J Camp FAQ
Program
what does "grade" mean when registering my child for camp?
At J Camps, we talk about the grade your camper is entering for the upcoming school year. A camp for grades 1 – 2, is available to campers entering grade 1 or grade 2 in the fall of 2026.
what type of clothes should my camper wear?
All campers should wear comfortable clothes, including sneakers. All clothing and additional items should be clearly labeled with the camper’s first and last name. Communication will be sent from your camp identifying if your camper should come to camp in their bathing suit.
what additional items should my camper bring each day?
Unless otherwise specified, your child will need the following daily:
- Sunscreen – Please send your child to camp with sunscreen already applied and a bottle. The camp staff will ensure that sunscreen is reapplied throughout the day.
- Non-perishable lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
- Sneakers – Please no open-toed shoes, flip-flops or Crocs.
Swimsuit and towel - For younger campers, please pack an extra pair of clothes in case of accidents.
Please do not send iPods, cell phones, Apple watches, electronic games/toys, trading cards or money to camp with your child. Campers enrolled in travel camps who bring spending money will be responsible for managing their own money and purchases. The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC is not responsible for lost, stolen or traded items.
what is am/pm care?
AM Care
AM Care begins at 7:30 AM. Your camper will enjoy quiet activities such as coloring and board games until the camp day begins. AM Care is held in the Samuels Family Community Pavilion for all campers in kindergarten through grade 5. Camp Bami AM Care is at the Bertha Alyce School. The J provides transportation for Kaleidoscope campers from the Samuels Family Community Pavilion to the Merfish Teen Center.
PM Care
The camp day does not need to end at 3:30 PM! Campers can continue to enjoy the excitement of camp until 5:30 PM with arts and crafts, games and other fun activities throughout the afternoon. A kosher afternoon snack is served in PM Care. The J provides transportation from the Merfish Center to the Samuels Family Community Pavilion for campers signed up for PM Care. Kindergarten through grade 6 campers are picked up at the Samuels Family Community Pavilion. Camp Bami campers are picked up at Bertha Alyce.
AM and PM care will not be offered pre-camp week (June 1 – 5)
can i make a friend request?
Friend requests are part of the camper forms. Friend requests are only for Camp Bami, Kinder Camp and Camp Kaleidoscope.
Camp provides a wonderful opportunity to meet NEW friends. However, we understand the importance of friends at this time and do our best to honor up to two friends’ requests, with priority given to mutual requests.
does my child have to be jewish to attend j camps?
We welcome all children, regardless of religious affiliation, to participate in our camp experience. Both campers and staff come from diverse backgrounds.
Our programming celebrates Jewish culture through things like Hebrew words, Shabbat on Fridays and meaningful Israel engagement—but all activities are designed to be accessible, welcoming and enriching for every child.
registration/changes/cancellations
does my child need to be a jcc member to enroll in camp?
No—membership is not required to join J Camps! All camps have a public rate. Non-member registration opens on Wednesday, February 4
how do i know if my child's registration is confirmed?
Once the registration process is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please call us so we can check your registration status.
how does the waitlist work?
If a camp is full, you will be placed on a waitlist in the order you register. You will not be charged at that time. The camp office will notify you if a space becomes available.
does it cost anything to change my camp registration?
Changes made after May 4, 2026, will incur a $25 administrative fee per camper per camp change.
what if i have a balance on my j account?
Families with a balance on their account will not be able to register until the balance has been paid.
does camp pro-rate camp weeks or sessions if my child cannot attend all weeks?
There are no deductions or prorated fees for partial sessions or absences unless your child attends a Jewish sleep-away camp and the dates conflict with J Camps. You must notify the camp office of the dates by May 4, 2026; no exceptions
what are your financial policies?
Review J Camps refund policy, registration requirements, payment options and scholarship information here.
health & safety
what can i expect in the way of health and safety?
The health and safety of our campers, staff, and their families remains our highest priority. Throughout the year, we stay up to date with guidance from public health experts, including the CDC and the American Camp Association, to ensure we’re following the best practices for a safe and healthy camp experience.
Before camp begins, families must submit an online health history form. If any information changes after submission, it is the responsibility of the camp family to notify us so we can keep records accurate and provide the best care possible.
does my child need to provide any medical records for camp?
All campers must have up-to-date immunizations to attend J Camps. The immunization form must include the date of the child’s last tetanus shot and be signed and stamped by their pediatrician. A list of vaccine requirements can be found HERE. J Camps does not accept immunization waivers.
dates/facilities/logistics
are there any dates j camp is closed?
- There will be no camp offered in Week 4 (June 29 – July 2) for Bami, Kinder or Kaleidoscope.
- The J will be closed Friday, July 3.
will the j provide transportation this summer?
The J provides transportation from the Ellen Boniuk School in West Houston to the Main J Campus and Merfish Teen Center. The J provides transportation for any off-site camps.
when do i get to meet the j camp staff?
Camp Bami, Kinder Camp and Kaleidoscope all offer a “Meet the Counselor” day on Sunday, June 7, 2026. More information will be available as the camp date approaches.
what are camp hours?
Camp operates Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. We offer before and after camp care which runs from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM in the mornings and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the afternoons.
