Camp

Summer camp has long been a cherished tradition for children, offering not only a break from the routine of school but also a chance to explore new interests, make lasting friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime. Over the years, the day camp industry has evolved significantly, adapting to changing demographics, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. At the Merage JCC, we recognize the importance of staying ahead of these changes and continually seek innovative ...

Club J isn't just an ordinary after-school program; it's a comprehensive experience that focuses on the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of each child. The program offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests, ensuring that every child can find something that sparks their curiosity and passion. From swimming to sports, music, science Lego’s, cooking, and more, Club J creates a dynamic environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.

At camp our kids are challenged and encouraged to grow every day. Every day is a day of friends and memories. 

Camps are notoriously loud and raucous… Jewish camps especially. From the moment your child steps out of your car at drop-off to the moment they step back in they are Israeli dancing and Shabbos shaking to the beats of Jewish camps’ drums. Our day camp is exploding with Jewish values and Israeli culture everywhere you turn. With directional, program and even the ubiquitous bathroom signs in both English and Hebrew, campers incorporate Hebrew into their everyday activities. ...

Camp is raucous fun – days filled with friends, activities, and constant motion. The stereotype is that camp counselors are shirking “real” jobs and internships to enjoy final summers as kids themselves. Conventional wisdom tells us jobs at offices, behind desks, chasing coffee, offer better preparation for the brutal economy than a summer camp. That is not our experience. Yes, our counselors spend their summers wearing pajamas and superhero costumes, playing ga-ga and ...

Mah Nishtanah: How is Jewish Camp Different From All Others? It is true, every single year for over 20 years, I have run a Jewish summer camp. And, yes, when I write about sending your kids to Jewish camps, yes, it will sound like I am advertising the JCC’s camps. Let’s face it, I am. A bit. But I spend every single summer at Jewish camp, because I believe in them. The JCC believes in them. We believe they are great experiences for your kids and we believe Jewish camp is an ...

Everything seems like it is changing. In this era of the great quarantine, we shop, work, exercise, and eat (hello carbs!) differently. It won’t be a surprise to you, that Camp has changed as well with rules and regulations governing every aspect of fun and care. In addition to taking temperatures and conducting health questionnaires each morning, we are making huge efforts to reduce the number of people campers cross paths with. Cohort sizes are smaller and large group fun is a lot ...

Fifth-grader Shahrez beams as he talks about his first business venture, a website “SBay Kids”. Designing and building the technology himself, Shahrez is already into audience development suggesting he created a site and product line that “attracts people”. “SBay Kids is named like ebay, I want people to come find things they like. I priced everything in the mid-range and selected items that I love then other people will love them too.” The website looks ...

Here in the OC, while fall does not mean fall sweaters, it certainly does mean “Back to School”. Back to heavy-laden schedules and carpools, homework and school lunches, sports and Hebrew school. Back to the world of “fine” and “good”. Despite enveloping our kids in rich activities and fun, when asked “how was your day?”, universally we hear the seemingly requisite responses of “fine” and “good”. Amazingly our children ...