From Our CEO: A Summer of Learning

We know that this summer is critical to ensure continued learning, to build trust, and to create space for young people to re-connect and re-engage with one another. To help compensate for the loss of learning that many students have experienced during the pandemic, we are offering several programs to help kids back on track while still having fun this summer.

Our newest program is Summer Rising, which we will run for free at various schools in conjunction with DYDC and the DOE. This is an academic enrichment program that aims to help prepare students for school in the fall. Summer Rising will provide opportunities for young people to learn, to get outside, and engage with peers and caring adults in safe, supervised, and enriching robust programs, readying them for a return to school in September.

In our JCC Day Camp programs, we are partnering with Catapult Learning to provide a summer learning program to enrolled JCC campers. The Summer Learning Experience has been funded through the generosity of a grant from UJA-Federation, which allows us to provide this service to campers free of charge. 

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Campers who opt in to the Summer Learning Experience receive two weekly instruction sessions—one math and one literacy—taught by highly qualified staff. The program is open to JCC Day Campers as well as children enrolled in Marvin’s Camp for Children with Special Needs.

​Other fun STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are also taking place in addition to the Catapult Learning program. Recently added programs include woodworking and LEGO robotics activities. 

In our Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, we also include STEM as part of our programming. Projects are tailored to children’s ages and abilities. This week, campers learned about engineering using pipe cleaners, sticks, and marshmallows! 

These programs are only able to run thanks to the generosity of our donors and funders. This Monday, we will host our 41st Annual Golf & Tennis Classic. Funds raised at this event will allow us to award camp scholarships to children in need, including kids with special needs. While the golf portion of the event is sold out, we still have a few tennis slots available. By playing or donating to the event, you are helping our children thrive in the face of adversity. You can learn more about the Outing here.
 
We are proud to be able to provide these services, and with your support, we can help even more kids make academic progress before school begins again.

​-Orit Lender, CEO

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