7th-9th Grade Camp
Sports Camps
Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where campers can develop their tennis skills, build confidence and forge lasting friendships. With a focus on both individual improvement and team spirit, we strive to create a positive and memorable tennis camp experience for everyone involved.
Weeks 1 – 11
LOCATION: BONIUK FAMILY INDOOR TENNIS CENTER
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIK KISER
Performing & Visual Arts Camps
Teen PAC offers campers the opportunity to spend three weeks together as they rehearse and perform the musical production of The Lion King, Jr. Adapted from Disney’s Broadway musical and the popular motion picture, this show brings the African savanna to life on stage in a story of courage, friendship and destiny. Campers also delve into the core elements of acting through scene and character study, as well as behind-the-scenes tech work.
Weeks 6-8 | July 8 – 26
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: EVA DE LA CRUZ
Make a movie in a week! In this fast-paced camp, teens discover how to translate their ideas from the page to the screen by learning storytelling techniques, screenwriting, directing, camera operation, sound recording and editing. Campers learn the basics of filmmaking then team up to create their very own short films.
Week 4 | June 24 – 28
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: KELSEY PERKINS
This new one-week camp helps teens grow in their singing confidence while getting valuable performing experience. Teens receive coaching on their stage presence, lyric interpretation, vocal technique and movement. Each camper works on their own solo piece as well as duets and group numbers. The week culminates in a cabaret-style performance for families and friends.
Week 2 | June 10 – 14
No camp on Wednesday, June 12 for Shavuot
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KELSEY PERKINS
In this introduction to all things sewing, campers create wearable art and soft sculpture with new and recycled fabrics! They get creative with their designs while learning both hand and machine techniques. This camp also includes a unit on jewelry making.
Week 6 | July 8- 12
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIN JOYCE
DRAWING MARATHON!
Welcome to the Drawing Marathon, a fun and immersive drawing boot camp for teens! In Drawing Marathon, you’ll hone your abilities through fun exercises guided by experienced instructors. From crafting your own self-portrait to exploring still-life drawing to creating your own imaginary composition through collage, this camp is a journey through different mediums like charcoal, graphite and pastels. This is a great camp for teens building an artist portfolio or who would like to cultivate the skills to create artwork independently. Get ready for an exciting week at the intersection of skill and creativity in Drawing Marathon!
Week 9 | July 29-August 2
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIN JOYCE
This week-long camp allows teens to dive into new dance techniques, challenging themselves to work individually and as a group toward the goal of being a more well-rounded dancer. With sessions in ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop and more, teens are challenged in a positive and supportive way. Campers end the week with a showcase for families and friends.
Week 3 | June 17 – 21
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: KELSEY PERKINS
Specialty Camps
Aerial is a fast-growing artform that combines strength and grace. Teens 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 7 | July 15-19
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & THE ARTZ
In the fourth largest city in America, there is always something to do! This summer at the J, we are exploring the best Houston has to offer. Enjoy daily field trips to water parks, arcades, art studios and more! Something new every day. Specific trip locations will be sent out the Tuesday before each camp week.
Can’t decide what to do this week? We’ve got you! Enjoy trips to new places with your friends and check out all that Houston has to offer!
Week 2 | June 10-14 | Wild Card
(No camp on Wednesday, June 12 for Shavuot)
Pack your swimsuit for a week of fun in the sun! Take daily trips to different water attractions around Houston. Don’t forget the sunblock!
Week 3 | June 17-21 | Water Week
For the new or experienced athlete, get a taste of a different sport every day.
Week 8 | July 22-28 | Variety Sports
Can’t decide what to do this week? We’ve got you! Enjoy trips to new places with your friends and check out all that Houston has to offer!
Week 11 | August 12-16 | Wild Card
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & ALL OVER HOUSTON
CAMP DIRECTOR: BARRIE SKALSKY
Art is all around us. During Teen Art Hop, campers travel around the city of Houston and create their own one-of-a-kind masterpiece at different craft studios. Teens also visit local art institutes and museums.
Week 5 | July 1-3
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & ALL OVER HOUSTON
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIN JOYCE
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 2 | June 10-14
Chef Showdown: Teen Edition
With this thrilling culinary competition talented teen chefs will be able to highlight their skills in our state-of-the-art equipped culinary arena. With the assistant of our culinary team, teen chefs will be paired with Instructors in the race of timed challenges, hide and seek ingredients, mystery basket and more. From appetizers to desserts, each series pushes their creativity, leading up to the ultimate Teen Summer Showdown Chef Champ. It’s a sizzling showdown of skill, innovation, and passion for the culinary arts!
Week 3 | June 17-21
Israeli Cooking
Join Shoshi Bassan, our Israeli Shlicha, for an Israeli culinary camp experience. Shoshi’s inspiration for cooking started with the “Ben Yehuda” market in Jerusalem. It’s filled with fresh produce and spices of all colors and smells.
Chefs will take a journey and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Israeli cooking. We will learn how to make classic Israeli dishes like Shakshuka, Hummus, Falafel and more, in a creative and educational atmosphere.
Week 9 | July 29-August 2
First Class Flight: Culinary World Tour
Embark on a global culinary journey, to explore the colorful and delicious wonders of international cuisine. From creating Italian masterpieces, to the wonders of the Mediteranea sea, each session is a hands-on experience that sparks creativity and curiosity. Join is in Culinary Camp this summer and discovers the joy of cooking.
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & CRAMER-JACOBS FAMILY CULINARY STUDIO
This camp gives teens a chance to earn community service hours while making a difference in their community. Travel to a new non-profit organization every day and participate in projects with local organizations. Specific trip locations will be sent out the Tuesday before each camp week.
Week 4 | June 24-28
Week 5 | July 1-3 | Exclusively for teens entering 9th and 10th grade
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & ALL OVER HOUSTON
CAMP DIRECTOR: BARRIE SKALSKY
Give your imagination a blast of spontaneity! Campers practice the art of improv in a safe, welcoming and fun environment. Through games, guided exercises and character work, campers learn to work collaboratively, take risks and build their confidence as overall performers.
Week 9 | July 29 – August 2
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KELSEY PERKINS
