Camp Magazines 2017 Camp Magazine | Page 2

Shalom

We Play at the JCC !
Play . A word most would quickly associate with children but in recent times , we are seeing a steady decline in this fundamental activity throughout our society . Today ’ s youth suffer from alarmingly limited access to or interest in the natural world and activity outdoors . Instead , they can spend an average of seven plus hours a day in front of screens being sedentary and inactive .
At Weinstein JCC Summer Camps , we believe in the power of play ! Play is a crucial part of learning , which allows youth to practice how to live and thrive in a community . It teaches youth “ how ” to learn . In fact , play is so critical to optimal child development that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has recognized it as a right of every child . And what better place for children to participate in an abundance of play but at summer camp ! In his book , “ The Power of Play ”, Dr . David Elkind says : “ Not only does camp provide children relief from the pressures to achieve , it reacquaints children with the natural world , with the importance of friendship , cooperation , and the fragility of the environment in which we live .”
Summer is the perfect opportunity to provide unparalleled opportunities for children to explore and experiment . The gross motor play that children and young people need to become physically adept emerges spontaneously and joyfully in the outdoors at camp . The character traits parents wish for their ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� outcomes for children who have successful camp experiences . Our camps are that special place each summer where your camper can come to receive critical social , physical , and emotional readiness . We offer varied opportunities for children to move their bodies , connect to nature , build positive relationships , challenge their abilities , take risks , and gain skills while under the care of nurturing and enthusiastic counselors .
Here at the Weinstein JCC , we have been busy planning , preparing and getting excited about the summer ahead and the time we will have with your children as they soak up all the joy the days
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� sweaty and dirty , scraping your knee , PLAY that helps shape children into successful adults .
Weinstein JCC Day Camps ... adventure ( and play !) starts here . Come and join the fun this summer !
Nick Pruden Specialty Camps Director
Josh Shenker
Lily Ocasio
Nick Pruden
Josh Shenker Camp Hilbert Director 13th Summer 545-8650 jwshenker @ weinsteinjcc . org
Lily Ocasio Camp Ganim Director 35th Summer 285-6500 , ext . 8115 preschool @ weinsteinjcc . org
Nick Pruden Specialty Camps Director 12th Summer 545-8607 npruden @ weinsteinjcc . org
LaVenus Harried CIT Program Director 15th Summer 545-8639 lharried @ weinsteinjcc . org
Melissa Bunce Director of Inclusion and
Support Services 9th Summer 545-8658 mbunce @ weinsteinjcc . org
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