Why Springfield JCC Summer Camp?
We feature a values-based curriculum, sports and ropes course, the arts, immersive STEM experiences, and so much more. Our team of 70+ staff and specialists develop personal connections with campers, cater to individual needs, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Full Day Childcare
Our Summer Camp is open from Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM for children in grades K – 10. Pre- and post-camp is available from 7:00 – 9:00 AM and from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
Talented Specialists
Our staff come from the local area, as well as from across the ocean! Between STEM education, sports, and the arts, our counselors have premium qualifications.
Swimming Lessons
Campers receive lessons from certified instructors and enjoy free swim time after the lesson.
Ethical Values
It’s camp with a purpose: Our weekly values, from yosher (honesty) to tikkun olam (repairing the world) are woven into our daily activities! We aim to educate the WHOLE child.
Inclusive Environment
Campers are provided with a sense of belonging, including individuals with different abilities. We do our best to meet the needs of all regardless of physical, developmental, or financial limitations.
20-Acre Campus
On the edge of Forest Park on the Longmeadow/Springfield line, the Springfield JCC is easily accessible for both CT and MA residents. Our outdoor facilities include basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, high- and low-challenge ropes course, and a zip line. Our air conditioned indoor facilities include a rock wall, auditorium, art studio, gymnasium, racquetball courts, and pool.
Everyone is Welcome
We believe that ALL campers can participate, ALL campers can succeed, and ALL campers can make a new friend. No matter what your physical, developmental or financial limitations, all are welcome at the J! Kehillah is our inclusion program that offers children with special needs and learning differences the opportunity to fully enjoy the Springfield JCC Summer Camp experience. Our Summer Camp is one of the only fully inclusive camps in New England and our campers love meeting people of all backgrounds!
Become a J Member and Save: Join today and enjoy the benefits of being a Springfield JCC member. You will also be entitled to discount rates for JCC Summer Camps, as well as various adult, teen and youth programs. Learn more or schedule a tour, click here.
FAQ's
What's a "Jewish Emphasis"?
J Campers experience 100+ activities, many infused with Jewish values. Each Friday, campers will participate in a Shabbat celebration and bake challah bread to take home. All are welcome @ the J!
What are your hours?
Coverage All Day: Camp is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday for children in grades K-10. Additional coverage available from 8:00 – 9:00 AM and 4:00 – 5:00 PM.
What are the food rules?
Our Summer Camp abides by “Kosher–Style,” which means that campers do not bring pork or shellfish products into camp, and we do not mix meat and dairy at the same meals. Hamburger? Sounds delicious! Cheeseburger? No thanks!
We are a ‘peanut aware’ campus with designated tables, and also cater to other dietary needs as needed.
Campers enjoy a frozen treat every afternoon.
What is your refund / cancellation policy?
- In accepting your camp registration, the Springfield JCC hires staff according to registrations and deposits paid.
- Camp deposits are non-refundable ($10 per week of camp reserved).
- If you cancel before May 1, 2022, you will receive a full refund less your deposit.
- If you cancel between May 1 and May 31, 2022, you will receive a 50% refund less your deposit.
- From June 1, 2022, until the end of the camp season, camp fees are not refundable. The only exception is if a camper must withdraw due to illness for at least five (5) consecutive missed days of camp. Such a refund request must be submitted in writing and accompanied by a doctor’s note.
- All fees to Specialty camps are non-refundable.
- The Springfield JCC does not pro-rate for missed camp days. This includes missed days due to family plans, medical absences, required quarantines, or in the event your camper is asked to leave camp.
What is Inclusion Camping?
People of EVERY mental and physical ability level love camp – together. Depending on the needs of the camper, they can be paired with aides and infused right into camp. Our inclusion program, financial aid opportunities and partnership with the New Americans program creates a melting pot every day at camp!
Is inclusion camp the right option for your camper? Contact our Inclusion Camp Coordinator, Sarah, at SGoldstein@SpringfieldJCC.org
Do you offer financial assistance?
