Fun and games at J-Camp

Jewish AllianceAs 4 p.m. rolled around on Aug. 21,  J-Camp at the Dwares JCC officially ended. There were tears among the staff and campers as everyone said goodbye to one another as well as saying goodbye to our summer schliach, Nave. A successful summer season had come to a close.

The kids were happy and excited to come to camp. We traveled to a number of great places. including the Boston Children’s Museum, the EcoTarium, Douglas State Park and Spring Lake Beach. The Macabbi/Color War week was a huge success. Campers were very enthusiastic about competing against one another and even created dances and team cheers. A few parents mentioned that their children were practicing the cheers and chants at home. One of our biggest hits was learning the Israeli dance to the song “Golden Boy.” The campers really enjoyed this dance, and there was an all-camp dance to this song on the final day.

As director, one of the biggest highlights was carnival week. Big Nazo puppets visited and the campers were able to dress up as creatures. We ended the week with a J-Camp Carnival. Everyone was really excited to get a chance to dunk me in the dunk tank. Even Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island CEO Jeffrey Savit took a turn in the tank for 30 minutes. The other highlight was an opportunity to throw a pie in the face of Shannon Boucher, again a real crowd-pleaser. The staff and kids all came together for an afternoon of fun and memories.

This was an extra special camp experience. I grew up attending a JCC camp in upstate New York. However, it was primarily non-Jewish. In Rhode Island, it was such a pleasure being in a camp setting where we learned a new Hebrew word of the day, sang Israeli songs, made fresh challah every Friday and had a strong sense of community. I do not think I would have made it through this first summer as camp director without the support of parents and community and Alliance staff.

Here are a few responses from parents when asked how their children enjoyed camp:

“On his last day of camp, as he was leaving, Sandy shouted “J-Camp is the best camp ever!” He came home tired and happy every day, and he improved at swimming over the course of the summer. His counselors were fantastic, knew him well and encouraged his participation in all kinds of activities. Communication between Seth and the parents was perfect. I knew where to be, when to be there, and what to bring!” Marc
“Thank you for another wonderful summer at the JCC. My girls are still talking about the amazing activities they did and the trips they went on and the songs they learned, and the bread they made. You really thought things through and created a streamlined experience for both parents and campers. You clearly put in your whole heart and whole soul.  Because of the amazing experience Zia and Dylan had, I’ve noticed the girls are more willing to try new experiences, and foods!  They really loved it there and you and your staff were so wonderful. Every morning, we knew the girls would have a great experience and more importantly, come home tired! We are so glad to have been a part of the JCC campers.” Neha

“Thanks to you and all the JCC camp staff for a wonderful camp these past two weeks! It was so well organized and clear that every consideration was made to make things fun for the kids and convenient for the parents. Ben had a great time.” Esther and Robert.

SETH FINKLE is the Director of Camp Haverim and Teen Programming Coordinator at the Alliance. For more information, contact him at 401-421-4111, ext. 146.