Dave Flagler | Jewish News

Camp JCC registration: A Black Friday tradition

Dave Flagler — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:52:21 +0000

On Black Friday, November 28, registration for Camp JCC Summer 2026 opened.

Opening camp registration on Black Friday is not an accident. Through the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year’s seasons, families travel to be together and often have their own traditions of how time is spent during these celebratory times. Some mark the occasions with bargain hunting, some brave the outdoor temperatures with a hot beverage in the cold crisp air, some craft and decorate, and some think about the gift giving associated with this time of year.

It has become a Camp JCC tradition to open summer registration on the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday. Even though this is not when the camp community is together and Camp JCC does not want to compete with holiday traditions and celebrations, plenty of connections to summer camp can be found during this season.

The first connection is the season itself. With short hours of daylight and the cooler temperatures, thoughts of the long warm summer days and knowing that these seasons will return to summer is something to look forward to. The second connection is that special feeling of being with loved ones. That feeling of connection and joy is what brings people back to camp year after year. And finally, as holidays gifts are considered, it is important to remember that Camp JCC is not just an excellent summer camp. Camp JCC is a place where children, teens, and young adults connect, build community, learn, play, and grow with each other. The skills, friendships, memories, and joys of Camp JCC are not limited to two summer months; they stay with campers and staff throughout the year and, in fact, for many future years. The gift of summer camp lasts well beyond the winter giving season.

Camp JCC Summer Camp is open to every rising Kindergartener through 8th grader this coming summer. In the Black Friday spirit, Camp JCC is offering an early bird registration special through December 31. Staff and Counselor-In Training applications will be available soon. More information, pricing, and registration can be found at www.campjcc.org.

Middle School Movie Night kicks off year of programming

Dave Flagler — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:52:58 +0000

Middle School programming began this year with the Middle School Movie Night on Saturday, October 25. After a pizza dinner, the participants melted various chocolate combinations over their popcorn and enjoyed more sweet, salty, and chewy treats throughout the movie.

For the initial Middle School Movie Night from the previous school year, The Hunger Games was the movie screened. With this being the second Middle School Movie Night, – was the movie of choice. Of those who attended, more than 90% were current Camp JCC families, for 75%, this was their first middle school event. Not a surprise, but all in attendance consumed copious amounts of snacks and left with smiles and full stomachs.

For more information about middle school, teen, or Camp JCC programming, contact Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement, at 757-452-3182 or dflagler@ujft.org.

Camp JCC fun does not need to wait until summer

Dave Flagler — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:10:58 +0000

Kids Night Out: Saturday, Nov. 22 5 – 9 pm , Sandler Family Campus

Even though the calendar says November, the time to get excited about Camp JCC is now. The Simon Family JCC will host its first ever Camp JCC themed Kids Night Out this month, and summer camp registration opens on Black Friday, November 28. A few weeks later, Winter Camp begins over school break. Clearly, lots of Camp JCC fun is in store.

The Camp JCC themed Kids Night Out is for children ages 4-12. Kids Night Out is fun for both children and parents. Parents can have some grown up time while children get to enjoy a jam-packed evening of fun, reunite with summer friends, and make friends for this coming summer and beyond. This event is open to current, previous, and future campers, as well as those who have not come to camp but are looking for a great experience on a Saturday Night.

To make this evening that much more special, in addition to swimming in the indoor pool after hours, participants will experience a night of classic camp fun. Boker Tov (or in this case Erev Tov), crafts, dances, “Camper’s Choice” activities including gaga, a special camp treat, and more. Beyond that, there will be appearances made by our various “camp characters” along with several counselors from this past summer.

While the forecast indicates cooler weather, the fun at Camp JCC is heating up earlier than ever before. Register today and don’t miss out.

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC assistant director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306. To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of Camp and Teen Engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.

Camp JCC School Days Out: Camp fun all year round

Dave Flagler — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:01:15 +0000

Camp JCC is not just an excellent summer camp, it is a place where children, teens, and young adults connect, build community, learn, play, and grow with each other throughout the year. The skills, friendships, memories, and joy of Camp JCC are not limited to two summer months; they stay with campers and staff during the entire school year, as well as for many years beyond. In the spirit of the excitement of this “Camp 365” feeling, Camp JCC is launching into a new school year of Camp JCC School Days Out.

Camp JCC School Days Out allows campers to spend time at the Simon Family JCC with friends, see many of their favorite counselors, and enjoy their favorite camp activities during non-summer months. Campers can expect to participate in free swim, gaga, arts and crafts, sports, and games – all with new and old friends. Covering the winter and spring breaks of multiple school districts, as well as select federal holidays, School Days Out offers families a multitude of options to attend when school is not in session. As school districts and their calendars are not all the same, families can sign up for individual days, select a 5- or 10-day bundle of days that best fit their schedules, or select a bundle for all of the school days out. Payment plans are available for select options.

Camp JCC School Days Out is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. More information, pricing, and registration can be found at www.campjcc.org. Registration is now open, and spots will fill, so sign up today.

