When the first day of Kindergarten arrives, our campers step into the classroom ready to learn, connect, and thrive— equipped with independence, confidence, and a love for discovery and community building.
What Kindergarten Teachers Hope to See in New Students
Kindergarten teachers love when students arrive with these foundational skills:
• Independence: Confident using the bathroom and managing clothing changes on their own.
• Listening Skills: Able to follow two- and three-step directions with growing focus.
• Positive Social Interactions: Enjoys playing with others, taking turns, and working cooperatively.
• Emotional Regulation: Can recognize feelings and begin using simple strategies to calm down or problem-solve.
• Gross Motor Strength: Confidently hops, skips, runs, climbs, and moves with balance and coordination.
• Developing Fine Motor Control: Practices using crayons, scissors, and other tools with improving precision.
• Clear Communication: Expresses needs and feelings with words, and knows when to ask for help.
How Camp Prepares Kids for Kindergarten
Camp Hilbert offers countless opportunities for children to practice these same skills— all while having a blast!
• Group Orientation: Each Monday starts with a fun introduction where campers and staff set group expectations together— just like teachers do in the classroom.
• Building Independence: Changing in and out of swim gear every day gives campers daily practice in managing clothing, belongings, and routines independently.
• Following Directions: Camp staff give clear, multi-step instructions for games, activities, and transitions.
• Making Friends: Campers spend their days alongside peers who are also heading into Kindergarten. They build friendships, learn teamwork, and grow comfortable in a group setting.
• Emotional Growth: Our trained staff help campers recognize and manage their“ big feelings” while learning empathy and kindness toward others.
• Active Play: From running and jumping to balancing and climbing, outdoor physical play strengthens gross motor skills and builds confidence. These skills are built through activities such as Athletics, GaGa Ball, Performing Arts, and daily instructional swim and free swim periods.
• Creative Exploration: Art and crafts projects and target sports help campers develop fine motor control and focus in a fun, hands-on way. Being immersed in nature also allows campers to explore the natural environment around them and creative ways to play in and with the natural resources.
• Problem-Solving & Self-Advocacy: In a busy camp environment, children quickly learn how to ask questions, seek help, and navigate new situations with growing confidence.
When the first day of Kindergarten arrives, our campers step into the classroom ready to learn, connect, and thrive— equipped with independence, confidence, and a love for discovery and community building.
Weinstein JCC Summer 2026 Camps 16