Why Our Summer Camps Are the Best in Orange County

Summer is meant for laughter, new friendships, and memories that stick around long after the season ends. At the Merage JCC, we've built two summer camp experiences, Camp Haverim and Camp Yeladim, designed to give your child exactly that, in an environment where safety and fun aren't a trade-off. They go hand in hand.

Whether you have a school-age camper ready for adventure or a preschooler taking their first steps into a summer program, we have a place for your family here. And we mean your family, our doors are open to Jewish and non-Jewish families alike, because building community is what we do best.

Camp Haverim: Where Independence and Character Grow Together

For our school-age campers, Camp Haverim is more than a place to spend the summer, it's a place to grow. Throughout the summer, your child will:

• Build independence, trying new things and gaining confidence in their own abilities
• Grow socially and emotionally, forming friendships and learning to navigate group dynamics with the support of caring counselors
• Explore Jewish values, which we see as deeply connected to universal human values: kindness, community, responsibility, and respect for others

The word "Haverim" means "friends," and that's the heart of the experience: a camp community where every child belongs, learns from one another, and leaves each summer a little more confident than when they started.

Camp Yeladim: Magic for Your Youngest Campers

For our preschoolers, Camp Yeladim brings the summer camp experience to life in a setting built especially for little ones. Here, your child gets all the joy of summer camp with the nurturing, secure environment that early learners need.

Led by our credentialed and highly trained Early Childhood Educators, campers spend their days:

• Making new friends
• Learning through play
• Exploring creativity and imagination
• Having lots, and we mean lots, of fun

Camp Yeladim operates in a facility licensed by the state of California, so you can feel confident your preschooler is in capable, qualified hands from the moment they walk in the door.

A Community Built for Everyone

Both camps take place at the JCC's fabulous facilities, but what really sets our camps apart is the community itself. We welcome families of all because we believe camp is a place where everyone should feel they belong.

We never want cost to stand between your child and a summer of growth, friendship, and fun. That's why we offer scholarship and financial assistance opportunities for families who need support. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit our Scholarships page.

Ready to give your child a summer they'll never forget? Whether it's the friendship and growth of Camp Haverim or the imaginative, nurturing world of Camp Yeladim, we can't wait to welcome your family to the Merage JCC this summer.

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