1st-3rd Grade Camp
CAMP KALEIDOSCOPE
LOCATION: MERFISH TEEN CENTER
Camp Kaleidoscope is the place to be this summer! Kaleidoscope campers enjoy daily programs including sports, swimming, arts and crafts, Judaics, music and more. Campers select weekly Chugim (elective activities). Our energetic and experienced staff makes Kaleidoscope a popular choice for day camps in the Houston community. Kaleidoscope is an environment where campers can learn, make friends and express themselves in a traditional day camp setting.
Kaleidoscope campers have exclusive use of the Merfish Teen Center that includes a covered sports court, outdoor tennis courts, swimming pool, expansive sports field and a shaded gaga pit.
Session 1 | Weeks 2-4 | June 10-28 Session 2 | Weeks 6-8| July 8-26
Week 9 | July 29-August 2
Week 10 | August 5-9
KAYITZ KEF
LOCATION: MERFISH TEEN CENTER
Camp Kaleidoscope in Hebrew! Campers spend their morning with Israeli Shlichim as their counselors teach them conversational Hebrew. Non-native or native Hebrew speakers are guided through the day in Hebrew through the lens of language acquisition. Kayitz Kef is guided by the proficiency approach to second language acquisition – endorsed as the gold standard in foreign language instruction by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) – and adapts it to the unique setting of Jewish summer camp. Kayitz Kef campers have a specific “Hebrew hour” within each day led by our trained Shlichim.
Week 9 | July 29-August 2
Sports Camps
Experience the junior version of our tried-and-true tennis camps! Campers learn new skills and practice backhands, forehands, serves and more! Obstacle courses, games and special events are just part of the fun.
Weeks 1 – 11
LOCATION: BONIUK FAMILY INDOOR TENNIS CENTER
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIK KISER
Our Junior Gymnastics Camp, led by our USA Gymnastics Certified Staff, includes active games, superior state-of-the-art equipment, and lots of fun! Gross motor skills, strength, flexibility and agility are just part of what campers learn. Daily recreational swim and special Friday fun days are part of the Junior Gymnastics Camp experience.
Weeks 1-10
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: LESLIE HOLMES
Take your game to the next level with Rep City Camps and the Garcia Brothers. Campers focus on developing hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and base running skills with seasoned coaches and live gameplay with their friends. Campers should bring a glove, bat, cap, cleats (or tennis shoes and helmet. Campers participate in recreational swim and other fun activities in the afternoon at the J. A special sports-related field trip takes place on Friday.
Week 5 | July 1-3
Week 8 I July 22-26
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS AND CITY OF BELLAIRE BASEBALL FIELDS
INSTRUCTOR: JUAN GARCIA
This basketball camp focuses on the fundamentals of the game: dribbling offensive/defensive maneuvering, shooting and conditioning. Basketball camp strives to build confidence and emphasizes having fun. This camp teaches kids about good sportsmanship, how to be a team player and other skills.
Week 3 | June 17 – 21
Week 7 | July 15 – 19
Week 11 | August 12 – 16
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: ALL AMERICAN BASKETBALL
Two, four, six, eight! Secure your spot at the top of the pyramid at Jr Cheer Camp at the J. In this camp, children work on cheers, chants and dances. Everyone is welcome to participate in this high-spirited camp coached by seasoned cheer instructors. The week culminates in an end-of-week Friday performance to showcase all the cheerleaders learned!
Week 3 | June 17 – 21
Week 7 I July 15 – 19
Week 9 I July 29 – August 2
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KAREN DEFFNER
GOAL! In this camp, children have a great time learning and improving their soccer skills in the cool of the indoors. There is a heavy emphasis on skills to beat opponents and shooting with a focus on five core topics including deceptive dribbling, goal scoring, combo play, individual defending and team defending.
Week 4 | June 24 – 28
Week 6 | July 8 – 12
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: PANTHER SOCCER
Girls just wanna have fun and play sports! Join Rep City Camps and the Garcia Brothers for Softball! Campers focus on developing hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and base running skills with seasoned coaches and live gameplay with their friends. Campers should bring a glove, bat, cap, cleats (or tennis shoes) and helmet.
Campers participate in recreational swim and other fun activities in the afternoon at the J. A special sports-related field trip takes place on Friday. Please note there is no camp on Thursday of this week.
Week 2 | June 10-14
No camp on Wednesday, June 12 for Shavuot
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS AND CITY OF BELLAIRE BASEBALL FIELDS
INSTRUCTOR: JUAN GARCIA
Performing & Visual Arts Camps
This two-week camp is the perfect introduction to the world of musical theatre! Campers spend their days learning fun songs and dances from hit Broadway shows, all while learning teamwork skills, making friends and building confidence. Camp culminates in a fun showcase for friends and family.
Weeks 6-7 | July 8 – July 19
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KELSEY PERKINS
Put on your dancing shoes! This camp focuses on the elements of dance and inspires campers to channel their creativity through movement. Led by professional dance instructors, campers are introduced to a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop.
At the end of this two-week camp, campers perform their one-of-a-kind showcase on the Kaplan Theatre stage.
Weeks 8-9 | July 22 – August 2
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: KELSEY PERKINS
This camp is an introduction to all things visual art! Explore different media, tools and art forms in this one-week camp. Our fun and thoughtful projects are grounded in the elements of art, inspired by art history and driven by personal expression. Artists come home with projects that can be cherished for a lifetime.
