Camp Kaleidoscope
JCC Greater Boston's premier arts and science day camp for campers entering grades K–9. Camp runs from 9am–4pm, with before care and after care options available.
Unleash Your Creativity and Imagination at Camp Kaleidoscope!
Experience the ultimate combination of creative arts and excitement at Camp Kaleidoscope, with our unique blend of theater, filmmaking, music, culinary, science, sports, games, and outdoor activities in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Our talented staff of artists, performers, and educators will inspire you to explore your emerging interests, build self-confidence, and have a blast. We provide a pluralistic Jewish setting where you can freely express yourself and try new things. Camp Kaleidoscope is a welcoming and inclusive space that embraces all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. Join us for an unforgettable summer of growth, fun, and self-discovery at Camp Kaleidoscope!



Camp Program
Nitzanim: Lower Camp
Grades K–1
Lower Camp features age and developmentally appropriate programming for our youngest campers to explore drama, art, science, sports, and more! With patient, caring counselors as role models, campers make friends and learn new skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
Anafim: Middle Camp
Grades 2–3
Campers entering grades 2-3 are introduced to exciting new activity tracks, including Art, Drama and Sports. Each 2-week session campers choose a track that provides a deep-dive in their interest area. Beyond their chosen track all campers enjoy a well-rounded camp day, featuring swim lessons, free swim and an exciting variety or arts, games and STEM to explore.
Etsim: Upper Camp
Grades 4–8
Each camper has the chance to customize their experience by selecting from dozens of electives and special activities, including Theater, Cooking, 3D Printing, Pickleball, Photography, Journalism, Video Production, Zumba and so much more! A highlight of every summer is the camp musical, with performances on Week 4 and Week 8 of two different, fully staged musical theater productions. Campers who wish to participate in the musical(s) must attend Weeks 1-4 and/or Weeks 5-8, with many campers attending all eight weeks to star in both musicals!
Counselors in Training (CITs)
Grade 9
For more information on our Counselors in Training leadership development program, please see the CIT section below.
Swimming
Swimming is a highlight of the program for all ages. JCC Camps offer instructional swim led by certified instructors at the JCC’s acclaimed Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. Campers entering grades K-6 have daily instructional swim. Campers in grades 7-8 have the option to register for swim instruction. All campers enjoy daily free swim and other pool activities.
Shabbat
Campers celebrate Shabbat every Friday, as well having theme days and special events throughout the summer.
Daily Schedule
Explore some of our sample daily camp schedules and browse our most recent weekly newsletter to get an idea of all the fun that happens each day at camp.
Camp at a Glance
Make the most of your summer with a full day of fun and adventure! With extended-day options, you can start the day early and stay late for even more fun.
- Regular Camp Hours: 9am–4pm
- Extended-Day Hours: 8am–6pm
Sessions
June 29–August 21. For eight consecutive weeks each summer, Camp Kaleidoscope offers a variety of activities for youth by creating immersive experiences in performing arts, visual arts, science, sports, and swimming. Our camp curriculum is designed to foster social-emotional skills through extensive enrichment opportunities. Campers develop self-confidence as they are mentored by experts in their chosen specialty focus. Families may register campers entering grades K-9 for two week sessions, with many families choosing to come all eight weeks to get the most out of the camp experience. Weeks four and eight culminate in the Camp Kaleidoscope arts festival and musical theatre production where campers share performances and exhibits with family and friends.
Bunks
Join a diverse community of campers and make new friends! Our groups, or “Bunks” are mixed gender and organized by grade and age.
Daily Activities
Fully-staged musical theater productions, singing and dancing (hip hop, jazz, ballet, modern), music (guitar, percussion, piano, voice), story dramatization, improvisation, scene study, and stage combat.

Painting and poster art, animation and video production, costumes and fashion, scene design, mosaics, painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry making, and crafts.

Instructional and recreational swim, canoeing, hiking, basketball, gaga, Ultimate Frisbee, tennis, table tennis, kickball, challenge course, and dodgeball.

Buildings and structures, electricity and magnetism, rockets and kites, nature exploration, geysers, and volcanos. Other activities include cooking and baking, creative writing, knitting, needlework, set design and painting, and tie-dye.

Arts festivals, carnival, evening activities (grades 6+), daily camper performances, Shabbat celebrations, and visiting artists & performers.

Rise to the Challenge
CIT Program
Counselors in Training is a leadership development program for campers entering grade 9. These future Camp Counselors and community leaders will receive valuable training, including CPR and first aid, event planning, child development, conflict resolution, public speaking skills, and much more. In addition to specialized training, CITs also work alongside experienced Counselors and Specialists to get real, hands on experience leading camp activities. CITs may opt to pursue a variety of their own interests via various camp electives, activities, and special events, including the option to participate in the popular upper camp musical. All CITs attend special workshops, lead the camp in community service (tzedakah) projects, and help plan and execute special events and activities.

