Summer camp is the perfect place to make new friends and try new activities. So, today, we're introducing a couple of new faces and a popular sport that campers will be able to play for the first time here at summer camp at the J.

Awesome activities

New to summer camp this year is pickleball! Campers will be able to try this fun and friendly sport on our brand-new outdoor courts. Pickleball is great for kids as it’s exciting and easy to learn. Plus, the smaller court size and slower ball speed make it accessible for all ages and skill levels. Playing pickleball helps kids be more active, agile, and coordinated. And it develops strategic thinking.

This summer, we will be missing Stephanie, our Camp and Elementary Director, while she takes some time away to have a baby!!! (Congrats, Stephanie!) Our interim Camp Director will be Danielle Reel. Danielle has 10 years’ experience as a kids club coordinator, teaching assistant, and teacher so is well-placed to look after our campers this summer. She is excited for her young daughter to attend camp too.

We’d also like to introduce our Assistant Director of Inclusion Camp, Rolando Rivera. Rolando has previously worked as an inclusion camp counselor, and has 15 years’ classroom experience as a paraeducator/registered behavior technician. Rolando will be supporting our campers with different abilities to fully enjoy camp.

Mikki’s three kids have been coming to camp for 13 years! She told us: “Camp has been a constant in our lives. Every pickup is filled with stories of new adventures, new friendships, and the joy of trying something different. My favorite part of summer is that drive home, hearing the excitement and knowing they’re making real memories. Camp at the J has given our boys the kind of summers we grew up loving, and we’re so grateful.”

We can’t wait to see you at camp for a summer of fun! ☀️

If you have any questions about summer camp here at the J, please email Stephanie Albano, Camp and Elementary Director, at salbano@springfieldjcc.org or call 413-739-4715. She will be happy to help.