2o19 Summer
camp
Supplement to Jewish News March 25, 2019 jewishnewsva.org | March 25, 2019 | Camp | Jewish News | 13
Virginia Beach
JC
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Splash & Dash Sunday, May 12 • 1-3 PM A swim & run event for ages 7-15. All participants receive: • USAT youth membership • Event t-shirt • Finisher’s medal
Register Today!
Dear Readers,
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amp provides a time and space for fun, as well as for development of confidence and new skills—all in a protected and caring environment. In fact, studies con-
sistently demonstrate the long-term benefits of a summer camp experience for both campers and counselors. Perhaps that’s why approximately 11 million kids in the United States attend some form of summer camp each year. With today’s vast options, choosing a camp, whether day or overnight, can be a confusing or exciting challenge…depending on your point of view. Either way, the best way to proceed might be to get out the calendar, gather the brochures, and start filling in the weeks. Within these next pages are suggestions for making those decisions—either through articles or advertisements. We hope they help set whoever is filling in the blanks on those June—August calendars on the road to an exciting and fulfilling summer!
For more information or to register, call 757.321.2308 or visit
SimonFamilyJCC.org/SportsLeagues
B”H
Gan Izzy 2019
SMILES! GUARANTEED! JULY 1 - JULY 26 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM AGES 3-11* Sign up for 3 weeks, get 1 FREE! $275 per week (scholarships available)
Visit www.ganizzy.org/signup to reserve your smiles today! #IloveGanIzzy #JewishFun #GanIzzy2019 *Must be toilet trained.
14 | Jewish News | Camp | March 25, 2019 | jewishnewsva.org
Terri Denison Editor
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Children’s Museum of Virginia
ffering something for everyone, the Children’s Museum of Virginia’s Camp sessions include visits to the Beazley Planetarium, history sites, and stops around town. Campers will explore the arts, science, history, and literacy. Located in Portsmouth, the museum’s changing exhibits for the summer are also always featured. Ages 3–11. ChildrensMuseumVirginia.com/camps/
camp First person
One Happy Camper and Sababa Surf Camp are a big hit for the Lemke family
MJ Lemke.
Shawn (and Ashley) Lemke
I
can’t say enough positive things about Sababa Surf Camp and the One Happy Camper grants program. As I changed my career, the prospect of paying for a sleep away experience was overwhelming. I learned about One Happy
Camper (supported by the Tidewater Jewish Foundation and Foundation for Jewish Camp) from my Aunt Leslie, and Cousin Megan. It was the perfect opportunity to make this camp experience a reality for my son MJ (age 11). This summer, my daughter, Breckin (age 8), is eligible and has received the grant. Now both children will be receiving this wonderful gift of Jewish camp, thanks to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation! The fact that Sababa Surf Camp is run here in Virginia Beach was especially pleasing that our fundraising efforts benefited a local operation providing a wonderful and unique Jewish experience for our youth here and from around the country. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
A Summer Of Family Fun Awaits
CinemaCafe.com • 523-SHOW
One Happy Camper fund of TJF accepts and appreciates contributions
A
ccording to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, “The impact of Jewish camp is immediate—campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities.” To learn more about One Happy Camper, visit www.onehappycamper.org to receive up to $1,000 off a first summer of Jewish overnight summer camp for a child. Needs blind grants are available for more than 155 amazing Jewish overnight camps across the country for first-time campers. The Tidewater Jewish Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, has matching funds available to provide Tidewater area families with grants for camp. To contribute toward this fund to allow more kids from Tidewater to attend Jewish overnight camp, contact Scott Kaplan, president and CEO, at 757-965-6109 or email skaplan@ujft.org. Gifts can be made to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation with “One Happy Camper” in the memo/purpose.
jewishnewsva.org | March 25, 2019 | Camp | Jewish News | 15
Fill your calendar with adventures this summer! Register for JCAMP at the Simon Family JCC! Let’s Safari
June
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Welcome to the Jungle
Animal Shenanigans
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Lions, Tigers, & Bears
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21
Shabbat Rock
Horseback Riding 5/6
Field Trip | Teens
Cruising into Fun Island Hopping
Israeli Scouts 24 Show and Visit
Late Stay | 1/2
25
We
Teens
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PJ Days!
