Have the best summer ever with J-Camp

Summer vacation will be here before we know it so now is the time to start thinking about your plans. J-Camp has experienced a major restructuring this winter and we are gearing up for the best summer yet!  This year, camp will consist of one base camp, with specialties incorporated into everyday schedules.  Each week, campers will participate in activities run by their favorite specialist such as gymnastics with Aim High Academy, theater with Wensday Greenbaum (known as “Miss Wensday”),  animal fun with RISPCA, tennis, pottery and more. In addition, each week will focus on a specific theme which will become the basis for cooking and art projects, sports and games, and the weekly field trip. Campers will be split into appropriate age groups with electives offered daily to give campers a chance to spend more time doing the things they love. Children will also have daily swim lessons with the opportunity to choose free swim as one of their free elective periods.

The warm weather is one of the greatest benefits of summer, and this year, we intend to spend much time in the great outdoors, starting with morning arrival in the back fields. Our morning circle will mimic those found at larger day and sleep-away camps, providing a feeling of cohesion and community. Also new this year, campers will be able to purchase lunch daily with a cold or hot option. We are so excited about all the wonderful things we have planned, and hope you will be too.

Weekly Themes, Field Trips and Special Events

Week 1:  Wild Wild West/Welcoming of All Guests – We are going to the Southwick Zoo and there will be pony rides on Friday.

Week 2: Stars and Stripes/Honor and Respect – We are going to Camp JORI and will have a visit from US Army officer.

Week 3:  Heroes/Repairing the World – We are going to the RISPCA and will have visits from community helpers like the police and fire department.

Week 4: Ocean Commotion/Acts of Loving Kindness – We are going to Breezy Acres and will do a special activity Friday with Save the Bay.

Week 5: It’s a Jungle Out There (or is it a Rainforest)/Caring for the Earth and Environment – We are going to Camp JORI and will do a special Rainforest activity Friday with the Zoo Mobile.

Week 6: Fun and Games/Maintaining a Positive Attitude – We are going to a Paw Sox Game and campers will have an opportunity to climb a rock wall on Friday.

Week 7: Space/Connection to Other Cultures – We are going to the Zoo and Planetarium.

Week 8: Up, Up and Away to Israel – We are going to Douglas State Park for activities related to flying, like a paper airplane contest. We will also swim, and there will be a Mad Science Show Friday called “Up, Up, and Away.”

Week 9: Olympics/JCC Maccabi/Sportsmanship and Teamwork – We are going to the new RI Rock Gym in South County and One on One will be doing Olympics activities all week.

SHANNON BOUCHER is the Director of Children’s Programs at the Alliance.