School Break Camp
Join us at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC during vacation days and school breaks for a variety of activities including swimming lessons in our indoor pool, sports and gym games, arts & crafts, fun surprises and more! Sign up by the day, drop-off as early as 8am and pick-up as late as 6pm. New! Single Vacation Days Veteran’s Day 11/11 and MLK Day 1/18!
Adventures Await at School Break Camp!
Make school breaks unforgettable with School Break Camp at JCC Greater Boston! Designed for children in grades K–3, our engaging program combines creativity, excitement, and friendship into action-packed days filled with activities they'll love.
School Break Camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore sports, arts, swimming, and so much more in a supportive and vibrant environment. Each day is thoughtfully planned to include enriching experiences like hands-on crafts, active games, swimming lessons, and free swim in our heated indoor pool.
With caring counselors and a welcoming community, your child will develop new skills, build confidence, and create lifelong memories. Whether it's a day off from school or a full vacation week, our flexible schedule and extended day options make School Break Camp the perfect solution for busy families.
Don’t let school breaks go to waste—join us for a fun-filled adventure! Learn more and register now to secure your spot.
2026–2027 Registration
Registration for Veteran’s Day School Break Camp opens Thursday, October 15 at 10am. Limited spots will be available.
Karishim Swim Camp Now Available During School Break Camps
Due to popular demand, we are offering our popular Karishim Swim Camp during School Break Camps, a fun and intensive swimming program for children in grades K-10. Led by Karishim Swim Team Head Coach Lauren Gale, along with a team of USA Swimming-certified coaches, Karishim Swim Camp offers three levels of swim instruction:
Introductory
Perfect for swimmers looking to gain comfort and confidence in the water, our tailored instruction is hands-on and focused on water safety and building confidence. Campers learn to float, kick, and move through the water while having fun. The goal of this division is to help every swimmer feel secure, safe, and excited to continue learning.
Technique
For independent swimmers ready to refine stroke mechanics, breathing, and body position through individualized feedback and skill-based drills, laying the foundation for competitive swimming.
Performance
For advanced and competitive swimmers to build speed, endurance, race strategy, and mental preparation, coached by our USA Swimming coaches.
Learn more about this offering by emailing us at camp@jccgb.org.
2026–2027 Dates & Rates
Rates
| 2026/27 Cost | Member Cost | |
| Campers (Grades K–3) | $230/day | $225/day |
| Karishim Swim Camp (Grades K–10) | $365/day | $360/day |
Please note payment in full is due upon registration. No refunds are available for this program.
Dates
| Veteran's Day | November 11 |
| December Break | December 28–31* |
| Martin Luther King Day | January 18 |
| February Break | February 15–19 |
| April & Passover Break | April 19, 20, 26–30 |
Hours are 9am-4pm daily.
Before Care available 8-9am and After Care available until 6pm
We’re flexible! Choose anywhere from a single day to all days.
*The JCC closes at 3pm on December 31.
Add-Ons
| Before Care (8–9am) | +$38.50/day |
| After Care (4–6pm) | +$63.50/day (snack included) |
| Lunch | +$14.40/day |
Activities
Each day is jam-packed with activities and endless opportunities for fun. School Break campers enjoy the incredible JCC facilities, including lessons in our indoor pool, basketball gym, and a variety of classroom spaces for optional electives ranging from art to cooking, science and more. Every camp day includes swim lessons at no extra charge and free swim in our heated indoor pool.
There is no better place to spend school vacation days than with friends at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC. See our sample schedule below for a glimpse at what School Break Camp is like!
Day at a Glance
8–9am | Before Care Drop Off (Optional, Register in Advance)
9–9:30am | Drop off & Introductions: Meet your Counselors and bunk mates
9:30–9:45am | Boker Tov, Morning Announcements, Welcome Games
9:45–10:30am | Swim Lessons in our indoor pool (come dressed for swim)
10:30–11:15am | Free Swim, indoor pool
11:15am–12pm | Gaga Dodgeball
12–12:30pm | Lunch (paid Kosher lunch option available)
12:30pm–1:20pm | Art
1:20–2pm | Science
2–2:50pm | Sports
2:50–3:45pm | Cooking Class
3:45–4pm | Pickup
4–6pm | After Care Pick Up (Optional, Register in Advance)
Activity Add-Ons
In addition to the amazing variety of activities and electives offered daily, School Break Camp is proud to offer the following additional options:
- Before Care available as early as 8am
- After Care available until 6pm
- Lunch available every day
What to bring each day:
- Come dressed to be active and have fun!
