DC JCC summer camp

[Anonymous]

Has anyone had any experience with this camp? TIA.

[Anonymous]

We just did winter break camp, and really enjoyed that.

[Anonymous]

Odd follow up:

How Jewish is it? Their website says something like "learn jewish and universal values." Is it more Jewish or universal? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I'm happy to speak to the question about the balance of Judaism in the camp. I'm the former Camp Director and current Preschool Director at the 16th Street J.

A little over half of the camp families are Jewish or interfaith, and the rest of the children come from Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic, non-affiliated or other religious backgrounds. The Judaism in the camp comes through the teaching of "Jewish--and universal--values," as you mentioned. Essentially this means that there is nothing uniquely Jewish about being nice to others, taking care of the environment or doing good deeds, but we'll use the Hebrew phrases for these because we are a JCC. We do English and Hebrew songs during Morning Circle, Music class and Shabbat Sing. We also have an Israeli counselor every summer, which adds another element of Judaism. For all of these, we use the daily emailed Camp Notes for parent education--translating phrases and lyrics as needed so that everyone feels included.

The families--both Jewish and non-Jewish--have reported that they think the Jewish/secular content is balanced and that they're comfortable with it. I'm sure Alison Samson, our camp director, can put you in touch with some specific families who can speak to that if you'd like. She can be reached at 202.777.3270 or [e-mail]. (She's on vacation right now but will be back on the 19th.)

If you have any other questions, please feel free to call or email me.

Best,
Sarah Rabin Spira
Director, Early Childhood, Youth and Family Programs
t. 202.777.3278
e. [e-mail]