navigating such a new living arrangement,” Cornblath said. “It’s a rare person who shares a room with 10 other people at home. Figuring out how to navigate those moments can be hard for some kids.”

e rst 24 hours of camp are an important settling in period for a reserved child, she said.

“ at’s when we have multiple organized moments of getting-to-knowyou activities,” Cornblath said. “Beyond that, we try to use downtime to create organic but intentional opportunities. During rest hour, a counselor will bring a game to play with a cabin. At mealtimes, counselors will ask a question of the day. Every night each cabin does a cabin chat, unique to them but essentially providing every camper an opportunity to share the highs and lows of their day.”

Fighting and arguments among campers can also erupt, but Falcon Camp sta ers are well-equipped to handle those situations, Cornblath said.

“Our counselors are all trained in preventative and positive behavior support techniques, and they use them frequently,” she said. “We can also remove the camper from the group during behavior episodes so that it doesn’t impact the rest of the campers.”

Jamie Ridgeway, assistant director of Emma Kaufmann Camp in Morgantown, W.Va., said she proactively contacts parents of new campers to nd learn what potential issues a child may have before camp starts.

“I call all the new families to kind of discuss their camper individually who they are what their likes are what their dislikes are anything we need to look out for,” Ridgeway said. “ en at camp we have their unit heads and their counselors and ourselves and our camper care team in place to really check in on the kids who might need a little bit more attention.”

One of the most common issues campers struggle with is

“One of the rst things Dave Devey – the owner of the camp for over 40 years – tells interested parents and campers is that if the children are kind, they will be successful at camp,” she said. “ at is really true. We teach our sta to call out negative or inappropriate comments in a rm but caring way, which in turn empowers our campers to do the same. We also celebrate learning new things. It may be a new activity, or it might be about someone’s culture. Having sta and campers from around the world creates those opportunities.”

Bill Motchan is a freelance journalist.

Choose a Jewish overnight summer camp and receive up to $1000 for a ﬁrst-time experience. Some synagogues may o er additional funds.

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!

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Specialized camps offer something for everyone

BILL MOTCHAN

Camp isn’t just hiking, rafting, camp res and bug juice. For kids who want to learn or improve a skill, there’s a variety of specialized camps. ey o er hands-on intensive day or weeklong training in a single focus area. It could be sports, performing arts, or technology. After returning home, campers can boast a valuable expertise.

e real challenge is maintaining that sharpness. When participants in the Odyssey Program at Cleveland State University complete lm camp, many use the skills they learn to create a college admissions video, according to the program director, Ellyn Rooney.

“I’m trying to make it a practical and valuable experience,” Rooney said. “We do a project where we talk about interview skills. How do you answer a question. How do you not ramble. And what makes a good college admissions video. We give them a whole workshop in this and shoot one on their smart phone, so they take it home with them.”

highly competitive lm schools using their Odyssey experience and more importantly, using the lm that they produced here at Odyssey. So, they kept at it.

“ e nature of lm has so many handson practical aspects, especially when every student has that cell phone in their hand, which is a mini production tool,” she said. “It’s a really unique set of skills that we focus on in lm school in terms of visual literacy.”

Rooney said some of the Odyssey camps focus speci cally on writing, screenwriting, acting and production.

“ e acting element leads directly into public speaking, and then the editing is useful for teaching how pictures tell a story. We are visual animals. More and more people are starting to look at lm education as a part of the education curriculum.”

Another skill that bene ts from repetitive practice is gymnastics. Jump Start Gymnastics in Beachwood o ers summer camps from June through August for boys and girls. According to Maureen Eppich, manager of Jump Start, the camps are e ective for both competitive and recreational gymnasts. e training they get at gym camp can help build a competitive base for the fall season, but it requires a commitment to honing those routines through ongoing practice.

Another component of the Odyssey lm camp that encourages participants to continue using the skills they learned is the ve-day lm challenge.

e Odyssey lm camp is operated by the school of lm and media arts at Cleveland State University. Rooney said a number of Odyssey camp participants have used the lms that they made in the program as part of their college application.