Week 1 | June 3-7 | Petite Picasso
Week 3 | June 17-21 | Creature Creations
Week 7 | July 15-19 | Exploring Modern Art
Week 9 | July 29-August 2 | Beautiful Botanicals
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
Specialty Camps
Join us this summer for an adventure in science, technology, engineering, art and math (S.T.E.A.M.). Campers have a chance to use their creativity and critical thinking as they explore robots, space gadgets, optics and more! Through hands-on projects and experiments, every camper has an opportunity to participate in the fun of S.T.E.A.M.
Week 6 | July 8 – 12
Week 8 | July 22 – 26
LOCATION: MAIN CAMPUS
CAMP INSTRUCTOR: RAYNA BALDWIN
Let your camper join a rock band this summer! Designed for all levels, this program is taught by real musicians and has students playing full songs in no time. Campers learn the requirements of ensemble playing and teamwork.
The J provides transportation to and from Bach to Rock.
Week 2 | June 10 – 14
Week 10 | August 5 – 9
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & BACH TO ROCK MEMORIAL
BACH TO ROCK
Enjoy the pure joy that is Lego. Use your imagination to create structures beyond your wildest dreams.
Week 3 | June 17 – 21
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: CODE NINJAS
Ever wanted to make your own robot? Using the Lego Spike Robotics kit, students in this camp learn the fundamentals of how to design, build and code robots.
Week 1 | June 3 – 7
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: CODE NINJAS
Aerial is a fast-growing artform that combines strength and grace. In this camp option, campers travel daily to The Artz to learn techniques in aerial and circus training including fabrics, lyra and trapeze. Brave new heights and build self-confidence with this new camp!
Week 8 | July 22 – 26
Week 10 | August 5 – 9
LOCATION: MAIN CAMPUS AND THE ARTZ
Calling call future authors! WITS campers will get the opportunity to learn by reading literature and practicing writing. Campers demonstrate improved reading and writing skills, increased confidence, and enhanced creativity. WITS will focus on the writing process and address original voice, inventive word choice, sentence fluency, and clear organization. WITS workshops build skills in reading and analysis, expose students to multi-cultural literature, and emphasize the importance of revision. At the end of the week, campers will share their finished pieces in a celebration and will take home a portfolio of their work.
LOCATION: MERFISH TEEN CENTER
Join us this summer for horseback riding camp in the heart of Houston! Campers learn valuable skills in horsemanship, animal husbandry, arts and crafts and more! Every day, camp riders learn new horsemanship skills, have the opportunity to get up close and personal with farrier, vet and other equine practitioners’ demonstrations, and of course, have fun! We have a covered arena to get out of the sun or rain and an air-conditioned lounge and restroom.
Week 2 | June 10 – 14
Week 4 | June 24 – 28
Week 7 | July 15 – 19
LOCATION: CYPRESS TRAILS RANCH
INSTRUCTOR: DAROLYN BUTLER
Bring your singing voices with you to Bach to Rock for Glee camp. Inspired by the television sensation, this premier choral ensemble offers a dynamic atmosphere for campers to unlock their inner star! Campers explore fun vocal exercises, singing in harmony, and choreography while performing arrangements of popular songs.
The J provides transportation to and from Bach to Rock.
Week 2 | June 10 – 14
Week 10 | August 5 – 9
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & BACH TO ROCK MEMORIAL
BACH TO ROCK
Do you have the right moves? In this child-centered course, students learn every cool trick, strategy, opening and tactic in chessdom. And as they become chess masters, their skills transfer to their classrooms, sports fields and home lives as well.
Week 4 | June 24 – 28
Week 9 | July 29 – August 2
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
THE KNIGHT SCHOOL
Ready, set code!
Code Your Own Cartoons – In this camp, students learn how to express themselves and let their creativity shine through using code to create silly, scary and exciting cartoons in Scratch, a kid-friendly, visual programming language developed by MIT.
Jr. Adventures with Makey Makey – Using a Makey Makey circuit board, students design and build music interfaces, game controllers and more.
Week 4 | June 24 – 28
Week 8 | July 22 – 26
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CODE NINJAS
Follow your taste buds to the J’s state-of-the-art culinary studio and learn to cook like a chef! Campers will receive hands-on instruction in making (and tasting) delicious recipes. Recipes will be Kosher style and allergies can be accommodated.
Week 1 | June 3-7
Eggstravaganza & Cheese Creations
Join us in the kitchen for a cracking enjoyable time for young chefs to discover the eggscellent world of eggs and cheese. Learn how to whip up fluffy omelets, craft cheesy grilled cheese and create playful egg-and-cheese surprises. Engage in hands-on activities, turning simple ingredients into tasty delights. From egg decorating to cheese pairing games, every session promises a mix of fun and learning.
Week 6 | July 8-12
Willy Wonka: Dessert Dazzle Delights
Step into the magical world of Willy Wonka’s whimsical culinary adventures. Inspired by the imaginative creations from Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Our creative hands-on Jr Chefs will be crafting fizzy lifting drinks to mouthwatering chocolates, and molding fantastical sweets creations, it is a delightful blend of creativity and tasty fun.
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & CRAMER-JACOBS FAMILY CULINARY STUDIO