Early Childhood Summer Programs

First Timers

2 yrs (by 6/1) | 2 days (T/TH)
Designed to ease the transition from home to pre-school, First Timers camp is a comfortable, relaxed group environment for two’s. Activities based on weekly themes emphasize socialization and include water play, nature, arts & crafts, drama, music and Shabbat celebrations. To make your child’s separation smoother, camp will meet for only one hour during the first week.

K’Ton Ton  

3 yrs (by 10/31) | 3 days (M/W/F)
Campers in this half-day program enjoy creative, fun summertime experiences that foster independence and personal growth. Just like the “big kids,” K’Ton Ton campers have special events, theme days, entertainment and weekly Shabbat celebrations. Daily activities include arts & crafts, water and sprinkler play, music, movement, nature and outdoor adventures. Campers also participate in Red Cross swim instruction once each week and enjoy cookouts throughout the summer. Through special songs and celebrations, campers begin to build memories of a Jewish camp experience. 

Yad B’Yad  

3 yrs (by 10/31) | 5 days (M–F)
We pack a full day of fun into this half-day program that combines traditional Orthodox teachings with sensational camp activities. Children participate in daily tefilot, mitzvot and brachot. Yad B’Yad features swim instruction twice each week, arts & crafts, music, outdoor games, nature exploration, weekly visits from a sports specialist, cookouts, Friday entertainment, Shabbat celebrations and more.

Camp for 4’s & Kindergarten

Machaneh Yedidim  

4 yrs (by 10/31) | 5 days (M–F)
This extended-day camp program is full of variety and excitement. It combines the traditional Orthodox teachings of tefilot, mitzvot and brachot with great camp fun, including swim instruction twice each week, sports and art specialties, music, drama, science, nature, outdoor games and more. Campers enjoy weekly visits from our Camp Rabbi and great theme days, Friday entertainment, cookouts and all-camp celebrations.

Machaneh Chaverim  

K (by 10/31)
Energetic campers love this program that combines Orthodox teachings with camp activities designed to build skills and boost self-esteem. Campers participate in tefilot, mitzvot and brachot, and enjoy weekly visits from our Camp Rabbi. Days are filled with swim lessons three times each week, arts & crafts, music and drama specialties, outdoor games, sports, nature activities and more. Artists-in-residence, picnics, cookouts, all-camp special events, Friday entertainment and Shabbat celebrations add variety to the camp day.

Camp for Girls

Machaneh Dimyonah  

Girls 1st–3rd grade
Dimyonah is packed full of fun and creative activities for girls. Campers swim four days each week, enjoy an extensive arts and crafts program, and take part in a variety of specialty activities, including team sports, drama, gymnastics and Kids Fit. Third graders choose their own weekly specialties. Girls enjoy visits from artists-in-residence, six field trips, under/overnighters, cookouts and professional entertainment. Campers daven daily and participate in Judaic learning with our Camp Rabbi two days each week.

Machaneh Dimyonah V’od  

Girls 4th–5th grade
Seasoned campers love the variety, choice and new experiences of Dimyonah V’od. Girls plan their perfect summer by choosing their own specialty activities and weekly hobbies, including dance, drama, mixed media, fashion design, martial arts, magic, scrapbooking, Kids Fit and more. Campers swim four days each week and enjoy six full-day and three half-day field trips. Activities also include Judaic crafts, weekly visits from artists-in-residence and a special overnighter. A variety show at the end of the summer is a fun showcase for the girls’ talent. Campers daven daily and participate in Judaic learning with our Camp Rabbi twice each week.

Machaneh Chaveyah  

Girls 6th–8th grade
Seasoned campers love this on-the-go experience that combines urban discovery with outdoor adventure. Campers head out on girls trips for fun at the beach, Chicago museums, water parks, challenge courses, amusement centers, biking, golfing, boating and more. Machaneh Chaveyah also includes social action and volunteer opportunities where kids can really make a difference. Campers spend time enjoying swimming, sports, art, games and more at the JCC.

CIT Program  

Girls 7th–9th grade
The Counselor-in-Training program is a great way for girls to learn the skills and responsibilities of a JCC counselor. CITs assist staff with swimming, art, sports, games and more while also taking part in special field trips. Hands-on experiences and training sessions with professional staff help CITs develop leadership and communications skills.

Camp for Boys

Machaneh Sport  

Boys 1st–3rd grade
This all-action camp combines great sports activities with an innovative Judaic curriculum for a well-rounded summer experience. Campers take part in a variety of team sports, including T-ball, basketball, soccer, flag football and floor hockey where the emphasis is on teamwork, skill-building and fun. Sport campers also swim four days each week and participate in specialty activities such as martial arts, cooking, Kids Fit and drama. Third grade campers choose their own weekly specialties. Six field trips and under/overnighters add variety and encourage independence. Campers daven daily and participate in Judaic learning with our Camp Rabbi.

Machaneh Sport V’od  

Boys 4th–5th grade
Sport V’od is for the enthusiastic athlete who is looking for more choice, more variety and more action! This fun, competitive sports program focuses on improving skills in baseball, soccer and flag football, and features weekly league play and several inter-JCC competitions. Campers swim four days each week, and choose their own specialty activities and hobbies, such as martial arts, Kids Fit, Mad Science or Judaic learning. Six full-day and three half-day field trips and an overnighter encourage older campers to become more independent. V’od campers daven twice each day and participate in a unique educational partnership with the Collegiate Kollel.

Machaneh Chaveyah 

Boys 6th–8th grade
Seasoned campers love this on-the-go experience that combines urban discovery with outdoor adventure. Campers head out on boys trips for fun at the beach, Chicago museums, water parks, challenge courses, amusement centers, biking, golfing, boating and more. Machaneh Chaveyah also includes social action and volunteer opportunities where kids can really make a difference. Campers spend time enjoying swimming, sports, art, games and more at the JCC.

Early Morning Judaic Learning & Davening  

4th–6th grade
Join us for daily davening and special instruction and insights into selected Mishnayos. Judaic learning is led by our Camp Rabbi and Assistant Judaic Director.

Specialty Camps 8/18–8/22

Visual Arts Camp—Girls

2nd–5th Grade
Learn how to create beautiful artistic items from a variety of mediums with the help of a real artist!
9:00am–12:00pm

Sports of All Sorts—Girls
Sports of All Sorts—Boys

1st–3rd Grade
The sports and games you have played and loved all summer and more!
9:00am–12:00pm

Sports Development Camp­—Boys

3rd–5th Grade
This sports clinic will improve your skills in land sports: baseball, basketball and football.
9:00am–12:00pm

Culinary Arts Camp—Girls

1st–5th Grade
You are the chef this week! Each day will have its own theme. You will work to create your own delectable lunch and create a culinary art project. If you like “playing” with your food, this camp is for you. Lunch is included.
9:00am–12:00pm

Afternoon Adventures—Girls
Afternoon Adventures—Boys

1st–5th Grade
Still miss those wonderful camp days? Sign up for Afternoon Adventures! Spend the afternoon doing all the great camp things that you miss: swimming, sports, and arts & crafts.
12:00–3:00pm