“I designed it for our lmmakers’ intensive two-week camp,” Rooney said. “Each student makes their own lm. ey write their own script. ey help each other out. ey crew. ey act in each other’s lms. Each one of them walks out the door with their own lm. ey outline their story. And they learn to work as a team. We see an amazing collaboration among the students.”

“Some have gotten into Columbia College of Chicago, which is one of the top lm schools in the country,” she said. “We’ve had students get into some really respectable,

Bill Motchan is a freelance journalist.

Ellyn Rooney Odyssey Camp

Eppich Rooney

The lifelong skills of a camp counselor

NICI MAHEN Special to the CJN

Every summer, camps welcome hundreds of young campers eager for adventure, friendship and new experiences. Behind the scenes of this transformative experience are camp counselors – the unsung heroes who make it all happen. Finding this staff team each summer isn’t easy. It takes months to recruit, interview and hire this special group from all over the world.

As the person responsible for hiring at a summer camp, I face the challenge of convincing these prospective applicants – as well as their future employers –of the authentic, lifelong value of this experience. Why should a college or prospective employer take another look at an applicant who has camp counselor experience on their resume? I believe there are many reasons, so here’s just a few.

FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION SKILLS

As our society moves further and further into digital communication, employers noted many Generation Z applicants struggle with

e ective face-to-face conversations. Resident summer camps o er the unique employment opportunity of living where you work. Faceto-face communication is not optional but essential. Camp counselors have no choice but to communicate in this style based on the camp environment. In order for our sta to live and work as an e ective team, they must learn how to communicate directly. is includes sharing ideas, planning programs, and discussing positive and constructive feedback respectfully without damaging the working relationship between fellow sta members.

THE “SOFT SKILLS”

e Oxford dictionary de nes “soft skills” as personal attributes that enable someone to interact e ectively and harmoniously with other people. ese skills often include but are not limited to adaptability, problem solving, empathy, resilience and compassion. e

Harvard Business Review states soft skills are foundational to great leadership and set high performers apart from their peers. ey’re also increasingly sought by employers. ey are also part of daily camp life. Here’s a simple example: Camps are at the constant mercy of Mother Nature. Even with the most detailed organization and planning, her ever changing weather patterns teach sta members how to always think on their feet and adapt to the new circumstances. More importantly, these reactions are always done in front of an audience. Camp counselors react to every situation knowing the campers will follow their lead. Counselors quickly learn to assess situations, create alternatives and then implement these creative solutions with enthusiasm. is type of experience forces counselors to practice all ve soft skills named above, and is a great answer to many of those “tell me about a time when …” questions you might get in an interview.

PUTTING OTHERS NEEDS BEFORE YOUR OWN

At my camp, counselors live in a cabin with eight to 10 campers. With this living arrangement, counselors are on the front lines keeping their campers safe physically and emotionally. From helping a shy camper make

their rst friend to cheering someone on as they conquer a challenge, they create moments that matter. ese small but signi cant acts can transform a camper’s summer and, in some cases, their outlook on life. But the bigger discovery is nding ful llment and happiness by helping others.

PROJECT REAL JOB

e American Camping Association has also taken up the cause of advertising the lifelong career bene ts of a camp counselor experience with Project Real Job. is resource not only helps advertise these valuable skills to employers, it also helps counselors communicate these career enhancing skills on resumes and applications.

I sincerely appreciate our dedicated team of sta and the e ort necessary to implement all of these lifelong skills. You are the backbone of our organization. I am so honored to be a part of your journey and can’t wait to see what you accomplish with all of these skills.

Nici Mahen is assistant director at Falcon Camp in Carrollton.

Content provided by advertising partner

Mahen

First-time camp experience requires multistep approach

BILL MOTCHAN

Achild’s rst time attending camp can be an exciting growth experience. It helps if the camper – and their parents – know what to expect and plan accordingly.

at planning should begin with selecting the right camp to meet the child’s interests and background, said Carole Brunelle, executive director of Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp in Perrysville.

