Find the Right JCC Summer Camp for Your Child
Jewish Community Center (JCC) summer camps offer children opportunities to make friends, learn new skills, enjoy sports and swimming, explore arts and science, and connect with Jewish culture and community. Programs range from preschool day camps to teen leadership and overnight camps.
This guide helps parents compare camp types, actual published prices, program ages, schedules, financial aid, registration requirements and locations before enrolling.
Reviewed October 19, 2026. All summer 2026 sessions referenced below have ended; 2027 dates, fees and openings must be confirmed directly with each camp.
Which JCC Summer Camp Should You Choose?
Preschool Camp
Designed for younger children. May include sensory play, art, music, playground time and beginner swimming.
Traditional Day Camp
Full-day recreation with group games, sports, swimming, crafts, theme days and outdoor activities.
Sports Camp
Skill development through basketball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming or other organized athletics.
Arts & STEM Camp
Theatre, dance, music, filmmaking, science, coding, robotics and hands-on creative projects.
Teen Leadership & CIT
Counselor-in-Training programs develop responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills.
Overnight Camp
Multi-day residential experiences that may include cabins, hiking, waterfront activities and Jewish traditions.
JCC Summer Camp 2026: Actual Published Price Examples
There is no single JCC summer camp price. Each center establishes its own tuition, membership discounts, deposit policies, extended-care fees and financial aid.
| JCC / Program | Published 2026 tuition | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| JCC San Francisco — Kinder Camp | $650 per full week | Holiday week $520 |
| JCC San Francisco — Specialty Grades 1–2 | $700 per full week | AM/PM care costs extra |
| JCC San Francisco — Specialty Grades 3–8 | $720 per one-week session | Two-week and longer formats also offered |
| JCC Syracuse — Nitzanim | $265 member / $325 nonmember per week | Additional camp categories cost more |
| JCC Syracuse — Specialty | $325 member / $380 nonmember per week | Early and late care separately priced |
| JCC Greater Harrisburg | $250 member / $350 nonmember per week | $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee |
| JCC Middlesex County — Full Day | $375 per week | Program ages 3–12 |
| JCC Middlesex County — Half Day | $325 per week | Extra nonmember program fee may apply |
Additional charges families should calculate
- Registration or nonrefundable deposit
- Before-camp and after-camp childcare
- Transportation or bus service
- Specialty program supplements
- Meals or catered lunch
- Camp shirts and equipment
- Field trips, if not included
- Late-payment or late-pickup charges
Budget example: A $350 weekly camp plus $40 early care and $50 late care costs $440 for that week before any other applicable fees. These are illustration amounts, not an advertised package from a particular camp.
2026 Camp Schedules: Real Examples
| Camp | 2026 dates | Daily hours |
|---|---|---|
| JCC San Francisco | June 1–August 21 | 9 AM–4 PM; AM care 8–9 AM; PM care 4–6 PM |
| JCC Syracuse | June 29–August 21 | 9 AM–4 PM; extended care as early as 7 AM and as late as 6 PM |
| JCC Middlesex County | June 29–August 14 | Full day 8 AM–4 PM; half day 9 AM–12 PM |
| JCC Rainbow Day Camp, Milwaukee | June 15–August 14 | Session-based; check the camp guide for each program |
The 2026 dates are historical examples. For summer 2027, look for the next camp brochure, session calendar and registration-opening announcement from your chosen JCC.
Camp Finder: Locations and Program Examples
The JCC Association maintains lists of day and overnight camps in the United States and Canada. These examples provide a useful starting point for choosing your local area.
| Area | JCC or camp | Relevant option |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | JCC San Francisco | Day and specialty camps |
| Palo Alto, California | Oshman Family JCC | J-Camp, traditional and teen options |
| East Windsor, New Jersey | JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps | Day camp and teen travel programs |
| Northbrook, Illinois | JCC Chicago | Day camps; affiliated overnight options |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | Marcus JCC of Atlanta | Day camp; Camp Barney Medintz overnight camp |
| West Bloomfield, Michigan | JCC Day Camps | Day camp and inclusion options |
| Greater Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Harrisburg JCC | Sports, STEM, creative arts and other day camp activities |
| Milwaukee area, Wisconsin | JCC Rainbow Day Camp | Day camp with one- and two-week sessions |
| Denver area, Colorado | JCC Ranch Camp | Overnight camp |
| Toronto/Vaughan area, Ontario | Schwartz/Reisman Centre and Prosserman JCC | JCC-affiliated day camp options |
How to find a camp near your home
- Open the JCC Association day and overnight camp directory.
