FAQs | JCC Manhattan Day Camp

WHO ARE YOUR STAFF?

We hire warm, engaging staff members to work with your children each summer. Our Leadership Team comprises early childhood professionals who are educators, school administrators, and social workers during the year. Our head counselors and specialists are also in the field of education and are typically teachers, after-school counselors, graduate students, or professionals in their specialty area. The rest of our bunk staff are students or young professionals who share a love and passion for working with young children. All of our staff undergo extensive training before camp begins and we provide professional development opportunities throughout the summer to further professional growth. Many of our staff return year after year and some of our staff are former campers of Day Camp @ The JCC!

HOW MANY CHILDREN AND STAFF ARE IN EACH GROUP?

There are between 10–18 campers in each bunk depending on the age of the children. Each bunk has four or five counselors and is supervised by a unit head. We have one unit head per age group and three Care Team members who circulate throughout each unit.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE SWIM PROGRAM?

Learning to swim is one of the priorities of the camp experience. Our aquatics program focuses on the developmental needs of each child. Campers participate in instructional swim by our Red Cross-certified water safety instructors and lifeguards using an ongoing curriculum and swim assessments for four- and five-year-olds. Starting Summer 2025, all campers will swim every day.

WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES DO YOU OFFER?

We offer a wide range of specialities including art, cooking, dance, music, science, sports, swim, and yoga. Four- and five-year-old campers also have the chance to choose an elective as part of their daily schedules, which encourages them to try something new and provides the opportunity to make new friends. Examples of elective classes include chess, sensory play, and storytelling.

WHAT MAKES THE JCC SUMMER CAMPS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CAMPS?

There is a tremendous ruach (spirit) in each of our JCC camps that generates warmth, care, and love. Our staff is a remarkable group of individuals—experienced, thoughtful, and responsible. We create a camp experience that fosters a true sense of community. Each child is treated as an individual and provided with a unique and enjoyable summer experience. The Day Camp @ the JCC offers children a chance to learn and grow, to try new activities, and to make new friends.