Camp Descriptions

Below are brief descriptions of the Camp programs offered this summer.  Click here to return to the Summer Day Camp online guide.

AM Care    Gr K-5
Supervised activities, games and crafts before camp begins.

PM Care   Gr K-5
Supervised group activities after camp ends. Kosher snacks, games/crafts, sports, recreational swim, movie day and game room. 

Art Camp    Gr 3-6
Campers will have an opportunity to work with all kinds of medium including pencil, fabric, paints, clay and so much more. The great thing about our Art Camp is that each week our campers create and bring home an art creation that is one of a kind.  Art Camp is a special weekly program that incorporates a specific theme which includes field trip, special guest, etc.  

BAMI Tots  2 YRS
A fun and active program for our youngest campers, filled with messy and wet activities, just perfect for this age group.

Camp BAMI    3-4 YRS
Camp Bami offers parents the comfort of a summer camp in an all inclusive environment. With themed programming each week, this program includes art, music and an all camp Shabbat every Friday. There are so many things to do. Your child will receive great social interaction. Camp Bami’s specialties include Jewish programming, music, arts and crafts, and Crafty Cooking.  Program Highlights: Campers will learn swim skills with the ERJCC Aquatics Department's Red Cross - certified instructors.  Children who arrive before the start of the camp day will have special programming (Center Time and more).   We will learn Hebrew words as part of our Judaic program.

Camp Kaleidoscope Gr 1-4
Camp Kaleidoscope takes place at the Merfish Center, where campers have exclusive use of the facility that includes two covered sports courts, swimming pool, sports field, tennis courts and air-conditioned camp rooms. Programming includes sports, art, music, dance, tennis, instructional swim, recreational swim, weekly field trips, daily hobby hours, music and more!        

Camp Kaleidoscope Explorers  Gr 3 - 4
One Week Experience at CYJ
Camp Kaleidoscope Explorers will once again partner with Camp Young Judea (CYJ), a premiere Jewish residential camp in Wimberley, TX. The Camp Kaleidoscope Explorers will be based out of the Merfish Center for three weeks and travel to CYJ for 1 week.While ate the Merfish Center, Explorers will have exclusive use of the facility that includes two covered sports courts, swimming pool, sports field, tennis courts and air-conditioned camp rooms. Programming will include Jewish programming, arts & crafts, instructional and recreational swim, weekly field trips, daily hobby hours, music and more! Explorers will be transported by air-conditioned shuttle to Camp Young Judea. There they will stay together as a group in separate male and female bunk houses and be fully integrated into the CYJ program with the same counselors they are with all session. CYJ provides a supportive and dynamic environment in which your child can explore, grow and mature. CYJ programming aims to strengthen Jewish identity, encourage individual achievement, and heighten self-esteem and leadership skills.

Camp WITS     Gr 1-2  
WITS, or Writers In The Schools is a well-rounded program of reading, dictation, journaling and independent writing that helps young children discover what it means to be a real writer. Drama and art also extend their understanding of the written word. Basic skills (such as letter formation and spelling) are addressed in context. As children explore the role of the author, they create short stories and poems for the class anthology. This specialized camp combines a morning of WITS with an afternoon of camp activities.

Circus of the Kids Camp   Gr 1-8  
Circus of the Kids travels around the country, teaching circus arts to children of all ages.  It is the only program of its kind in the United States and the ERJCC is proud to once again host the Circus of the Kids.  During this Specialty Camp, campers are transformed into CIRCUS PERFORMERS! 

CIT Program    Gr 9
Counselors in Training. Interview required for acceptance. CITs will receive daily training sessions including such topics as: leadership, reward systems for children, program development and knowing how to act appropriately around a child. CIT's should be interested in improving their skills and strengths, working with children, becoming part of a community and developing leadership skills. This program will include an overnight at the ERJCC's Gordon Ranch campsite and other CIT group bonding activities. This is a great experience and strong foundation for future leaders.

Cooking Camp  Gr 3 - 5
This cooking camp will meet at the ERJCC and travel to Rice Epicurean Markets where campers will create menus, learn cooking techniques and create delicious entrees. In the afternoon campers will return to the ERJCC for recreational swimming in our outdoor pool. Lunch is included and will be made by the campers at Rice Epicurean Markets each day.

Equestrian Camp    Gr 3-6
If your child likes horseback riding, than the Equestrian Camp is where they need to be. This camp offers instruction on riding etiquette, as well as learning about trotting, cantering and galloping. By the time this camp is over, your child will be an expert (almost).

Golf Camp Gr 3-5
Learn how to drive, putt, and the skill of the short game. Clubs, course fee and transportation included.

Gymnastics Camp    Gr 3-8
This summer’s gymnastics camp will electrify you with technique, quality, games, superior state of the art equipment, and fun! Camp Director Tim Erwin and our staff are some of the best gymnastics professionals in the city.  Gymnastics is a great way for children to exercise, and develop socially. 

Happy Days  Gr 1-5
Happy Days camp is a week of exciting daily field trips around Houston and offers activities such as recreational swim, arts and crafts, music, sports and so much more. Happy Days is a well supervised camp allowing for great social interaction.

Hip Hop 'Til You Drop   Gr 3-6  
Spend the week at the ERJCC learning about Hip-Hop, Street, and Jazz Dancing from the latest moves in music videos to the foundations of Classical Jazz with popular and dynamic instructors! 

Junior Tennis and Junior Gymnastics Camps   Gr 1-2
After a morning of either tennis or gymnastics, campers will enjoy a traditional day camp program, including such activities as instructional and recreational swim, song sessions, arts and crafts and special events. Highlights include: instructional and recreational swim led by Red Cross certified lifeguards and water safety instructors; specialists in sports, dance and Jewish programming; Friendship Circle; weekly special events; weekly all-camp Shabbat; special theme days and weekly themes.