“I like to tell parents to be informed and intentional,” Brunelle explained. “ ey should make sure they have a good t. Gather as much information as you can. Check out the camp and ask questions. e two things that parents are typically most concerned about are food and friends.”

Making new friends at camp is generally an easy transition, she said. And if a child has dietary restrictions or is a nicky eater, most camps have exible menu options.

Knowing what to expect from the camp experience is important for both campers and parents, Rabbi Dan Utley, camp director of Camp Wise in Claridon Township, noted.

“We hold a series of di erent options for families, including new camper orientations that we o er in person and also virtually through Zoom,” Utley said. “At those sessions, we go through a lot of rst-time tips to get ready for the summer.

e rst summer is a very exciting time for families, and it is totally normal for parents and/or their children to feel some level of apprehension for being away at camp for the rst time.”

Camp Wise is operated by the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland in in Beachwood. In the spring, the camp provides parents with a comprehensive handbook that o ers tips and suggestions on e cient packing.

should be e cient in packing.

“At camp, your child is sharing space with other people,” Cornblath said. “Be conscious of not over-packing, since (camps) may not have space for it. Packing is also a great way to prepare your camper for camp. It’s a perfect opportunity to discuss what they’ll do at camp.” ere is often a two- to three-day adjustment period for rst-time campers, Utley noted.

“Our sta is trained to look out for kids who might be feeling a little bit sad and help them work through those feelings,” he said. “ ey are missing home, but they’re growing their sense of independence, their sense of con dence, their ability to develop new friendships in an environment away from their parents, which is a really great step for kids to take.”

Cornblath said kids often mirror their parents when approaching new situations. So, if parents seem nervous about camp, the camper may re ect it. She suggested being positive and enthusiastic when discussing camp. Cornblath is also available during camp to keep an eye on rst-time campers and tell parents how their child is doing, she added.

“We suggest that parents actually pack day-by-day large Ziplock bags with out ts for their kids to get started at camp,” Utley suggested. “Some kids like to mix and match and select their own clothes. It really depends on the needs of each child and how they’re comfortable and what gives them a memory and a sense of home while they’re away at camp.”

Tali Cornblath, assistant director at Falcon Camp in Carrollton, said parents

“I’m happy to give them an update,” she said. “ at way, they can feel more secure and connected to their child, but their child is still developing the independence that is so valuable at camp.”

Motchan is a freelance journalist.

This story ﬁrst appeared

Bill

Cornblath Utley

Camps focus on ‘proactive’ measures for mental health

BILL MOTCHAN

Summer sleep-away camp has always o ered a welcome respite for children from the stresses and routine of school, studies and chores. Today’s camp experience also addresses the mental health of campers. at re ects an evolution to take a holistic approach to the summer, said Aaron Cantor, camp director at Emma Kaufmann Camp in Morgantown, W.Va.

“We are more upfront and open, talking way ahead (of) time and taking proactive measures to provide support to campers, families and sta before the summer,” Cantor said. “We’re still spending time training our sta and giving one-on-one attention to campers who need it, but our openness to talking about it ahead of time and framing it as a positive, not something to hide or be embarrassed about, is largely what I’ve seen change over the years.”

Cantor described the philosophy that Emma Kaufman Camp uses in its e orts to make the camping experience a positive one for children.

“It’s really important that we support

our parents in continuity of care for campers across the board,” he noted. “We use a term called ‘MESSH’ for mental, emotional, social, spiritual and health. For mental health, this includes us providing families the opportunity for their kids to continue to see their therapist or other mental health resources virtually while they’re at camp.”

One of the ways Emma Kaufmann Camp helps campers decompress is by disconnecting from social media and their wireless devices, Cantor explained.

“We’re very proud to be a screen-free camp,” he said. “None of our campers are allowed to bring any sort of electronic device. Being screen-free helps our campers and our sta break away from the hyper-focused nature of what’s happening all around them and gives them the opportunity to focus on what’s right in front of them. Camp represents not only a new daily routine but a new evening routine where our end of the day re ection program comes come into play. It’s a quiet, re ected end to the day with focus on building community with your cabin.”

Cantor said one of the bene ts of camp is disconnecting from digital devices. e camping experience gives campers some perspective on how much those devices dominate their lives.