Field Trip | 1/2 Family Fun Night -
Field Trip | 3/4 Surfing | Teens
July
Now You’re Cooking
Drive in Movie/Cookout | LC
1
2
America the Beautiful!
Everyday Heroes
Field Trip | K Overnight & Movie 3/4
Field Trip | 5/6 & Teens
Time Travel Through the Decades!
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9
3
Camp Wide Patriotic Carnival & Cookout
Decades Day! 10
Water
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W o rld
Shabbat Concert! LC only
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Luau
Field Trip & Overnight | 5/6 Music Theory DJ Class | Teens
4th of July!
4
Take me out to 5 the Ballgame Leather crafting
NO CAMP Teens Throwback 11 Retro Games Thursday!
12
Overnight & Movie 5/6
Kayak Tours | Teens
Out of this World Space Travel!
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Blast Off!
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22
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Around the World!
Field Trip | 3/4 Field Trip | Teens
Maccabi Color War Games!
Opening Ceremony
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Summer Games
30
5
24
Color Run!
Destination Israel!
5/6 & Teens
Out of this world Magic
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Space Race
International Chopped Challenge
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26
Passport Palooza
5/6
31
Israel Spirit Day! 7
Camping & Overnight
LC
International Cooking & Overnight
Late Stay | 1/2
6
Field Trip | Teens
Global Awareness
Family Sing-along
Teens
Field Trip & Overnight | 3/4 Field Trip | Teens
Field Trip | 1/2
Field Trip | Teens
Tikkun Olam
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STEAM Day!
Field Trip | K Field Trip | 5/6
Field Trip | Teens
Bonjour!
Tie-Dye Activity | LC-4th
Tie-Dye workshop
August
Winter Games
1
Go for the Gold 2
Field Trip | 5/6 Field Trip | Teens
Mitzvah Madness
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Talent Show Stopper!
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End of Camp Celebration Shabbat! *Calendar subject to change
Visit CampJCC.org or see our camp insert in the Jewish News!
16 | Jewish News | Camp | March 25, 2019 | jewishnewsva.org
camp California Jewish camp to try out all-gender cabins this summer Alix Wall
SAN FRANCISCO ( J. The Jewish News of Northern California via JTA)—After attending a few LGBTQ family weekends at Camp Tawonga, Jonathan Brunn felt ready to attend sleepaway camp there. But Jonathan’s mom, Nancy, was nervous. Jonathan, 10, has identified as nonbinary—a gender identity that falls somewhere outside the category of male or female—since age three. Because of that, the San Francisco child has been subjected to bullying at school. But it didn’t happen at Camp Tawonga, which has been ahead of the curve in welcoming nonbinary and LGBTQ campers and staff. It turns out that Jonathan isn’t the first nonbinary camper to attend the Jewish camp near Yosemite National Park, and certainly won’t be the last. To
accommodate the increasing number of kids like Jonathan among its campers, for the first time Tawonga will have two all-gender cabins this summer. While the move is pioneering, it isn’t precedent setting: According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Habonim Dror’s Camp Moshava in Maryland has offered all-gender cabins since 2017, and the foundation itself offered the option to camp counselors attending its Cornerstone Seminar last year. Jonathan first attended A Taste of Camp, a five-night session for younger campers going to sleepaway camp for the first time, in the summer of 2016. While Jonathan’s mom and camp staff had decided beforehand to place Jonathan in a girls’ bunkhouse, the cabin-mates took it upon themselves to call the bunkhouse “all-gender” to make it more inclusive. The decision to officially create two
such cabins came about organically, according to camp director Becca Meyer. In the previous several years, Tawonga had added all-gender restrooms and started a “beyond the binary” campfire in addition to separate girls’ and boys’ campfires. Meyer estimated that last year, approximately 20 of the 600 campers chose the third option. “Tawonga has a long history of only offering girls’ and boys’ cabins, but it’s become clear in recent years that that doesn’t work for all kids,” Meyer says. “So, we wanted to create another option so that all kids can live in a cabin that reflects their gender identity.” The two cabins—one for children going into fifth and sixth grades and one for those going into seventh and eighth grades—will each accommodate 12 campers and be offered only during the fourth session of camp as a pilot program.