- Lunch (or sign up for our lunch program!)
- Snack
- Water bottle
- Swim suit and towel
- Change of clothes
- Please note: swim caps are required in the indoor pool. Feel free to bring your own or one will be provided to your camper.
Campy Meals Kosher Lunch
With JCC Campy Meals, all meals are certified Kosher, prepared fresh daily, and delivered directly to your camper. Allergy friendly options and alternatives for picky eaters make lunch as easy as 1, 2, 3, or Gluten Free!
FAQs
What Should I Bring To Camp?
Packing List
- Come dressed to be active and have fun!
- Label EVERYTHING.
- Lunch: Please pack a dairy (no meat) or vegetarian lunch to respect the facility’s Kosher policies. Do not pack nuts in consideration of camper allergies.
- Snack
- Water bottle
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Swim caps are required for the pool. Feel free to send one to camp, or one can be provided.
Clothing
To ensure quick return of any lost items, please label all clothing, water bottles, towels, and bathing suits with your camper’s full name. Additionally, please check the weather forecast and provide appropriate clothing, including secure footwear such as sneakers.
Valuables
To avoid loss or damage, please refrain from sending items of high monetary or sentimental value to camp. Additionally, the use of all electronics, including cell phones and handheld devices, is prohibited. We encourage all campers – regardless of age – to leave cell phones at home. All communication must go through the Camp Office.
Sun Safety & Hydration
To ensure their well-being during outdoor activities, children should come to camp with sunscreen applied and a labeled water bottle. Our staff will provide opportunities for reapplying sunscreen, refilling water bottles, and they will encourage regular hydration throughout the day.
What Food Is Provided?
- All food supplied by the camp is kosher certified and nut-free.
- Campers should bring a healthy, nut-free snack and lunch from home every day.
- Lunch is available to order for an additional fee.
- Campers registered for After Care are provided a daily snack.
What Are Your Health & Safety Procedures?
JCC Newton Camps are staffed by a healthcare supervisor and a physician is on call. In case of an emergency, the local hospital is less than five miles away from JCC Greater Boston.
JCC Newton Camps are in compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health policies and is inspected and licensed by the City of Newton Department of Public Health. As part of that relationship, we have been asked to share commonly asked questions about Meningococcal Disease.
Parents may request copies of background checks, health care policies, discipline policies, as well as procedures for filing grievances.
What Are Your Security Procedures?
- We work with multiple security partners and consultants to ensure a safe camp environment. Many of our security measures are visible, while others are not.
- All visitors must show their JCC pass or ID for admission into the building.
- Families, staff and all campers must enter the building through the front entrance and check in at the desk.
- Campers are only released to authorized adults.
Policies
Payments, Cancellations, and Terms & Conditions
Please Note: Payment in full is due upon registration. No refunds are available for this program.
Closure Policy
- If a JCC Camp must close your child’s bunk, or all of camp, due to an unexpected single-day closure such as excessive heat, power loss, state or local guidance, or other unforeseen safety circumstances, JCC Greater Boston will not issue refunds. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our campers.
Financial Aid
Thanks to the support of generous individual and foundation donors, JCC Greater Boston makes every effort to offer financial assistance to campers in need. For more information, or a confidential conversation, please contact us. Financial aid is not transferable between camps.
Inclusion At Camp
JCC Newton Camps are designed to be fully inclusive. Campers who benefit from accommodations and supports participate in all activities and are fully integrated into their age group with their peers. Where necessary, camp may provide an Advocate Counselor to provide additional support within the bunk to ensure all campers are fully included. Our Inclusion Coordinator works with our Camp Leadership Team, Camp Counselors, and families to design and facilitate an inclusive environment for each camper. As each camper’s needs are different, the inclusion process and supports provided may differ. Inclusion support can include one or more of the following interventions:
- Additional forms, intake calls, and/or meetings with support staff (teachers, aids, other) as part of registration to gather additional information to ensure we are set up for success prior to summer
- Check-ins with campers and/or family members as needed
- Visual schedules, sensory breaks, and/or other tools
- Additional staff support
For more information, email camp@jccgb.org.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Attendance & Illness
Absence: If your child will be out of camp for the day, arriving late, or leaving early, please email the camp office at camp@jccgb.org.