“Camp can be this great reset,” he said. “Campers become comfortable sharing the things that are challenging for them, and they learn in a safe place how to get support when things aren’t going right. ey don’t have to be ashamed of those things. ey are encouraged to share what’s troubling

them, so we work through and resolve them.”

Many of the activities at summer camp are designed to enhance a child’s mental health, said Jacob Cytryn, executive director at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin in Conover, Wis.

“Camp Ramah has long prided itself on how we work with families on intake and support during the summer,” Cytryn said. “We have a large sta of professionals who work directly with campers and counselors to support kids who come to camp with mental health diagnoses, behavioral challenges, academic struggles and a variety of growing pains. We pride ourselves on doing a great job embracing those kids.

“ e notion that kids need summers of fresh air away from screens, interacting with peers (and) with positive Jewish role models in a supportive and loving, joyful, Jewish environment has never been truer.”

Cytryn said Camp Ramah sta proactively check on the emotional health of campers multiple times per day.

“We check in their cabin, and ask, ‘How are you doing? Are you feeling good? What was fun today?’” he said, adding that this could be completed by supervisors on the camper care team, social workers or “mental health folks” that all help counselors do their jobs. “We’ve got layers and layers of sta at camp that are constantly checking in on kids and making sure that everything’s OK.”

Bill Motchan is a freelance journalist.

Cantor

Cytryn

Plan for summer now to ensure preferred camp choice

ED CARROLL

The best time to plan for your child to attend summer camp is at the beginning of the year. e second-best time to prepare for your child’s summer camp plans is right now.

While it may seem like wishful optimism during the frigid winter months to start thinking about your summer plans, it’s actually a crucial time for parents to strategize about which summer camp their children will attend and to make sure it isn’t too late to register for the programs they want, according to Katie orpe, camp and scout program

educator at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, and Alyssa King, director of special programs at Columbus Academy in Gahanna.

“It may not dawn on people that they need to enroll early, especially if they have younger children, they’re not used to this game yet,” King said. “Enrolling early secures your summer. If you don’t enroll early, you might be scrambling and you might not have the best opportunities.” orpe echoed King’s assessment.

“Even though it’s January, May comes up quick and the end of the school year comes so fast,” orpe noted. “So, you want to plan ahead, you want to be proactive about registering and

GYMNASTICS FOR KIDS & ADULTS!

making sure that you feel secure in what your kiddos or your campers are going to do for the end of the school year program.”

Both organizations utilize a three-tiered registration system, though they each approach it a little di erently. Franklin Park Conservatory rst opened up registration to its scholarship awardees in December 2024, and the second tier for conservatory members opened from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15. e third tier is for the general public, which opened up Jan. 20.

GYMNASTICS FOR KIDS & ADULTS!

Now in our 22 nd year of helping gymnasts to reach their goals!

Columbus Academy’s tier structure rst opens up Feb. 4 to family members of employees and teachers, followed by Feb. 5 for returning summer experience families and Feb. 6 for the rest of the general public.

Sessions

•1-hour class, 1x per week = $140 per session

Summer Camp 2025

Now in our 22 nd year of helping gymnasts to reach their goals!

•1.25-hour class, 1x per week = $165 per session

•1-hour class, 1x per week = $140 per session

Sessions

•1.25-hour class, 1x per week = $165 per session

Winter Session 2 - 6 Week Session

•1-hour class, 1x per week = $140 per session

Winter Session 2 - 6 Week Session

Sunday, January 19 – Wednesday, March 5, 2025

•1.25-hour class, 1x per week = $165 per session

Sunday, January 19 – Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Spring Session 1 - 6 Week Session

Winter Session 2 - 6 Week Session

Spring Session 1 - 6 Week Session

Sunday, January 19 – Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Thursday, March 6 – Saturday, April 16, 2025

Spring Session 1 - 6 Week Session

Thursday, March 6 – Saturday, April 16, 2025

Closed Spring Break: Thursday, April 17 - Sunday, April 20, 2025

Spring Session 2 - 4 Week Session

Closed Spring Break: Thursday, April 17 - Sunday, April 20, 2025 Spring Session 2 - 4 Week Session

