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Summer is always a magical time at the JCC, but this year, we are having even more fun. With over two thousand campers enrolled in all our programs, it is also a very busy time of year for us!  This year, we were able to do something special to over a dozen Ukrainian refugee families. For those in need, we were able to offer full scholarships to our day camp—which has allowed children who have been through extreme trauma to embrace the joys of childhood again. We are grateful to the Butler Foundation, A Chance In Life Foundation, and UJA-Federation of New York for allowing us to expand our camp scholarship program and support Ukrainian families in our community. You may have heard the story of Maria, one of our Ukrainian campers. On her first day of camp she was extremely shy and spoke no English. Thankfully, we had Russian-speaking staff who were able to translate for her. Within a week, Maria was named “Friend of the Week” by her fellow campers—which was truly remarkable, but not out of the ordinary for our camp.
Photos courtesy of the Staten Island Advance Last year, we saw a similar story play out when we offered scholarships to two foster children from Colombia. They had a blast at camp—making friends even though they did not speak English and were not familiar with American customs. It turns out that summer camp fun is the universal language! This story also has a happy ending, as we recently learned that the children were adopted by their host parent.
Last week, I visited one of our community-based camps at the Gerard Carter Center when we were visited by the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Commissioner Howard and I were so excited to see the kids engaged in STEM activities, dance, and sports—and the commissioner even took part in a game and bowled a spare!
Camp at the Carter Center is one of many summer programs we have throughout the community, including our Cornerstones, Beacons, and Summer Rising sites. In addition to these, we are also running basketball, soccer, and aquatics camps at the Bernikow Building.
 Our newest mini-camp is called Summer Strings @ the J, an intensive program for intermediate and advanced young musicians. Our faculty member, Yvette Washington-Wheatley, has a special connection to us, as she was a scholarship recipient at the JCC’s own music school many years ago. We are very happy to welcome her back and to see how much the children are enjoying the program! As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute later this year, it is inspiring to see the tradition of excellence continuing on.
No matter which camp program, our children go home at the end of the day with smiles on their faces—and that’s what’s most important to us. It truly warms my heart and reminds me why we do what we do. We know these kids will always remember the wonderful summers they spent with us and the friends they made along the way. The JCC is proud to be a place where magic happens every day! -Orit Lender, CEO Due to COVID-19-related closures, our spring programs are currently on hold. Stay tuned for future programs! With a wide array of sports, aquatics, music, and other youth programs, there’s something for everyone at the JCC! Try something new this spring or stick with your favorite activity! SPORTS We offer programs in a variety of sports, each intended to promote physical wellness, skill-building, good sportsmanship, and most of all, fun! Volleyball Our new program is led by seasoned coach Terence Simpson, who has 15 years of experience. He currently coaches Varsity Volleyball at Bay Ridge Preparatory School, and he’s excited to get Volleyball at the J underway! All classes will take place at the Bernikow building. Thursdays, 10 weeks, April 16 - June 25
Soccer Since joining us in the winter, Head Coach Alejandro Jimenez has led our soccer program to new successes! With classes for players at all levels, this program will help your child develop skills and passion for the game. All classes will take place at the Bernikow building. *Note: There will be no classes on May 24 and May 25.
Basketball Mike Reape's Core 24 Basketball Academy, under the leadership of Sports and Recreation Director Mike Reape and Associate Director Bloochy Magloire, is a new program designed to help your child build skills and character on and off the court. Classes will take place at the Bernikow and Avis buildings. *Note: There will be no classes on May 24 and May 25.
Tennis: Our W20 Quick Start Tennis Youth program is ready to serve up a great season for kids at all ages and levels. Classes will take place at the Bernikow JCC and Staten Island Academy. *Note: There will be no classes on May 24 Sundays, 10 weeks, April 19 – June 28
Get more information and sign up here AQUATICS Spring swimming lessons are a great option for swimmers at every skill level! If your child is new to the pool, you can be sure that they’ll learn the skills they need to have a safe and fun summer. And more advanced swimmers can continue having fun in the pool year-round! All classes will take place at the Bernikow JCC.
We also offer private swim lessons. Click here for more information, including details on class requirements and curriculum, and to register. MUSIC For 50 years, the Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute at the JCC has offered instruction to students at every level and interest. We have classes for parents and children to enjoy together, along with classes specializing in different instruments and music styles. *Songwriting Workshop* Join us for a special Songwriting Workshop--one session only--Sunday, March 15, 4pm – 5pm
 No matter what your kid loves, we have a program for them! Check out our winter schedule, and click on each class to get more information on how to sign up!
Soccer Our winter soccer program, led by our new Head Coach Alejandro Jimenez, includes classes for players at all levels. The session runs from January 5 - April 10. There will be no programs the week of February 16 - 21. All classes take place at the Bernikow Building.
Basketball Our winter basketball program includes introductory classes for players of various ages, as well as advanced training opportunities. The session runs from January 5 - April 11. There will be no classes February 17 - 21. We offer classes at both the Avis building and the Bernikow Building.
Tennis Our winter tennis program runs on Sundays from January 5 - April 5. There will be no classes on February 16. Lessons take place at the Bernikow Building or Staten Island Academy (715 Todt Hill Road). Private lessons are also available. Get more information and sign up here Aquatics Winter swimming lessons are a great option for swimmers at every skill level! If your child is new to the pool, you can be sure that they’ll learn the skills they need to have a safe and fun summer in a few months. And more advanced swimmers can continue having fun in the pool year-round! There will be 6 classes during the winter swim session, with one make-up class offered. Classes begin the week of January 5. All classes take place at the Bernikow Building.
Get more information and sign up here Music The winter session is a great time to introduce your child to the joys of music! We have class options for children of all ages and we also offer opportunities for parents and children to make music together!
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July 2023
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LocationSBERNIKOW/MID-ISLAND
1466 Manor Road Staten Island, NY 10314 718.475.5200 ABERLIN/NORTH SHORE
485 Victory Blvd Staten Island, NY 10301 718.475.5290 |
AVIS/SOUTH SHORE
1297 Arthur Kill Road Staten Island, NY 10312 718.475.5270 BERMAN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
2221 Richmond Ave. Staten Island, NY 10314 718.475.5100 |
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