- Choose your state or province.
- Identify a camp within a practical travel distance for day camp, or your preferred region for overnight camp.
- Open the camp’s official website and identify its current season.
- Check whether the camp location differs from the main JCC building.
- Use the individual camp address for navigation and drop-off.
Maps & Directions for JCC Summer Camps
Because this is a North America-wide camp guide, there is no single correct camp map. Search by the actual camp name or use the city-specific maps below, then verify the pickup and drop-off site on the official camp page.
San Francisco, California
JCC San Francisco, 3200 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118.
Open San Francisco Map →East Windsor, New Jersey
JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks & Abrams Camps, 148 Cedarville Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520.
Open East Windsor Map →Jewish Culture, Activities & Inclusion
JCC camps often combine familiar summer recreation activities with opportunities to experience Jewish values, holidays, music, culture and community life.
Jewish Learning
Shabbat celebrations, Hebrew words, Israeli culture, Jewish songs and community values, depending on the camp.
Swimming & Water Play
Swim lessons, recreational swimming, splash activities and waterfront programs where facilities and supervision allow.
Nature & Outdoor Skills
Nature exploration, hiking, gardening, outdoor games and environmental activities.
Creative Learning
Music, drama, filmmaking, painting, cooking, woodworking and STEM-related projects.
Friendship & Leadership
Group challenges, team-building, age-appropriate responsibilities and teen counselor training.
Inclusion Support
Some camps offer accommodations, inclusion specialists, adaptive programs or dedicated disability-support pathways.
Can non-Jewish families attend?
Many Jewish community camps welcome children of different religions and backgrounds. For example, JCC Day Camps in West Bloomfield, Michigan explicitly welcomes families regardless of religion. Individual enrollment policies still need to be confirmed.
Disability and sensory accommodations
Ask about staff training, individualized support, accessible buildings, swimming assistance, communication needs, sensory accommodations and whether one-to-one support is available. These provisions should never be assumed solely because a camp describes itself as inclusive.
The Foundation for Jewish Camp directory provides filters related to special needs and other family requirements.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Member Discounts
Some JCC camps offer need-based assistance, scholarship opportunities, member discounts and limited payment plans.
- Membership discounts: JCC San Francisco advertised 10% discounts for qualifying memberships on eligible 2026 camps.
- Financial assistance: Families may be asked to complete an aid application or discuss household finances confidentially.
- Scholarships: The Foundation for Jewish Camp provides resources for grants and scholarships, especially for qualifying overnight experiences.
- Payment plans: Some camps let families pay a deposit first and pay remaining tuition by scheduled deadlines.
- Sibling or multiple-week discounts: Offered by some camps, but not universally.
Questions to ask before paying
- Is membership required or only useful for a discount?
- Is the deposit refundable?
- Are extended-care fees eligible for financial assistance?
- Can discounts be combined?
- What happens if assistance is not approved?
- When is the remaining balance due?
How to Register Your Child for JCC Summer Camp
Registration differs by organization, but the following steps reflect common JCC enrollment requirements and the detailed process published by JCC San Francisco.
Choose the correct camp
Confirm the day or overnight format, child’s age, entering grade and commuting distance.
Select dates and schedule
Choose the session weeks, full or half day, and optional early drop-off or late pickup.
Create a parent account
Open the chosen camp’s official registration system. Create a family account and a separate camper profile for each child.
Complete child information
Provide birthdate, grade, emergency contacts, allergy details, authorized pickup names and any required medical information through the secure official form.
Review fees and policies
Check the deposit, payment deadline, refund policy, transportation, meals, medical requirements and camp cancellation conditions.
Submit payment and forms
Complete required waivers, pay the deposit or full amount, and retain the confirmation email and receipt.
Prepare for the first day
Review the family handbook, packing list, health documentation, camp entrance, arrival time and pickup procedure.