Closed Spring Break: Thursday, April 17 - Sunday, April 20, 2025

Thursday, March 6 – Saturday, April 16, 2025

Spring Session 2 - 4 Week Session

Monday, April 21 – Sunday, May 18, 2025 PRORATED Session

Monday, April 21 – Sunday, May 18, 2025

PRORATED Session

TWISTERS

2–6 years old

TWISTERS 2–6 years old

FLIPS FOR GIRLS

FLIPS FOR GIRLS 7–10 years old

Closed Spring Break: Thursday, April 17 - Sunday, April 20, 2025 Spring Session 2 - 4 Week Session

7–10 years old

FLIPS FOR GIRLS 7–10 years old

FLIP AND SALUTE FOR TEENS & BETWEENS 10–16 years old

FLIPS FOR GIRLS 7–10 years old

FLIP AND SALUTE FOR TEENS & BETWEENS

10–16 years old

FLIP AND SALUTE FOR TEENS & BETWEENS 10–16 years old

GYM SKILLS FOR BOYS

Summer Camp 2025

JSG o ers gymnastic camps for all ages, boys and girls, and all levels of experience, from recreational to competitive. Weekly & daily campers are welcome. You can customize the schedule to your needs. Camp is o ered from 9:15 a.m.–noon or 9:15 a.m.–3 p.m. After-care is available from 3–5 p.m. We will be closed on June 19 and the week of July 4, 2025.

Weekly or daily enrollment is available through the parent portal on our website.

FLIP AND SALUTE FOR TEENS & BETWEENS 10–16 years old

GYM SKILLS FOR BOYS

7–10 years old

GYM SKILLS FOR BOYS 7–10 years old

COMPETITIVE TEAM

JUMP START SKILLS

COMPETITIVE TEAM

AAU FLIP STARS

JUMP START SKILLS

AAU FLIP STARS

USAG JUMP START

AAU FLIP STARS

JUMP START SKILLS AAU FLIP STARS USAG JUMP START

USAG JUMP START

ADULT OPEN GYM

Weekly or daily enrollment is available through the parent portal on our website.

King explained that parents need organization and logistics to plan ahead for summer camp, especially because her camps have room for between 10 and 20 campers. She also said Columbus Academy o ers a brochure on its website that includes planning sheets for parents to help them organize their plan for registering for camps, and encouraged parents to use them.

Weekly or daily enrollment is available through the parent portal on our website.

But both orpe and King stressed that parents shouldn’t get upset if they’re initially too late. e camps frequently are able to secure spots for a number of families from the wait list, so make sure to still register.

JUMP START SKILLS

ADULT OPEN GYM

Follows session calendar dates. $10 per participant. Thursdays 7:45–8:45 p.m.

Call today to learn more about these great programs!

Per week: $300 9:15 a.m.–3 p.m. or $200 9:15 a.m.–noon $60 or $40 per day • $10 after-care from 3–5 p.m.

Follows session calendar dates. $10 per participant. Thursdays 7:45–8:45 p.m.

Weekly or daily enrollment is available through the parent portal on our website.

Per week: $300 9:15 a.m.–3 p.m. or $200 9:15 a.m.–noon $60 or $40 per day • $10 after-care from 3–5

Per week: $300 9:15 a.m.–3 p.m. or $200 9:15 a.m.–noon

$60 or $40 per day • $10 after-care from 3–5 p.m.

Birthday Parties

Follows session calendar dates. $10 per participant. Thursdays 7:45–8:45 p.m. Now in our 22 nd year of helping gymnasts to reach their goals!

Per week: $300 9:15 a.m.–3 p.m. or $200 9:15 a.m.–noon $60 or $40 per day • $10 after-care from 3–5 p.m.

Jump Start is a great place to celebrate that special occasion! Our coaches will tailor the party activities to the age of the birthday child. All of the guests are sure to enjoy our gymnastic games and equipment, including our 50 feet of trampoline and in-ground foam pit! Party guests will enjoy organized and looselystructured instruction on the gymnastic equipment.

