1st-2nd Grade Camp
KALEIDOSCOPE
LOCATION: MERFISH TEEN CENTER
DIRECTOR: LINDSAY TAVOR
Camp Kaleidoscope is the place to be this summer! Kaleidoscope campers spend the morning participating in daily programs, including sports, swimming, Israel engagement, arts and crafts, Judaics, music and much more. Campers have daily instructional swim Monday through Thursday and free swim on Fridays. In the afternoon, campers select two chuggim (elective activities) from a list provided before the camp session begins. Our energetic and experienced staff makes Kaleidoscope a popular choice for day camps in the Houston community. Kaleidoscope is an environment where campers learn, make friends and express themselves in a traditional day camp setting.
Camp Kaleidoscope celebrates Shabbat as a camp community every Friday afternoon. Shabbat includes a Shabbat Show which spotlights several of the chuggim and shows what the children have been learning. Parents are invited to join their campers for one Shabbat during sessions 1, 2 and week 8.
Kaleidoscope campers have exclusive use of the Merfish Teen Center facility, which includes a covered sports court, outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool, expansive sports field and shaded gaga pits.
Session 1 | Weeks 1 – 3 | June 9 – 27
Session 2 | Weeks 5 – 7| July 7 – 25
Week 8 | July 28 – August 1
Week 9 | August 4 – 8
Sports Camps
LOCATION: BONIUK FAMILY INDOOR TENNIS CENTER
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIK KISER
Experience the junior version of our tried-and-true tennis camps! Campers learn new skills and practice backhands, forehands, serves and more. Obstacle courses, games and special events are part of the fun. Campers are welcome to bring their rackets or one can be provided.
Pre-Camp | June 4 – 6 (3-day week)
Week 1 | June 9 – 13
Week 2 | June 16 – 20
Week 3 | June 23 – 27
Week 4 | June 30 – July 3 (4-day week)
Week 5 | July 7 – 11
Week 6 | July 14 – 18
Week 7 | July 21 – July 25
Week 8 | July 28 – August 1
Week 9 | August 4 – 8
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: LESLIE HOLMES
Our Junior Gymnastics Camp is an electrifying experience! With active games, superior state-of-the-art equipment and fun, campers learn gross motor skills, strength, flexibility, agility and more. Daily recreational swim is part of the Junior Gymnastics Camp experience.
Attire: Shorts/leggings and a t-shirt your child can comfortably move around in. Girls can wear a leotard if they prefer. Hair past shoulder length should be in a ponytail each day.
Week 1 | June 9 – 13
Week 2 | June 16 – 20
Week 3 | June 23 – 27
Week 4 | June 30 – July 3 (4-day week)
Week 5 | July 7 – 11
Week 6 | July 14 – 18
Week 7 | July 21 – July 25
Week 8 | July 28 – August 1
Week 9 | August 4 – 8
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS AND UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
INSTRUCTOR: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COUGARS STAFF
Campers will travel by bus to the University of Houston Monday-Thursday. This camp has an early start, so all campers must be at the J by 8:20am. Campers will be instructed by UH players and staff on the fundamentals of hitting & defense. Campers will be split into groups and will rotate through stations in the morning followed by games in the afternoon. All campers will need to bring their own glove, bat, helmet, batting gloves, baseball hat, turf/tennis shoes (cleats are optional), and catcher’s equipment (if needed for camp). Please make sure the camper’s name is clearly printed on all pieces of equipment that he brings to camp. All other equipment will be provided.
Campers also participate in recreational swimming and other fun activities in the afternoons at the J. On Friday, there is a special sports-related field trip.
Week 2 | June 16 – 20
Week 6 | June 14 – 18
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: DWAYNE WILLIAMS & ALL AMERICAN BASKETBALL
Dribble, pass, shoot! In Junior Basketball Camp, campers focus on the fundamentals of the game: dribbling, offensive/defensive maneuvering, shooting and conditioning. Basketball Camp strives to build confidence and emphasizes having fun while also teaching good sportsmanship, how to be a team player and other skills that your kids won’t even realize they are learning! All equipment is provided.
Week 1 | June 9 – 13
Week 3 | June 23 – 27
Week 5 | July 7 – 11
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KAREN DEFFNER
Two, four, six, eight! Secure your spot at the top of the pyramid at Junior Cheer Camp at the J. In this camp, we work on cheers, chants and dances. Everyone is welcome to participate in this high-spirited camp coached by seasoned cheer instructors. A Friday performance takes place at the end of the week to highlight all the cheerleaders learned!
Week 7 | July 21 – 25
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR:
This co-ed, fun-filled sports camp is back this summer and ignites a passion for all sports! Improve kicking, running, jumping and throwing skills while focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. Sports include basketball, indoor soccer, pickleball and volleyball. Playground sports such as kickball, gaga, four square, relay races and more are also incorporated. All equipment is provided.
Pre-Camp | June 4 – 6 (3-day week)
Week 4 | June 30 – July 3 (4-day week)
Week 7 | July 21 – 25
Week 9 | August 4 – 8
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: RAYNA BALDWIN
This girls-only camp allows campers to try all kinds of sports. Our goal is to encourage strong, active and goal-driven girls through playing sports. Campers play team sports like basketball, pickleball, indoor soccer and volleyball. Playground sports such as kickball, gaga, four square, relay races and more are also incorporated. All equipment is provided.
Week 6 | July 14 – 18
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & APEX NINJA WARROIR
INSTRUCTOR: APEX NINJA WARRIOR STAFF
Ninja Warrior is designed for adventurous campers who want to test their strength, agility and determination! Inspired by the popular “Ninja Warrior” competitions, this camp offers a fun and challenging experience where participants push their physical and mental limits. Could your camper be the next American Ninja Warrior?
