6 Sensory Activities to Try at Home
6 Sensory Activities to Try at Home
As human beings, we’re hard-wired from birth to explore the world through our senses. The way we receive and respond to sensory stimuli has a powerful impact on our experiences. Creating opportunities for children to explore sets them up for long-term success with essential skills including problem solving, decision making, curiosity and perseverance. Long before they […] Learn More ›
30 Questions to Ask Your Camper to Learn More about J Camp
Has this conversation happened in your house? Parent: How was your day at camp? Camper: Fine. Parent: What did you do today? Camper: <shrug> After spending hours having fun, going swimming and playing with friends, you know that the day was more than “fine” and filled with activities and lessons learned. The tough part is […] Learn More ›
5 Types of Letters to Send to Your Camper–And 2 to Avoid
I was a very lucky overnight camper. When I think back on those five summers, I can’t remember a day when I didn’t receive a piece of mail. This was in an era before we knew what email was, and average people didn’t have personal computers and printers in their homes. Instead of typed notes, […] Learn More ›
How to Nail a Job Interview
Summer has begun and our J Camps are getting ready to have their best season yet. At the same time, JCC Chicago is already looking ahead to fall. Before you know it, our Early Childhood and J at School programs will be back in session and, with that, comes a lot of great employment opportunities. […] Learn More ›
I Lead, I Motivate, I Inspire
As a camp director, I interview dozens and dozens of staff each year prior to the start of camp. It is one of my most favorite parts of my job. I like to hear firsthand about the person who will be working directly with the campers and know they have the same goals as I […] Learn More ›
6 Insider Tips to Prepare Your Child for Overnight Camp
My camp duffel bags are 30 years old. This is the first time since 1986 that they will not make the trek with me from Chicago to Wisconsin for a summer filled with outdoor adventure and friendship. As a life-long camper and now “retired” camp director, I have enough experience to write a doctoral dissertation on […] Learn More ›
Sibling Squabbles: Salvaging our Sanity
As school winds down and the weather grows warmer, many of us look forward to fun-filled outdoor adventures and the longer, leisurely days of summer. These months often bring more “together time” for siblings, which can strike fear in the hearts of us parents as we anticipate having to deal with the bickering that will […] Learn More ›
Celebrating JCC Chicago’s Best
Tuesday was one of those exceptional days that remind me why working here, at JCC Chicago, is such a special experience. During our quarterly All Staff Meeting we did something we’ve never done before … we introduced the first ever JCC Chicago Employee Recognition Awards. A few months ago, we asked our staff to reflect […] Learn More ›
Go to Camp with Your Grandparent! (Yes, We’re Serious)
Thinking about Grandparents Weekend for your family this summer? This special guest blog from a grandchild will have you packing and planning for the best summer experience! Written by Lindsay Weisskopf, freshman at Highland Park High School. This summer will be her 6th summer as a camper at Camp Chi. Seven years ago my grandparents […] Learn More ›
No Shame On U Makes Impact in Jewish Community and Beyond
How many times in your life have you thought of a great idea for a new business or mission driven organization? Many of us have these light bulb moments but most don’t act on that impulse. For a select few talented, passionate entrepreneurs, their breakthrough idea can be a game changer. This was the case […] Learn More ›
Yom Ha’atzmaut, Camp and Connections
Sometimes it feels like any day can be a holiday. We have National Grilled Cheese Day, Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day and even Talk Like a Pirate Day. With so many “holidays,” it’s easy to miss one that is actually important, especially when it takes place on the other side of the world. Today […] Learn More ›
Make New Friends
Our Approach to Friendship Friendship is the heart and soul of JCC’s J Camps. For many of our campers, camp is the first time they are developing friendships without parent involvement. Our camp philosophy is to balance the opportunity to meet new friends with the comfort of being with familiar ones. Friendship making is fundamental […] Learn More ›
Play Detective: Uncover the Meaning of your Child’s Challenging Behaviors (Part 2)
Written by Rachel Schwartz, LSW, and Jamie Miller, LCPC, JCC Chicago Early Childhood Social Services Last week we talked about core functions of a child’s behavior and how you can investigate to determine the underlying meaning and purpose it is serving for your child. Once you are able to identify those factors, you can implement […] Learn More ›
JSC Learns What it Means to be Israeli
Written by Maddie Dolinsky and Daniel Rosen, both Seniors at Northside College Prep. Maddie is going to University of Illinois, Daniel is going to Pomona College. It’s your eighteenth birthday. You’re excited to finally be considered an “adult” and can’t wait to start becoming more independent. There are presents to open and cake to be served, […] Learn More ›
Play Detective: Uncover the Meaning of your Child’s Challenging Behaviors (Part 1)
Written by Rachel Schwartz, LSW, and Jamie Miller, LCPC, JCC Chicago Early Childhood Social Services Most parents find themselves struggling with their child’s challenging behavior at some point in time. In fact, it seems to be a rite of passage; a way that we as parents earn our merit badge. While it is validating to […] Learn More ›
Tzedakah on Earth Day
This year on Earth Day, make an effort to donate to one of these great organizations. They’re not only helping Chicago families in need, but they’re helping our planet by giving unwanted items a second home. Share Our Spare… provides Chicago families living in low-income and homeless situations with the essentials they need to […] Learn More ›