An hour of gym time and a half-hour of celebration time $195 for 10 children & $20 for each additional child. JSG provides white paper plates, forks, tablecloths, napkins, and clean-up.

23700 Mercantile Road, Beachwood Rear of National Biological Building

23700 Mercantile Road, Beachwood Rear of National Biological Building (216)896-0295

Call today to learn more about these great programs!

23700 Mercantile Road, Beachwood Rear of National Biological Building (216)896-0295

Now in our 22 nd year of helping gymnasts to reach their goals! Call

Website: jsgymnastics.com

“It really pays to be organized here,” she said. “Yes, it can be very frustrating. ( e best time to plan) is right now. We tell all our families all the time, if you don’t get into your rst choice, please don’t freak out. Please don’t worry. It could be a situation where that in April, if you hold on, things will shift and we might be able to get you into that program.” orpe said communicating with your child about what they want can really improve their experience with camp.

“If I was a parent, I would really want to loop in my kiddo about camp,” orpe stated. “What are they interested in? What would keep them as entertained and as engaged as possible over the summer? No one wants to be involved in something they don’t like. So, we want to make sure that parents and their campers are excited about the programs and have a great summer. So, my best advice would be to have an open conversation with your camper. What they want to do, what would make them most engaged, and talk about the themes of camp, talk about di erent programs and activities.”

Ed Carroll is a freelance journalist.

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

Website: jsgymnastics.com

Email: jsgymnastics@jsgymnastics.com

(216)896-0295 Website: jsgymnastics.com

Email: jsgymnastics@jsgymnastics.com

23700 Mercantile Road, Beachwood Rear of National Biological Building (216)896-0295 Website: jsgymnastics.com

Email: jsgymnastics@jsgymnastics.com

Get a closer look at the vibrant stories of Cleveland’s Jewish community when you follow @clevejn on Instagram

King

Thorpe

Camp staff reflects on favorite parts of the job

LILLIE ASKARI laskari@cjn.org

Camp can enrich lives and create memories, according to two summer camp directors.

For Camp Livingston’s year-round director Abby Solomon, her rst camp experience was at age 6, when she rst attended overnight camp at Camp Livingston in Bennington, Ind., with her two older brothers.

“Camp is what made my Jewish identity and it’s what connected me, taught me and cultivated me to love (not only) who I am, but also who I am as a Jewish person,” she said. “I think that is what had me go into Jewish work.”

Solomon lives in Cincinnati during the o season and on-site in Bennington each summer for camp. Her work includes recruitment, programming and leading about 70 summer sta ers, she said.

Solomon, who is approaching her 10th anniversary as director, said camp memories are some of life’s best because children

are free from school demands and social media distractions. Conquering her fear of heights on the ropes course and witnessing campers do the same are two of her favorite memories, she recalled.

“... (I) was so afraid of taking that nal step where you jump o and you zip down, and the sta coached me through that and then my friends ... were so proud of me when I did it,” Solomon said, adding that everyone cheered, “Abby, Abby,” as she made her leap.

Later in life, Solomon returned to the ropes – eventually working them as a counselor.

“Lives change in front of me because camp is truly life changing, and that’s what really keeps me going ... I feel really lucky to help be a part of that,” Solomon said.

To Hiram House Camp program director Konnor Lashley, the highlights of his job lie in witnessing his campers form friendships. He said even the most hesitant campers at drop o don’t want to leave at summer’s end because of the friends they made.

“It’s the relationships they are able to form,” Lashley, a full-time resident at Hiram House in Moreland Hills said. “ ey’re in small, tight-knit groups, so being able to see the friendships ... how those relationships are able to form,” are part of his favorite camp memories.

Lashley hires sta , including about 70 summer employees, and helps create what he said is one of the missions of camp –to enrich the lives of children through camping.

Lashley said he is proud of how campers learn and grow at camp. One day, he asked if saying “skibidi toilet,” a popular Generation

Alpha phrase inspired by a popular surrealist YouTube series of the same name, made him “cool.” e term “skibidi” is a nonsense word that can be slang for things that are good, bad, cool or evil, depending on the context, according to e New York Times.

