Oh the places you’ll go…being a staff member at J Camp!
Oh the places you’ll go…being a staff member at J Camp!
Wendy Singer, Director, BHJCC Day Camp and Chavayah Overnight Camp Being a camp counselor is one of the most “real” jobs a young person can get. What other summer job gives you the opportunity to experience the following career fields: education, psychology, emergency care, conflict resolution, operations, food service and so much more. Camp gives […] Learn More ›
Making Thanksgiving Meaningful for Young Children
As Thanksgiving approaches, I naturally begin to think about the story I was taught as a child about the Pilgrims and Native Americans. I still have pictures of myself standing up in a school play, dressed in a feather headband, acting out a scene about the Mayflower. Times have changed. Teaching preschoolers about our history […] Learn More ›
Happy Camper for Life
Did you know that I hated summer camp? Yes, it’s true! The summer was 1974 and my mom put me on the camp bus kicking and screaming. This was a daily occurrence until she made the decision to pull me from the first camp program I was enrolled in. Shocking, I know! Anyone who has […] Learn More ›
Why Chicagoans Will Love Israel Story
Written By: Becky Brothman Israel Story is one of the most popular national radio shows in Israel and the country’s first storytelling podcast of its kind. We’re delighted to welcome the Israel Story team to Chicago this month as part of their live podcast US tour. They will be performing their show ‘That’s What She […] Learn More ›
Reflections on an Extraordinary Career
For the past 37 years, from 1980 to the present, I’ve directed Camp Chi. This has been more than a job, but a labor of love, an experience that has provided my greatest life memories. Just like all of the campers, staff and alumni, I cherish the friends that I’ve made and the fun that […] Learn More ›
BRCA gene and Breast Cancer. What Every Jewish Person Needs to Know.
By: Scott Weissman, Founder of Chicago Genetic Consultants No woman should die from breast cancer. Read that again…no woman should die from breast cancer. These were the powerful words from Dr. Mary Claire King at a genetics conference I recently attended. Dr. King is one of the co-discoverers of the BRCA1 gene which causes hereditary […] Learn More ›
Empowering Our Kids to Stand-Up to Bullying
Here’s how to bring our camp philosophy home. It seems that every time we turn on the tv there is a story about bullying. While bullying is not a new phenomenon, the media’s coverage of tragic incidents has brought the subject front and center. It’s created an urgency to figure out how to “solve” a […] Learn More ›
Much More than Just Camp
In August, we asked our day campers to fill in the blank in this sentence: It’s not just camp. It’s __________. Not surprisingly, they had a lot to say. Using crayons and markers, they shared what camp means to them. From the reflective “my happiest place” to the silly “hot pink Play-Doh,” we saw through […] Learn More ›
Sorry Seems to Be… the Easiest Word
With the first weeks of school behind us and the temperatures starting to cool, we are immersed in the contemplative mode of the High Holidays. This is meant to be a time of deep reflection as we acknowledge our wrongdoings and seek forgiveness from those we may have hurt in the past year. As a […] Learn More ›
New Year, New You: How Movement Can Facilitate Change
Written by Erica Hornthal (psychotherapist/CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy) With the Jewish New Year upon us, it’s time for reflection, introspection and evaluation of what was and what will be. Many of us have our own methods for bringing in the New Year and while they may be habits or traditions, there are other ways in […] Learn More ›
Service, Leadership and Legacy
My love for JCC Chicago began when I was a child, but not in the way most children become involved. For me, it was through my mother and grandmother. My grandmother was a member of the original board of the Women’s Auxiliary and part of the talented group of women who created and published Thoughts […] Learn More ›
Rosh Hashanah Greeting from Alan Sataloff, President, JCC Chicago
This is one of my most favorite times of the year. The cooler weather, the start of school, sports and activities, all add up to a season of new experiences. And then, within the stress and chaos of everyday life, comes the beautiful stillness of Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish New Year is a time for […] Learn More ›
Preparing for the High Holidays
It’s More Than Making Chicken Stock. It’s About Taking Stock. The High Holidays are quickly approaching and if we don’t properly prepare we cannot fully experience their true meaning. Many of us entered the dates of the High Holidays in our calendars last year and finalized our plans months ago. We know who will host which […] Learn More ›
Stepping Back and Lovin’ It – Part 2
The Homework Hassle It’s September and the kids are back to school. While many of us couldn’t wait to return to a routine, how quickly we have gone from calm to chaos. Homework, sports and other extracurricular activities are in full-swing. Backpacks are strewn across our floors. The sound of school buses fill our streets […] Learn More ›
Thank you for being part of Up, Over and All-In
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for supporting Up, Over and All-In. And thank you to the hundreds of families who joined us on Sunday to celebrate inclusion, capability and community! Learn More ›
Camp Magic
Last weekend, Charlie learned to ride a bike. He’s my youngest and trails three teenagers in our house. He is funny, he is smart, he is kind. And he’s a little quirky. My older kids will say that I let Charlie get away with everything. In reality, I just hope Charlie tries anything. When summer […] Learn More ›