Mandel JCC Camps

For decades, children across the region have spent their summers enjoying the remarkable summer camps at The Mandel JCC. Here’s how your child can join in the fun.

By: Olivia Bloom
Date: 03/05/2010
Many of my fondest childhood memories revolve around the experiences I had at summer camp. It was where I first sat in a canoe and learned to paddle, first held a bow and arrow and took aim, and where I first climbed out of my shell and gathered the courage to perform and sing in front of a supportive, cheering audience of my fellow campers.

And while my camping days may long have passed, The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland’s summer camps combine the best of all the beloved activities of my childhood, along with many wonderful new activities and programs for children of today.

The Mandel JCC offers one of the area’s best and most well-rounded day and overnight camping experiences. Each summer, campers improve swimming skills, perform on stage, enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and a host of water activities on a beautiful lake, create arts and crafts projects, explore nature on hiking trails, learn archery skills, and compete in athletic programs that teach skill development, sportsmanship, and team participation.

Building self-esteem, independence and resourcefulness—and making new friends—are just some of the many byproducts of a summer spent at one of The J’s camps. All of the camps are inclusive so children with disabilities are able to participate and enjoy camp activities side-by-side with their camp friends. Additionally, all of the camps host shlichim—program specialists from Israel—who work alongside camp staff and share their love for Israel and add immeasurably to the ruach (Jewish spirit) of camp.

The J’s camp programs offer a number of day and overnight camp options, ranging from the traditional to the creative, for children aged preschool through 10th grade. Anyone can participate in summer camp—you don’t have to be a member of The J or Jewish to have your children join in the fun.  

Playland Day Camp
Held at The J’s Beachwood campus, Playland is for children entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Playland introduces young campers to new skills, new friends and all the wonderful kid-friendly areas and activities of The Mandel JCC.

Anisfield Day Camp
Anisfield has two outstanding facilities: The Mandel JCC site in Beachwood, and a wonderful campsite location in Burton, Ohio. Children that attend camp in Burton make full use of the lake, in-ground pool, low ropes course, hiking trails, archery, basketball, and tennis, swim instruction, canoeing, and so much more. Children at the Beachwood campus make use of the comprehensive indoor and outdoor facilities.

Maccabi Sports Village at Anisfield Day Camp
Maccabi is for campers who wish to enjoy all the fun and spirit of traditional day camp with a focus on sports and athletics. Campers spend most of their time at The Mandel JCC’s comprehensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities in Beachwood.  

Francine and Benson Pilloff Family Playmakers Performing Arts Camp
For campers ranging in age from kindergarten through grade nine, this camp is located at Fairmount Temple, in Beachwood. Children are encouraged to stretch their imaginations, take risks on stage, be creative, and develop self-confidence and a sense of teamwork, all while learning the art of theater production and performance.

Camp Wise
The J’s overnight camp for children in grades 2 through 10 is located in a beautiful lake setting in Chardon, Ohio.  Camp Wise offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, soccer, canoeing, kayaking, basketball, baseball, horseback riding, rock climbing, archery, arts and crafts, drama, dance, and much more.  

After learning about The Mandel JCC’s camp programs, I regret that I didn’t have a chance to attend one of its camps when I was a kid. They have thought of everything, including a summer weekend program just for women and two weekends just for families.

Ah, perhaps I still can.

To learn more about all of the exciting benefits a summer camp experience at The Mandel JCC can provide, call
216-831-0700x0. The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland is located at 26001 South Woodland Road, in Beachwood. The website includes complete camp information as well as registration forms and can be found at www.MandelJCC.org.

Email This Story To A Friend

Your Friend's Email Address:

Your Name:

Your Email Address: