Great Beginnings™

3–6 MOS, 6–12 MOS, 12–18 MOS, 15–21 MOS
The North Shore’s best music and movement program for more than 30 years, Great BeginningsTM has encouraged children’s development through hands-on, interactive learning. Parents and children share, explore and socialize in a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom under the guidance of a caring, involved instructor. Children gain skills, moms meet new friends!

Great Beginnings™ Infant's Hour

0–6 MOS, 6–12 MOS
Infant’s Hour is a special time for parents or caregivers to interact with their children through music and movement. Infants will have an important opportunity to gain awareness of other children while adults make new friends! Jewish learning is also introduced through song.

Great Beginnings™ Music with Aimee

12–18 MOS, 18–26 MOS
Music with Aimee is the “next step” for infants who are beginning to explore their surroundings by crawling and walking. Together with a parent or caregiver, children enjoy the music and movement activities of Infant’s Hour with some added fun! Jewish learning is expanded with the introduction of b’rachot. Challah is included.  

Toddler Time

18–24 MOS with Parent/Caregiver
Summertime is fun time as children, with a parent /caregiver, explore the world around them in this 1 day*/week program. Each week a new theme will be introduced through imaginative in-room, and outdoor experiences, songs, finger plays, art and stories. 

Toddler Time Shabbat

18–36 MOS with Parent/Caregiver
Children with parent/caregiver, explore the world through the seven days of creation. Each class a new day of the creation will be introduced through imaginative in-room and outdoor experiences, songs, finger play, art and stories. Shabbat candles will be lit and challah and juice will be served at each class.

Little Travelers

18–24 MOS & 24–36 MOS with Parent/Caregiver
Children, with a parent or caregiver, enjoy a different themed field trip each week of this 2-day/week program. Class meets one day in preschool/camp classroom and is introduced to the week’s theme through art, songs stories and more. The second class day meets at the field trip location where the fun continues. Zoo, beach, water park, train ride and so much more.

Separation Station

24–36 MOS w/ Parent/Caregiver
Children are encouraged to explore and discover through their senses while guided through separation from their parent /caregiver. Toddlers become familiar with preschool and camp routines and age-appropriate activities that meet their growing abilities, interests and needs.
Children attend independently when separation has been achieved. This camp class is recommended for children who have not yet separated but will be attending preschool on their own in the fall.

On My Own

24–36 MOS and Parent/Caregiver Remains
in the Building for the First Week
Summer offers young children a great opportunity to successfully separate from a parent/caregiver. Children engage in exploration and discovery through activities including art, music, outdoor play, Shabbat celebrations and more. Independence and social skills are fostered while children become more secure and develop early self-reliance skills.

Little Scouts

3+4 YEAR OLDS
This summer experience taps into children’s sense of wonder and provides exciting daily adventures. Children will experiment and learn during age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. The daily schedule includes arts, music, stories, nature study, outdoor sports, games and water play. Children will “scout out” answers as they explore captivating themes under the guidance of a nurturing, experienced teacher and an assistant per group. The children engage in a spirited Shabbat celebration and everyone comes together during Family Night for a taste of “Summer Fun.”

3-Day Threes at JCC’s Apachi Village

For Children Turning 3 Years Old Apr 1–Sep 1
This exciting program combines the structure that some younger campers need with the opportunity to explore within a traditional camp environment. Designed in coordination with JCC Apachi Village at the Bernard Weinger JCC, this program offers unique opportunities for campers to participate in camp favorites such as water play, art activities and Shabbat celebrations along with the safety and security of a classroom home base, an ECS teacher and two counselors by their side and programming that supports them as they begin to establish further independence. Potty training is not required.

This popular program fills quickly. To inquire about options for older 3-year-olds through 5-year-olds at JCC Apachi Village, call This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  at 224.406.9221.