After that, a decision will be made about making the arrangement permanent. Unlike the boys’ and girls’ cabins, the all-gender cabins will have a no-nudity rule. Campers can choose to change in the bathroom, in their sleeping bags, or behind a privacy curtain. As for who will staff the cabins, Meyer says that a lot of counselors have expressed interest. “We haven’t decided yet, but they will be excellent counselors who get additional training in working with diverse campers,” she says. Meyer adds, “As we approach our 100th anniversary [in 2025], we’re doubling down on our commitment to social justice and inclusion, and offering all-gender cabins is one way we’re doing that.” The response in the Tawonga community has been overwhelmingly positive, Meyer says.
There’s a perfect camp for every Jewish camper. Find yours today at OneHappyCamper.org..
Get up to $1,000 for your child’s first summer at Jewish overnight camp.
this way to BFFs At Jewish overnight camp, kids discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having the time of their lives. They race across ziplines, jump into lakes and learn important life skills. And they create enduring friendships. For more information or to apply, contact Ann Swindell 757-965-6106 or aswindell@ujft.org
jewishnewsva.org | March 25, 2019 | Camp | Jewish News | 17
camp
Benefits of exploration through Summer Programs Excerpts from a blog by Tyler Faubert
O
ddly enough, summer programs share similarities to lunch and dinner buffets. However, summer camp’s most important parallels include ample opportunity to explore new activities without a long-term commitment, while providing a twist of fun and excitement to the daily routine.
Understanding summer camps The American Camp Association estimates more than 14,000 summer camps, both overnight and day camps, operate annually across the United States. With more than 11 million students attending camps, families have a wealth of options offering students the opportunity to maintain a daily routine, make new friends with similar passions, and explore
new interests in a fun, no-strings-attached atmosphere. On the other hand, students who do not participate in summer camps may experience the “summer slide,” or summer learning loss. Research shows this phenomenon likely leads to a student losing the equivalent of up to two months of academic instruction. Students attending summer programs are able to not only retain, but also enhance math, reading, and writing skills throughout June, July, and August. As a bonus, attending summer programs allows students to maintain a routine, which brings a slew of benefits. Maintaining a routine helps build confidence and independence, especially with school-aged children, and produces healthy habits, constructive behaviors, and a sense of stability. Also, for many working families, knowing their child
is safe and having fun yields peace of mind.
schedule to the exploration of new ideas and activities or the development of a former interest. Endless Typically, programs opportunity million students offer a broad range of Much like a favorite attend camp selections encompassing lunch or dinner buffet, in the U.S. the arts, athletics, and summer programs come academics. The possibilin all shapes, sizes, and ities are endless to mix offerings. Maybe you and match camp schedwant to try a new dish, ules. The choice may or indulge in a favorite differ from family to meal in copious amounts family, and camps encourage families to for a discounted price. Summer programs test the waters. But most importantly, give families a choice of trying something it gives the camper confidence outside new each week or the option to particof their comfort zone, and, as an added ipate in the same activity for as long as bonus, the nature of many summer proit is available. Some families focus on a grams allows for families to decide, to singular subject, while many others focus an extent, how long to participate in the on wide-ranging selections. Either way, camp. summer camps are unique in creating an environment for families to tailor a camp
Fun Summer CampS
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• Ages 3 -11 • Small Camp Sizes • Art • Music• Science • Adventure • Imagination
ONLINE REGISTRATION: ChildrensMuseumVirginia.com/camps/ Registration deadline is 2 weeks prior to start date. Campers must meet age requirement by start date.
C H I L D R E N’ S MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA P ORTSMO UTH
757.393.5258
18 | Jewish News | Camp | March 25, 2019 | jewishnewsva.org
camp Decide commitment Summer camps often have opportunities for morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions, as well as extended care options. At a minimum, most day camps offer as little as three hours a day and as many as six hours a day, with discounts for multiple registrations also available. Campers can enrich acting skills in the morning, learn the basics of coding in the afternoon, and attend an academic workshop the very next week. With summer programs, families are not tied down or married to choices and are able to plan the summer one week, two weeks, three weeks, or all at once. Plus, summer programs allow students to explore new ideas on a weekto-week basis while maintaining similar hours and timelines as the school day’s routine. Exhilarating enjoyment A routine can be one of the most critical aspects of daily life, and much like a
buffet that provides a fun twist to eating at the dinner table, summer camps offer a balance of enjoyment and excitement while maintaining a vital part of the daily regimen. Summer programs provide an environment where campers can do something familiar with close friends, try
something new, or celebrate with a favorite theme. Participating in summer camps provides the internal clock a healthy balance after spending the last 180 days in a classroom setting. Camps are a rewarding and exhilarating approach to break from the day-to-day routine and keep the internal clock in check.
