Considering the JCC Summer Sports Camps
My child loves sports but is not a competitive athlete. Will he/she be comfortable at the JCC?
Yes. Most of the JCC Sports Camps are designed to help boys and girls develop skills and sportsmanship. Campers compete, but the program is more recreational than competitive in nature. If you have questions about a specific camp, please contact the camp office.
Do any camps require a tryout?
No.
Are the camps “girl-friendly”?
Boys and girls of all ages and abilities participate in JCC Sports Camps. Some camps attract more girls than others do, but both boys and girls are welcome in all programs.
Do you have a CIT program?
No. If you are interested in JCC camps with CIT programs please visit the JCC Grossman Camp, JCC Kaleidoscope Creative Arts + Science Camp, and JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood websites.
Camp Life
How are children organized in group activities?
It varies by camp. Usually they are split up by ages or abilities.
Can my child and his/her friend be in the same group?
Please email or call us to let us know which children you would like in the same group. In most cases we will be able to accommodate requests, unless there is a big difference in age or ability.
What should campers bring to camp?
Every camper should bring a kosher (vegetarian or dairy) lunch and snack, water bottle, sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, bathing cap (for the indoor pool, in inclement weather) and a hat. Swim camp participants should bring a water bottle, competitive swimsuit, two towels, flip-flops, goggles, bathing cap, comfortable workout clothes, and sneakers each day. You will receive more information two weeks before your child attends camp, including details of what to bring, including specific sports equipment.
What is the expected level of swimming proficiency?
All campers swim every day at the outdoor pool, weather permitting, and swim in the indoor pool if there is inclement weather. Swimming lessons are offered at all levels.
For swim camps, participants should be able to swim at least a 50-yard front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke. They are grouped by age and skill level on the first day of camp. Younger groups focus more on technique; more advanced groups work on conditioning as well. Full-day camp consists of 3-4 hours of pool time, dry-land workouts, videos and classroom time; half-day campers spend less (1-2) hours in the pool.
Where are the sports facilities?
Baseball and soccer fields are located in Nahanton Park, which is on Winchester Street in Newton, approximately a five-minute walk through paths behind the JCC. The basketball courts and indoor swimming pool (for inclement weather) are located at the JCC; the outdoor swimming pool and three hard-surface tennis courts are located on the JCC grounds. Golf camps are held at the Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton.
Must my child attend camp every day?
We encourage families to send their children every day that camp is in session, so that there is continuity in their skill-building, teamwork, and social experience. No refunds or credits are provided for missed days of camp.
What is the Jewish content of the camp? Does my child have to be Jewish/have a strong Jewish background to attend and be successful?
JCC Sports Camps are open to the entire community. Everyone is welcome; no Jewish background or education is required or expected.