Week 5 | June 7 – 11
Performing & Visual Arts Camps
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: HANNAH LOVITT
This two-week camp is the perfect introduction to the world of musical theatre! Campers spend their days learning fun songs and dances from hit Broadway shows, all while learning teamwork skills, making friends and building confidence. The camp culminates in a fun showcase on the Kaplan Theatre stage for friends and family.
Weeks 5 – 6 | July 7 – July 18
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: HANNAH LOVITT
Get ready to move! This two-week session inspires campers to channel their creativity through dance. Led by professional dance instructors, campers are introduced to a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, musical theatre and hip-hop. This camp culminates in a fun performance on the Kaplan Theatre stage for friends and family.
Weeks 7 – 8 | July 21 – August 1
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: ERIN JOYCE
This camp is an introduction to all things visual art! Explore different media, tools and art forms in this one-week camp. Our fun and thoughtful projects are grounded in the elements of art, inspired by art history and driven by personal expression. Artists come home with projects that can be cherished for a lifetime.
Pre-Camp | June 4 – 6 | All Around the World (3-day week)
Week 1 | June 9 – 13 | Journey Through the Museum
Week 2 | June 6 – 20 | Creature Creations
Week 4 |June 30 – July 3 | Things that Go!
Week 6 |July 14 – 18 | Under the Sea
Week 7 |July 21 – 25 | Taste the Rainbow
Week 8 | July 28 – Aug 1| Beautiful Botanicals
Specialty Camps
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KIDS ROBOTICS ACADEMY
Experience the pure joy of Legos. Campers use their imaginations to create and build structures beyond their wildest dreams, with a little robotics mixed in.
Week 2 | June 16 – 20
Week 6 | July 14 – 18
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: KIDS ROBOTICS ACADEMY
Does your child love Minecraft? Campers learn to create their own Minecraft mods, enhancing their gameplay while developing key coding skills. This camp is perfect for beginners as well as more advanced players. To ensure internet usage safety, campers log in to a secure account and are not allowed to use their personal accounts. Campers are encouraged to bring their own tablets. However, one can be provided if needed.
Week 3 | June 23 – 27
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & BACH TO ROCK MEMORIAL
BACH TO ROCK
Bring your singing voices with you to Bach to Rock. Inspired by the television sensation, this premier choral ensemble offers a dynamic atmosphere for campers to unlock their inner star! Campers explore fun vocal exercises, singing in harmony and choreography, while performing arrangements of popular songs. The J provides transportation to and from Bach to Rock.
Week 5 | July 7 – 11
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS & BACH TO ROCK MEMORIAL
BACH TO ROCK
Let your camper join a rock band this summer! Designed for all levels, this program is taught by real musicians and has students playing full songs in no time. Campers learn the requirements of ensemble playing and teamwork. The J provides transportation to and from Bach to Rock.
Week 5 | July 7 – 11
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: THE KNIGHT SCHOOL
Do you have the right moves? In this child-centered course, students learn every cool trick, strategy, opening and tactic in chess-dom. As they become chess experts, their skills also transfer to their classrooms, sports fields and home lives. Chessboards and pieces are provided.
Week 1 | June 9 – 13
Week 8 | July 28 – August 1
Week 9 | August 4 – 8
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS AND CYPRESS TRAILS RANCH
INSTRUCTOR: CYPRESS TRAILS RANCH
Campers travel to a ranch for horseback riding camp! In this outdoor camp, they learn valuable skills in horsemanship, animal husbandry, arts and crafts, and more! Campers ride the trails daily and enjoy getting to know the horses. To attend this camp, campers must wear pants, have a fitted bicycle or riding helmet, and arrive daily by 8:20 AM.
Week 7 | July 21 – 25
Week 8 | July 28 – August 1
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: RAYNA BALDWIN
Join us this summer for an adventure in science, technology, engineering, art and math (S.T.E.A.M.). Campers use their creativity and critical thinking as they explore robots, space gadgets, optics and more! Through hands-on projects and experiments, every camper participates in the fun of S.T.E.A.M.
Week 2 | June 16 – 20
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: AMY NEEL
Students learn impressive hoop tricks and how to combine them to create routines. The class improves balance, coordination and stamina. Additionally, students experience improved confidence, better creativity and enhanced social skills. There is a Friday performance to show off the skills they learn.
Week 3 | June 23 – 27
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
INSTRUCTOR: WITS STAFF
Calling all future authors! WITS campers have the opportunity to gain experience by reading literature and practicing writing. Campers demonstrate improved reading and writing skills, increased confidence and enhanced creativity. WITS focuses on the writing process and addresses original voice, inventive word choice, sentence fluency and transparent organization. WITS workshops build skills in reading and analysis, expose students to multi-cultural literature and emphasize the importance of revision. At the end of the week, campers share their finished pieces in a celebration and take home a portfolio of their work.
Week 2 – 3 | June 16 – 27
LOCATION: MAIN J CAMPUS
CAMP DIRECTOR: OLIVIA RANGEL
Theme: Storybook Bites
In this exciting camp, campers get a taste of their favorite books! Campers read a different book each day, inspiring a dish to prepare together. Book selections include but are not limited to Once Upon an Apple Cake, Do Mice Eat Rice?, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast and Kopecks for Blintzes.
All recipes are kosher, and allergies can be accommodated. Campers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and have long hair pulled back.
Pre-Camp | June 4 – 6 (3-day week)
Week 1 | June 9 – 13
Week 3 | June 23 – 27