The Springfield JCC is committed to making summer camp as accessible as possible. Our financial assistance program is funded through the generosity of JCC member donations, grants, and private foundations. Additionally, we accept vouchers from Seven Hills (formerly New England Farm Workers Council) assistance program.
Eligibility
Financial assistance awards help families offset a portion of summer camp costs and are based on financial need. All Springfield JCC families are eligible to apply for financial assistance, and are encouraged to apply early. Please note that financial assistance is not available for Specialty camps.
How to Apply
- Before applying for financial assistance, please register your child(ren) for all desired camp sessions in CampDoc, the JCC’s online registration system. You will be asked to make a $10 deposit for each week of camp you register for. You must register your camper(s) before applying for financial assistance.
- Complete the Financial Assistance Application in the “Health Forms” section of CampDoc. Be sure to upload the required income verification materials. Your application cannot be processed without this information.
- Please allow a minimum of two weeks for processing once your application is submitted.
- Your deposit will be refunded if a financial assistance agreement cannot be reached.
NOTE – Do you have multiple children at camp? Please only fill out the scholarship application once, but please register all of your children for camp so that we have a complete understanding of your needs.
Deadline
The financial assistance application deadline for summer camp is Friday, April 15, 2021. Any applications received after this date will not be guaranteed consideration for financial assistance.
Additional Information
- Families must apply annually for financial assistance. Financial aid is not renewed automatically.
- All details regarding your financial assistance application are kept strictly confidential.
- If you are awarded financial assistance, you are required to commit to an automatic payment plan schedule, which must conclude by June 22, 2022. Failure to comply with the agreed upon payment plan will jeopardize participation in camp.
- All efforts will be made to assist you in enrolling your child(ren) in camp; however, due to the limitation of funds, not all requests can be met.
- If you participate in the Seven Hills (formerly New England Farm Workers Council) assistance program, please register your child(ren) for camp, then select “VOUCHER” on the Coupon screen in CampDoc.
Questions
If you have additional questions about the financial assistance process, please email scholarship@springfieldjcc.org.
Swimming at Camp
Campers receive lessons from certified instructors and enjoy free swim time after the lesson. Our certified swim instructors will develop and motivate each camper, from new swimmers to advanced swimmers – and we’ll have a blast with our pool toys!
Please note: swim lessons may be canceled for a variety of reasons. J Camp does not offer make-up lessons.
Funds
More than $500,000 has been awarded in scholarships at J Camp. Thank you to the following scholarships for their help annually.
- The Morris Dane Campership Fund, established by the Dane Family to honor the memory of their father, husband and past president of the J.
- The Norman Cooper Fund supports the whole J. Norman was a social worker at the JCC who is remembered for his special commitment to our Community.
- The Kenneth Gotlib Campership Fund was established by his parents to honor the graduate of the JCC Preschool and Heritage Academy, an active J Camper and swim team participant.
- The Szafran family created the Jordan Szafran Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of their son, Jordan, who was an avid sports camper and Cudas swim team member.
- The David and Ruth Bennett Camp Scholarship Fund was established because the family wanted to make it possible for all who wish to enjoy a Jewish JCC summer camp experience.
- The Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro Memorial Fund for Social Justice aims to help lower-income families send their
children to summer camp at the Springfield JCC. The fund honors the life and legacy of Rabbi Mark Dov
Shapiro, a beloved spiritual leader who passed away in July 2020.
What's Inclusion Camping?
Our Kehillah program that offers children with special needs and learning differences the opportunity to fully enjoy the JCamp experience. JCamps are one of the only fully inclusive camps in New England and our campers love meeting people of all backgrounds!
Membership / Camp Offer
Become a J Member and Save. Join today and enjoy the benefits of being a Springfield JCC member (Health & Wellness Center, including free group exercise classes, fitness center, gym and pool; teen game room, playground access and more). You will also be entitled to discount rates for JCC Summer Camps, as well as various adult, teen and youth programs. Learn more or schedule a tour, 413.739.4715.