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!
More details, including the lunch menu, will be added soon!
JOIN THE FUN WITHOUT THE HASSLE
Transportation
Conveniently located at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton, we’re dedicated to making it as easy as possible for everyone to get to camp. We provide bus transportation from nearby communities, including Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton and Wellesley.

2026 Rates & Dates
2026 Rates
| Early Bird Session Before 1/1 | Regular Session as of 1/1 | |
| Campers Entering K–8 | $1,670 | Coming Soon |
| CITs Entering Grades 9 | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
Please note a $25 non-refundable registration fee will apply to each camper enrolled. On April 1, the registration fee will increase.
Sibling Discount: Save $50 for the second and each additional sibling in a family.
JCC Members: Save $50/session.
2026 Dates
| Session 1 (Weeks 1 & 2) | June 29–July 10 (no camp July 3) |
| Session 2 (Weeks 3 & 4) | July 13–July 24 |
| Session 3 (Weeks 5 & 6) | July 27-August 7 |
| Session 4 (Weeks 7 & 8) | August 10-August 21 |
Add-Ons
| After Care (4:00–6:00pm) | Coming Soon |
| Before Care (8:00–9:00am) | Coming Soon |
| Bus Transportation | Coming Soon |

FAQs
What Dates Do I Need To Know About?
- Dec 4–Feb 1: Sessions/weeks may be dropped or changed, subject to availability.
- Feb 1: Financial Aid applications due online.
- After Feb 1: Deposits are not refundable.
- May 1:
- Full payment is due, or a payment plan must be in place and no refunds will be issued. You cannot drop weeks after this date.
- All camp forms are due.
- July 3: There will be no camp on July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
What Should I Bring To Camp?
Packing List
- Water bottle (labeled)
- Bathing suit & towel
- Lunch
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Snacks
- Hat
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.
- All campers are served ice pops in the afternoon.
- Lunch is available to order for an additional fee.
- Campers registered for After Care are provided a daily snack around 4:30pm.
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
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- Payments & Cancellations
- JCC Newton Camps require a separate deposit for each session or week. The deposit(s) are strictly tied to those specific sessions and/or weeks. A deposit of $75 per week is due upon registration.
- Sessions or weeks may be dropped or switched, pending availability, without loss of deposit, until February 1.
- Sessions may not be split in order to drop individual weeks.
- Payment Dates:
- After February 1: Deposits are no longer refundable or transferable.
- February 1–May 1: Sessions may be dropped, and all fees paid will be refunded, except the registration fee and any deposit(s).
- May 1: Families are financially responsible for all sessions and/or weeks for which they are registered. Any outstanding fees will be collected in accordance with the previously selected payment plan option unless written notice to withdraw/unenroll has been received by May 1.
- Tuition is non-refundable after May 1. This includes: no refunds for illness, partial sessions/weeks attended, or change of plans.
- JCC Newton Camps do not charge a fee to be on our waitlist. If a camper is waitlisted and a spot opens up, the next camper in line will be automatically enrolled, with a deposit charged to the payment method on file and the family will receive notification.
- Families have one week to decline the spot for a refund of the associated deposit.
- Families may remove their name from the waitlist by email at any time.
- Payment of camp tuition may be paid in the following forms:
- By check
- By Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
- By credit card.
- A convenience fee may apply depending on the method of payment. If you elect to pay by physical check, please note that payment must be received and processed before the installment date, to avoid having that payment charged to the payment method on file.
- A $25 processing fee will be added to your invoice for any check or EFT returned unpaid, or credit card declined.
- There are two payment options available at the time of registration:
- You may pay in two installments (in March and in May)
- You may pay via a monthly payment plan.
- You must select your payment option at the time of registration. Any registration after May 1 requires full payment by June 15.
- Payments & Cancellations
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. Applications are due February 1.
Financial aid applications must be made online before February 1, at which time all submitted requests will be reviewed. Requests made after February 1 will be reviewed individually and are dependent upon funds remaining. Awards are not guaranteed year to year or for weeks added after February 1. If you are unable to accept the award, you must submit a written request to either reduce enrollment or withdraw. You must submit this request within two weeks of award notification in order to receive a refund of any deposit(s) connected to the withdrawal.
Additional weeks may be added after the deadline has passed, however, there is no guarantee that aid will be available. 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 week. 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 or pull up to the drop-off area by the theater, as instructed. If you need to drop-off after 8:45am, please join our carline for 9am drop-off.
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 or pull up to the drop-off area by the theater, as instructed. If you need to drop-off after 8:45am, please join our carline for 9am drop-off.
- After Care is 4:00-6:00pm daily and available for an additional fee. Registration in advance is required.
- Campers registered for After Care are provided a daily snack around 4:30pm.
Join the Camp Kaleidoscope 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
Support Camp Kaleidoscope
Help leave a lasting impact on the thousands of children who participate in JCC Greater Boston’s camping programs during the summer and year-round.

Get in Touch
JCC Camp Kaleidoscope
Leventhal-Sidman JCC
333 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA 02459
camp@jccgb.org
The JCC Greater Boston Camps comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and are licensed by the local board of health.
