Parents often ask us, “Why should my child come to your camp?” or even, “Why should my child go to camp at all?” Simply put, summer camp makes children more resilient to life’s stresses and better prepared to meet life’s inevitable challenges.

In his 2012 article in Psychology Today, Michael Ungar, Ph.D. states, “The best camping experiences offer opportunities for manageable amounts of risk and responsibility” and that, “Children at camp can’t be treated like customers if they are going to get anything out of the experience. They need to be treated like students whose caregivers, the counselors, know what the kids need to grow.” As indicated by Ungar’s research on resilience, the JCC’s day camps provide the specific things that all children need to develop great coping strategies:

Relationships

“Camp is the first place that people liked me for being me.” – Anonymous

Our camp environment is inclusive. Singing at our flagpole, participating in wacky sports, tie-dying shirts and socks, swinging from our zip line and dancing through our foam parties are all examples of exciting rituals and activities that our camp community collectively shares in. The bonds that are made between campers and between campers and staff are connections that can last a lifetime.

Skills Building

Whether learning something new or refining an existing skill, every day at our camps gives campers something to be proud of. From swimming to sports to arts & crafts to gardening and cooking to outdoor adventure, the slate of activities at camp promotes self-confidence and problem solving in a variety of situations and environments.

Making Mensches (people of integrity and honor)

A values-based camp program helps ensure that every camper is treated fairly and accepted for who they are. By focusing on a different middah (value) each week, our camps teach children to share with someone, to be kind to everyone and to take care of the world around them. We instill universal values campers can take with them for the rest of their lives to make their community a better place each and every day.

Healthy Fun

“We didn’t even realize we were making memories. We were just having fun” – Winnie the Pooh

Campers unplug and take a break from their typical days and experiences filled with electronics and competitive extra-curricular activities. Our day camps provide routine and unstructured moments of laughter, cheers, songs, face paint and smiles that everyone needs for sound mind, body and soul. The freedom to explore and love of the outdoors that often go into hibernation during the school year become the quintessential ingredients to activities that are regularly provided at camp.

Resilience is not something we either have or don’t have. Rather, we work on it throughout our lives. And we need to start as early as possible. JCC PGH Day Camps recognize that parents and caregivers are the most important people to help build children’s resilience, and we look forward to partnering with you to fulfill this important developmental milestone on behalf of our youngest community members during these unprecedented demanding times.

For more about JCC PGH Day Camps please contact:

South Hills JCC Day Camp

Jason Haber at 412-278-1782 or email JHaber@jccpgh.org

JCC of Squirrel Hill & J&R Day Camp

Lewis Sohinki at 412-697-3537 or email LSohinki@jccpgh.org