What to Pack for JCC Day Camp
Everyday essentials
- Refillable water bottle with name
- Backpack
- Comfortable clothing
- Closed-toe shoes
- Hat and sunscreen, if permitted
- Lunch and snack when required
- Extra clothing for younger children
Activity-specific supplies
- Swimsuit and towel on swim days
- Water shoes if required
- Rain jacket when appropriate
- Camp shirt for field trips
- Required medicines handled according to camp policy
- Copies of approved forms if requested
Food and allergies: Ask whether meals are provided, whether nut-free rules apply, and whether kosher or kosher-style food policies affect packed lunches. Do not send medication without following the camp’s administration and authorization procedure.
Day-one drop-off checklist
- Know the correct entrance and assigned group.
- Arrive during the designated check-in window.
- Follow security and parent identification rules.
- Confirm emergency telephone contacts.
- Identify every person authorized for pickup.
- Keep the camp office contact information handy.
Day Camp vs Overnight Camp
| Decision factor | Day camp | Overnight camp |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Child returns home daily | Camper stays at camp |
| Transportation | Daily parent pickup or bus | Arrival and departure arrangements |
| Activities | Recreation and specialty options | Extended outdoor and residential programming |
| Cost structure | Often weekly tuition | Often priced per longer session |
| Best fit | Families wanting daily home routine | Children ready for residential independence |
| Medical considerations | Daily parent availability can help | Review overnight health staffing and medication policies |
Neither is automatically better. Match your child’s age, comfort with separation, medical needs, personal interests and family schedule to the camp’s actual provisions.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by current grade: Some camps register by the grade a child will enter in the fall.
- Ignoring deposits: A nonrefundable deposit may apply per child and per session.
- Missing extended care: Standard camp hours may not cover a parent’s full workday.
- Assuming swimming is included: Swim lessons and free swim vary by camp.
- Missing medical forms: Health records or physician reports may be required.
- Assuming a camp is on the JCC campus: Some camps use separate outdoor locations or bus pickup points.
- Waiting to seek financial aid: Assistance deadlines may be earlier than enrollment deadlines.
- Ignoring the cancellation schedule: Refund percentages and change fees can become stricter closer to summer.
Related Community Center Guides
Official Camp Directories & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Jewish Community Center summer camp?
A JCC summer camp is a seasonal youth program operated by or affiliated with a Jewish Community Center. Activities may include sports, swimming, arts, outdoor recreation, cultural learning and leadership programs.
Do children have to be Jewish to attend JCC summer camp?
Many JCC summer camps welcome children from different religious and cultural backgrounds. Admission policies are set by each camp, so confirm eligibility directly with the camp you choose.
How much does a JCC summer camp cost?
Prices vary by location, age and program. Published 2026 examples include $250 per week for Harrisburg JCC members and $650 per full week for JCC San Francisco Kinder Camp. Confirm new-season tuition before registering.
What ages can attend JCC summer camp?
Programs range from early childhood camps to school-age and teen options. Some centers offer programs for preschoolers, while others serve children through high school grades or offer Counselor-in-Training programs.
Does JCC summer camp offer swimming lessons?
Some camps offer swim lessons, recreational swimming or other water activities, but these are not universal. Confirm the frequency, supervision, swimming assessment and any additional fee.
Is JCC summer camp available to nonmembers?
Many JCC camps allow nonmembers to register, sometimes at a higher rate. Some programs or discounts require a qualifying JCC membership. Check membership rules before paying.
Can families receive financial assistance for JCC summer camp?
Some JCCs provide scholarships, need-based assistance, payment plans or member discounts. Availability and deadlines vary by camp. Contact the camp office early and ask about required financial documents.
Are before-care and after-care options available?
Many day camps provide extended care for an additional fee. For example, JCC San Francisco’s 2026 schedule included AM care from 8–9 AM and PM care from 4–6 PM. Confirm the options for your selected camp.
How do I register for JCC summer camp?
Choose a camp from the official JCC directory, review available sessions, create a family account, complete camper details and health forms, accept the policies, pay the required amount and retain your confirmation.
How can I find a Jewish Community Center summer camp near me?
Visit the JCC Association day and overnight camp directory or the Foundation for Jewish Camp finder. Search by state, region or camp type, then verify the exact address and current sessions on the camp’s official website.