Fencing? Archery? Filmmaking? Round boats in the pool? Sounds like a J Camp summer

Use code “MARCHMADNESS” and we’ll waive your $54 registration fee (now through March 15) sign up today.

J Camp is filled with opportunities for children to play, explore, and experience the best of summer camp in a diverse environment based on Jewish values and culture. The day camp program is open to everyone and includes indoor and outdoor activities, singing, dancing, sports, swimming, field trips, and more. 

“This year we’re excited to offer archery to all campers,” says Barbara Traweek, senior director of youth services and early education. “And we can’t wait to watch campers take a spin — literally — in our new round Corcl boats.” 

As always, J Camp offerings also will include a variety of specialty camps that will help scratch some of your kids’ more dynamic itches.

We offer more than a dozen specialty summer camps, from traditional sports like tennis and basketball to the edgier ultimate, plus chess and the artsy Showstoppers. New for 2024 are fencing and filmmaking.

En garde!

Coach Reis Gordon is a former NCAA division 1 fencer and current coach at Birmingham Fencing Club. He’ll teach the basics of fencing — from the en garde position to the rules of scoring and winning a bout. Each day will bring a new aspect to the sport, ranging from understanding rules to mental fortitude. 

“By the end of the week every fencing camper will have developed a solid understanding of fencing, and maybe even have found a new lifelong passion,” Barbara says. 

Filmmaking, taught by Eric Stockman, is an assignment-based camp where each day is broken into three parts: mission, production, and discussion. After learning what they need to accomplish on a given day, campers will break into teams to film and edit their assignments. Days will end with group viewings of discussions of projects.

Skills learned incrementally during the course of the week will include use of lights and microphones. Campers will learn different concepts, from simple shots to pans and tilts, point of view, dialog, and sequence. 

“It’s all about taking what you learn and making conscious decisions — all while gaining an understanding of what works and what doesn’t,” Barbara explains. “You might even find you’ve got the next Steven Spielberg living under your roof.”