Illness: Keep children home if they are not feeling well. Campers with a fever will not be admitted to camp. Campers who develop a fever or other symptoms of illness will be sent home. Campers will be asked to follow precautions and regulations regarding COVID-19, which will be updated based on current conditions and provided before camp begins. Parents are expected to arrange prompt pickup of any child who is ill.
Pick-Up Policy: Campers will be released to parents/guardians or those listed on your registration form. If your camper will be picked up from camp by anyone else, please let us know.
Before and After Care: Available by the day. Please sign up within your CampInTouch account.
Drop-Off
- Morning drop-off is 9:00-9:15am. Cars drive through the loop, dropping off in designated areas.
- Before Care drop-off is 8:00-8:45am. Park in the lot and escort your camper to the main entrance or pull up to the drop-off area as instructed.
Pick-Up
- Pickup is 3:45–4:00pm.
- If you arrive after 4pm your camper will be in After Care and you will be charged for the day.
- After Care is 4:00-6:00pm daily and available for an additional fee. Registration in advance is required.
Extended Day
- Before Care drop-off is 8:00-8:45am. Park in the lot and escort your camper to the main entrance or pull up to the drop-off area as instructed.
- After Care is 4:00-6:00pm daily and available for an additional fee. Registration in advance is required.
Join the Team
Join our camp team as a counselor, activity instructor, specialist or leadership staff! Our camp positions offer competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth, making it ideal for individuals passionate about youth development.
Meet the Team
Director, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Matt Steinberg
Director, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
With over a decade of youth, teen, and camp experience, Matt started his career as a Camp Counselor and Specialist. Matt has developed a variety of innovative and meaningful programs across camping, the arts, sciences, sports, and community engagement. Matt has facilitated Israeli Innovation STEM programming, Outdoor Adventure, BBYO youth groups and teen leadership development programs, sports leagues, young professional networking events, and the annual March of the Living Holocaust education trip to Poland and Israel. With a focus on child development and camper experience, Matt keeps beloved camp traditions strong while introducing exciting activities that build new skills and interests, creating a fun culture where everyone has a chance to shine and build confidence. Matt studied Philosophy and Developmental Psychology at Miami University in Oxford, OH and holds a Master in Business Administration from The Ohio State University.
Assistant Director, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Blair Smith
Assistant Director, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Blair has been working in camps and outdoor education since 2013, starting as a counselor and growing into year-round director and facilitator roles. She has directed multiple day camps, led teen workforce initiatives, overseen sports leagues, and managed large seasonal staff teams. Her experience spans both summer and year-round programming, including outdoor education, leadership development, and community-based initiatives for youth. Blair believes in leading with empathy, clarity, and collaboration — creating spaces where both campers and staff feel valued, capable, and connected. She holds a Master’s in Sport Management from Springfield College and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Economics from Westfield State University.
Program Manager, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Aviva Manin
Program Manager, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Aviva believes that camp is a critical part of every child's development. Her goal is to create inspirational, challenging, and unforgettable experiences for every camper. Aviva brings over a decade of customer service and technology sales experience, combined with expertise in data analysis, program growth and development, and communications. She has served in multiple volunteer positions, including with Jewish Family & Children's Service, the Girl Scouts, and Schechter Boston. Aviva studied Religion and Middle Eastern Studies at New York University and received a Master's of Business Administration from Babson College.
Inclusion Coordinator, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Nathalie Blitz
Inclusion Coordinator, Leventhal-Sidman Camps
Nathalie works closely with our camp families, schools, and other supports to gather a holistic picture of campers that require accommodations to be fully included in camp. She is a proud mom of two, one with profound disabilities who taught her more than words could say. Nathalie is a believer in communication of all forms including the ones we don't need ears for. She went to Hebrew University and holds numerous certificates in the field of Special needs advocacy, disability rights and regulations and parent coaching.
Get in Touch
JCC Camps
Leventhal-Sidman JCC
333 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA 02459
camp@jccgb.org
617.558.6523
The JCC Greater Boston Camps comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and are licensed by the local board of health.