One camper responded, “Konnor, you being who you are as a person, that’s what makes you cool.”

“ ey were able to learn that while they were here with us,” Lashley said.

Lashley also fondly recalls watching campers gain independence, he said.

“It really forces kids to have another opportunity where they have to think for themselves and to have to talk with adults and others that aren’t their parents,” he said. “Working on creating friendships outside of their immediate bubble. ... Independence is something everybody will have to learn at some point. It’s life skills, being able to talk to somebody (and) being able to problem solve.”

Lashley Solomon

CAMP

CAMP CHABAD CAMP CHABAD

JUNGUST

Keeping campers safe ensures carefree summer

LILLIE ASKARI laskari@cjn.org

As summer approaches, camps across the country are working hard to nd ways to keep kids safe while they have fun. From training sta and teaching self care and communication skills, to implementing safety drills, many camps are taking extra steps to make sure every camper is protected all season long.

Camp Wise is the only Jewish summer overnight camp in Ohio. Tucked away on 325 wooded acres in Chardon, Camp Wise is charged with energy, spirit, excitement and pure fun. Campers and sta come from all over the country for an unforgettable summer camp experience.

edition CW hoodie or a $50 Mandel JCC gift card.

According to Jillian Hastings, associate director of URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, Ind., and Rochel Kaltmann, director of Camp Gan Israel in New Albany, safety protocols improve the experience and give parents peace of mind. Hastings said before camp starts, it is important for parents to talk with children about safety, including how to ask for help. She said scraped knees, bee stings, minor colds and stomach bugs are typical camp ailments. Counselors will take children to the in rmary for evaluation should they display any symptoms, she said.

“We always have a great medical sta at camp at all times, it’s a doctor, it’s a nurse (and) usually an administrator,” Hastings noted. “ ey are going to be taken to our in rmary and they are going to get evaluated by our medical team.”

Camp sta also completes “extensive” training on caring for children, which includes safety training, Hastings explained. She said the majority of sta are CPR/AED certi ed and trained in water rescue. e camp is also nut-free, but counselors have emergency epinephrine at all times in case of severe allergies, she added.

“We work one on one with each family,” Hastings said.

e camp also has full-time security and maintains relationships with local rst responders and hospitals, in case a fever lasts too long or a bone breaks, Hastings said.

As for medications, Hastings said parents

need to send only prescription medicine and vitamins. e in rmary, she noted, has a self-service station with bandages, antibiotic ointments and over-the-counter medications. Staying hydrated also is encouraged throughout the summer, she said.

“(Goldman Union Camp Institute) is somewhere where we form a community where everyone is welcome, and we spend a considerable amount of time with our sta , speci cally on caring for kids,” she said.

At Camp Gan Israel, some of the ways campers are kept safe from usual summer conditions include “constant hydration throughout the day and constant (hand washing) between activities and before we eat,” Kaltmann noted.

“Sunscreen is applied at home and counselors have spray sunscreen handy, (but) constant hydration is key,” especially in the sunny summer months, she said.

Campers, who take daily eld trips to places such as water parks and ice rinks, are accompanied by counselors, sta and a security guard, Kaltmann said.

“We have a very comprehensive safety training, and on all of our trips we are accompanied by our security guard, who is CPR certi ed and is a rst responder,” she explained.

Camp Gan Israel sta also are trained in CPR and in the administration of emergency epinephrine for allergies, Kaltmann said.

“Before (camp), every counselor is given a binder with all the needs of all campers, so if there is a camper who is strongly allergic to something ... we would do our best to ensure that parents send information (on what the children are allergic to),” she stated.

Kaltmann said they also try to avoid major allergens and are a nut-free camp, and the camp aims to give each camper individualized attention. Lifeguards also are on-site for daily swim time.

“All of our counselors undergo a very rigorous training, and safety is our No. 1 priority, and having that individual care for every single one of our campers is very important,” Kaltmann said.

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

Hastings

Kaltmann

Summer Camp

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