Register for Camp

What is a "Jewish Emphasis?"

Springfield JCC summer campers experience 100+ activities infused with Jewish values. Campers will participate in a Shabbat celebration each Friday and experience a variety of Jewish connections through hands-on activities throughout the week. You do not have to be Jewish or a Springfield JCC member to attend camp.

What are the dates and hours of Camp?

Our 2025 Camp season will run from June 23 - August 15, 2025. Our Traditional camp runs for 8 weeks. Campers can join us for any number of weeks that fit your family's schedule, from just one week to all eight! Camp hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We offer post-camp care from 4:00 - 5:00 PM for an additional fee. Join our email list to stay current on all Springfield JCC offerings and pricing.

What should campers bring for lunch?

We keep a kosher-style lunch area. The Springfield Jewish Community Center asks that you send in a non-meat lunch (peanut butter, cheese, tuna, or yogurt). We do not allow children to share any food. Please write your child’s name on their reusable lunch bag. The J can provide water at lunchtime and throughout the day. You can find an example of a kosher-style lunch in our parent handbook.

What about my child’s food allergies?

Please ensure we know all the details of your child’s allergies, intolerances, and/or autoimmune issues. Please be sure to include all this information in the Health History Form and Health Profile during registration.

How is support agency billing handled?

We can invoice DDS or your family support agency with pre-approval of available funds if you would like. We work with many agencies, including Autism Connections, SC@N 360, Down Syndrome Resource Group, Multi-Cultural Services, and Association for Community Living. Financial assistance will be available for Springfield JCC members only and for those in good financial standing. To apply for financial assistance, please click here to review the application process.

What kind of medical arrangements does Camp provide?

We are equipped to handle minor illnesses. In cases where we feel the child should not stay at camp, we will ask the family or contact person to pick up the child per the camp medical staff. Please complete the necessary forms if your child needs medication during camp hours or has complex medical needs.

When and how should I communicate with Camp staff?

Open communication is crucial to the success of our program! If any challenges arise with your child’s experience at camp, please email Stephanie Albano, Camp Director, or Ashley Frechette, Senior Director of Membership & Programs. Email is the best way to reach staff for non-urgent matters. If there is an emergency, please call the JCC and the Welcome Desk will help! More camp staff contact information will be forthcoming as we get closer to the start of the ‘25 camp season.

If you are interested in financial aid for camp, but are not yet a JCC member, please contact Ellen King to inquire about membership.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

If you cancel before May 1, 2025, you will receive a full refund less your deposit. If you cancel between May 1, 2025 and May 31, 2025, you will receive 50% refund less your deposit.

From June 1, 2025 until the end of the camp session, camp fees are non-refundable. However, we realize that medical exceptions may be necessary, with proper medical documentation and approval from the camp administration team, a refund can be requested in writing.

The Springfield JCC does not prorate for missed camp days. This includes missed days due to family plans, medical absences, required quarantines, or in the event that your camper is asked to leave camp. 

Which Inclusion Camp option is right for my child?

The Springfield Jewish Community Center’s Special Needs Department is called “Kehillah," meaning “community” in Hebrew. We offer two camp options for your child to get the most out of their summer experience. Our special needs intake form, along with a meet-and-greet and tour with the Kehillah Director or Inclusion Camp Coordinator, will assist in determining the correct placement for each camper. 

Inclusion campers attend all camp activities with their camp group and are supported by an Inclusion Counselor who provides social, emotional, and behavioral support. Inclusion counselors provide individualized support and modifications to ensure each camper has a successful summer. Our emphasis is that every camper comes to camp for the same reason: to have fun and make friends. We can provide 1:1 and 2:1 support (camper to staff ratios) based on the needs of each individual inclusion camper.

Can I supply my own support staff for Inclusion Camp?

Yes, you may supply your own staff through your school district or personal care assistants. If you do so, we can prorate the cost of Inclusion camp for you. We will need to ensure that the person being sent meets our camp hiring criteria. Please reach out to Ashley Frechette for more information.

Do you offer financial assistance?

What should the parents expect of the swim program?

We are incredibly proud of our safe and fun swim program, which is run collaboratively by our Water Safety Instructor-certified pool staff and camp staff. Campers are tested and placed in their appropriate swimming group based on age, ability, and previous water experience. Receiving these incredible swim lessons and open swim time to practice is a great perk of coming to the Springfield JCC Summer Camp. During instructional swimming, campers will develop and learn aquatic skills and endurance. Pool safety will be emphasized. Special attention will be given to campers with difficulty adjusting to the water. Please send your child with swim diapers, if applicable.

What are the campers allowed to bring with them?

Please keep all toys and valuables at home! This includes cell phones, iPods, and electronic games. If your child needs one of these items to help them throughout the day (e.g., reward, communication, calming, medical device, etc.), the items will stay with their counselor until required.

Is the facility air-conditioned?

Yes, our indoor facilities are air-conditioned.