Tyler Faubert is director of auxiliary programs at Cape Henry Collegiate. For information on Cape Henry Collegiate’s Summer at the Cape for campers ages three-17, which begins in June and runs through August, go to summeratthecape.com or email summeratthecape@ capehenry.org.
BUILD CHARACTER at THEATRE CAMP!
Summer camps offer a balance of enjoyment
JAZZ
e Ag
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and excitement while maintaining a vital part of the daily regimen.
No experience needed!
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TAP ACTING and much more!
Weekdays 9am - 3:30pm
Spring Break Camp: April 15-19 Summer Camps: choose a session
Session 1: July 8-19 Session 2: July 22 - August 2 Session 3: August 5 - 16
wwww.hurrahplayers.com
WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD GET INTO THIS SUMMER? Campers in Grades Pre-K4 to 12 will create masterpieces, hone volleyball skills and save the world! Full and half-day artistic, athletic and academic camps will make your child’s summer one to remember. Learn more and register at NorfolkCollegiate.org/SummerPrograms.
jewishnewsva.org | March 25, 2019 | Camp | Jewish News | 19
cape henry.qxp_Layout 1 3/20/19 2:35 PM Page 1
Cape Henry Collegiate’s Summer at the Cape Cape Henry Collegiate’s Summer at the Cape rests on a 30-acre campus just minutes from the Oceanfront. Campers ages 3-17 enjoy every aspect of Cape Henry’s beautiful facilities, including a passionate teaching staff, high-tech classrooms, a full-service cafeteria, a state of the art outdoor playground, and other fantastic facilities that will make your summer one to remember! Summer Programs span a wide variety of opportunities to accommodate a broad range of student interest. Whether you are looking for artistic enrichment, athletic instruction, or academic enhancement, our programs allow campers the opportunity to develop talents, explore new interests, and, most importantly, have fun during summer vacation! e fun begins in June and runs through August. Reserve a spot today. Space is limited. Summer at the Cape at a Glance Ages: 3 – 17 Camper Staff Ratio: 10:1 Session Availability: June 3 – August 9 Day Camp Cost: $195 - $295 per week. Half-Day, Full-Day, and Extended Care offered
Call 757.963.8241 or email summeratthecape@capehenry.org Visit www.summeratthecape.com to register today! 1320 Mill Dam Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
Simon Family JCC Day Camp Employment Looking for an amazingly fun summer job that makes a difference? Do you remember how great it was to be at Summer Camp? At Simon Family JCC J Camp, energetic and passionate staff provide a safe and positive learning environment for campers. Previous summer day camp work experience and/or experience working with children helpful. Staff members are hired for their ability to facilitate memorable experiences for our campers. Complete background check is required and Counselors must participate in an orientation program.
Now Hiring… for the following positions:
Upper Camp Unit Director* Teen Program Lead Counselor** Counselors (High School Graduates; minimum requirement) Junior Counselors (HS rising Junior; minimum requirement) Specialist (Activities: Sports, Music, Arts, etc.) Lead Counselor- Special Needs Shadow Program Special Needs Shadow Counselors Camp Nurse (RN certification required) *Requires proven camp leadership/management experience & must be 21+ years old ** Must be 21+ years old
Applications available at the Simon Family JCC 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 or www.simonfamilyjcc.org Camp Sessions: June 17 -August 9; Post Camp: August 12 -23
20 | Jewish News | Camp | March 25, 2019 | jewishnewsva.org
EOE
Camp Gan Israel
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July 1–July 26
amp Gan Israel—or “Gan Izzy” as the campers call it, is the camp for Jewish fun in Hampton Roads. Gan Izzy days are filled with crafts, games, sports, and fitness activities, field trips, swimming, and more. Campers also get a fun dose of Jewish learning and spirit throughout their day from drop off to pickup. #JewishFUN. www.ganizzy.org/info. Buy three weeks and get one free.