Kinder Camp     Kindergarten
Kinder Camp, a special camp for children entering Kindergarten in the fall, provides a nurturing environment and transition from preschool to Kindergarten. Experienced, older staff in addition to a small counselor to camper ratio helps to enhance each camper’s personal experience. Kinder Camp promotes group settings where children can make friendships to last well beyond the summer. A special aspect of Kinder Camp is beginning each week with Havdalah and ending with Shabbat.  Kinder Camp is held in safe, age appropriate classrooms at the Weingarten Building utilizing the splash pad, Darsky outdoor pool, gymnastics center, gymnasium and the outdoor playground.

Land of the Lost Bots Camp   Gr 3-5
Children experiment with LEGO robotics using the latest technology building dinosaurs, creatures, humanoids, time machines and more. Children have fun exploring scientific discoveries, teamwork, problem-solving and basic computer programming concepts.

Mad Science Camp   Gr 1-5
The ERJCC has once again partnered with Mad Science of Houston to form an incredible Summer Day Camp experience. 2012 has NEW programming and instructors. Both weeks there will be a different theme facilitated by the Mad Science professionally-trained science instructor. What a great way to spend part of your summer.  

Magic Camp   Gr 3-5
Magic Camp will allow children to experience the art of magic while they learn theatrics, movement, stage direction and, or course, all the skills necessary to create a full-length show. Some of the additional skills campers will learn include confidence and self esteem, hand eye coordination, multi task thinking and trust in the keeping of secrets and methods. The camp will end with a show for parents and campers alike.

Move & Groove to the Beat!   Gr 1-4
This dance camp is for both beginning students and those who have already been in advanced programs.  Each week will have a different theme with an informal showing for parents at the end of the week.  

Music Camp   Gr 3-5
Your child has a great opportunity to learn a musical instrument in this 2-week camp. Whether a complete beginner or an advanced musician, Music Camp will creaete an adventure for everyone. A morning schedule begins with group instruction by instrumental experts and an afternoon with recreational swim. Music Camp instructors are music professionals who teach and play for a living. Guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists and vocalists split off from their band to join others who play the same instrument to get instrument-specific instruction.

Out & About Camp     Gr 1-5
Out and About camp offers a different field trip each day.  From stadium tours to museums and from educational to just plain fun, this camp has it all.  If your child wants something different, then Out and About camp is for them.

Performing Arts Camp    Gr 3-6  
The ERJCC Performing Arts Camp will offer children the opportunity to be part of a full scale theatre production. Campers will take part in "behind the scenes" production as well as the on stage performance. From choreography to voice training, each component of this camp helps builds self esteem as well as confidence.

Scuba Camp   Gr 3-5
This camp will take place at the Houston Scuba Academy and trained professionals will be on hand to work with the campers. Transportation and use of SCUBA gear included.

Sports Camp     Gr 3-6
This is a traditional Sports Camp that offers children different choices of many popular sports. Highly qualified staff will work one-on-one with children to emphasize proper technique as well as skill building of each sport offered.

Teen Aquatics Camp   Gr 6-8
This week-long camp will include such highlights as waterskiing or wakeboarding at M2 Sports, sailing in the Galveston area, SCUBA Diving at the ERJCC with Houston Scuba Academy, Inc. and enjoying Schlitterbahn, Galveston. No experience necessary and transportation included.

Teen Cooking Camp   Gr 6-8
This week-long camp offers teens the ability to prepare, cook and taste many styles of cuisine ranging from sushi to American fare. Teens will also learn safety, etiquette and cooking techniques…while having fun! Lunch will be included and prepared by each camper. Maximum of 20 campers.

Teen Trek Camp - Houston   Gr 6-8
Trek through Houston: Session 1, Week 3 and Session 2, Weeks 3 & 4, the Teen Trek program will tour through our great city of Houston experiencing such places as IT’z, an Astros game and more (itinerary subject to change for daily trips). There will be a social service component to each week where the teens are able to give back to the community.  The program is the perfect opportunity for your teen to travel around the Houston area and hang out with friends in places they like to go to every day!

Teen Trek Camp-Texas Gulf Coast Trip   Gr 6-8
This trip will include destinations such as Galveston, Corpus Christi and San Antonio. Hang out with your friends while enjoying such activities as the beach, Schlitterbahn, sand castle building lessons, Minor League baseball game and so much more. Itinerary subject to change for daily trips.

Tennis Camp   Gr 3-8
The ERJCC Tennis Camp will teach strokes, service game as well as overall coordination. The combination of our state-of-the-art indoor tennis center and United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Certified Tennis Professionals allows the ERJCC to offer a top notch camping experience. 

Tennis "Excellence" Training Camp
For tournament level teens & high school varsity tennis players
This camp is designed for the higher level tennis player. Included in the Tennis “Excellence” Training Camp is an intense training program that will build up your game to the next level.

Water Ski Camp  Gr 3-5
No experience necessary and all equipment is provided. M2 Sports is located on a private 22-acre lake in Highlands, TX with more than 15 years of water sports camp experience. Transportation included.

West Houston Camp Keflee   2-4 YRS
For children 2 - 4 years of age by June 1, 2012. Keflee's campers will find developmentally appropriate activities and special events in this all inclusive environment. Classrooms are age appropriate with a small ratio of adult counselors. Keflee has instructional swim led by certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors for children 3 and up. Activities include arts and crafts, themed shows, water play for children under 3 and all camp Shabbat celebrations every Friday.

West Houston Keflee Tots   15-23 MOS
Toddlers will receive appropriate introductory social experiences while getting acclimated to a camp setting. Art, music and water play are integral parts of the summer program. This camp meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.