To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of Camp and Teen Engagement, at 757-452-3182 or DFlagler@UJFT.org.

As winter break fell during Hanukkah last year, campers got to enjoy a dreidel competition with chocolate coins at stake. Killian Bickerton, Izzy Ford, Simon Fine, and Lily Bertani.

Who said that you can’t have s’mores in the wintertime? Theo Trem, Ruby Kievit, Corah Beasley, Zara Murdock, and Simon Shall.

Camp JCC 2025: A summer of tremendous growth

Dave Flagler — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:48:45 +0000

The phrase that best describes the recently completed Camp JCC Summer 2025 is “tremendous growth.” In addition to the number of campers this past summer, “tremendous growth” refers to the growth of the Camp JCC program over the past five years.

In summer 2025, more than 270 campers attended Camp JCC, which is the highest total since reopening after the pandemic. Campers attended from Hampton Roads, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and Richmond.

Camp JCC camper weeks grew nearly 20% higher from 2024, resulting in the need of an additional group.

This year, Camp JCC employed its largest seasonal staff with excellent counselors, multiple activity specialists, and fully staffed camper care and leadership teams. More than half of this large staff have worked at Camp JCC for three summers or more. An additional demonstration of continuity was the promotion of former Camp JCC unit head Kate-Lynn Cipolla to the role of assistant camp director, in part to help promote and manage the tremendous growth of the Camp JCC program.

Activity offerings also grew this summer. Beyond the favorite camp classics such as lip sync, boat building, surfing with Sababa, and the color run, new weekly themes and special events were added to an already robust summer calendar. Camp JCC had a STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Mathematics) specialist in addition to arts, fishing, sports, and Israeli culture specialties. Each specialist added fun, meaningful, and hidden educational content to special events throughout the summer. STEM contributed greatly to the inaugural Camp JCC “Shark Week” and “Watermelon Day,” the Shinshinim added a lot to Israel Day and the visit from the Israeli Scouts Friendship Caravan, and everyone played a role in making the “Summer Superbowl” and halftime show memorable and impactful.

Camp JCC was the place where children could experience many options, while being a part of a summer of tremendous growth.

To learn more about Camp JCC or to hear about year round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of Camp and Teen Engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.

Remembering the 70’s with Tie Dye during “Eras Week.” William Salyer and Dhani Richardson.

Tiberias goes Wicked in the finale of their lip sync performance. Isabella Brent is raised high as Elphaba in Emerald City.

What is better than being with old friends in the JCC pool? Isla Cutrell, Avery Goldstein, Emerson Branham, Harper Warranch, Quinn Schulz, and Hadley Kaprielian.

Bryon Johnson, Carter Lipton, and their counselor Mr. Jack (Poorman) reel in fish and fun at Lake Sandler.

Colin Cutrell.

Sixth through eighth graders enjoy a special trip to the Adventure Park at the Viriginia Aquarium. Laney Radloff, Emily Patyuk, Sophia Shultz, Abby Walker, and Emma Belman.

Campers from “Golan” perform their hearts out during the Camp JCC Lip Sync: Joseph Anderson, Makinley Rayner, Harris Nizhnikov, Gracelyn Olson, Lawson Strantz, and Anne-Marie Hiesel.

The wedding party moments before walking down the aisle at the “Donkey Wedding.” Front Row: Camp JCC Assistant Director Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Donkey Clone 2, and Lizz Hughes. Second Row: Alien 1, Alien 2, Donkey Clone 1, Bryan Hooks. Top Row: Benjamin Martin, Danielle Hartman, and Riley Salway.

Scarlett St. Pierre and Noa Glaser reel in more than just big smiles while fishing.

Excitement is building for Camp JCC Summer 2025

Dave Flagler — Thu, 08 May 2025 17:45:30 +0000

Stepping outside this time of year, one might initially squint because of the bright sun or the pollen, which means that bright summer days are ahead. One might even figuratively squint at the realization that the end of the school year is near. While those eyes are adjusting to the sunlight or the springtime air, the Camp JCC team is busy preparing and watching the excitement build.

Since Camp JCC’s feature on The Hampton Roads Show and the recent successful spring break camp, summer camp registration is even higher than anticipated. An additional group has been added for rising kindergarten campers and other groups are nearing capacity for specific weeks. In an unexpected change from previous years, enrollment for week 3, which is a short week because of July 4th, is higher than for some of the full weeks due to excitement of the Camp JCC Overnight.

On top of that, the vast majority of the 2024 Camp JCC staff are excited to be returning for summer 2025. Administratively, the Camp JCC leadership team are applying the final touches for what will be an unforgettable summer.

And if squinting hard and noticing a Camp JCC style Shabbat with the Strelitz International Academy students, singing hinei mah tov with arms around each other’s shoulders in the pavilion – it was in fact, a camp-like moment. The anticipation is building, the excitement is palpable, and Camp JCC Summer 2025 is right around the corner.

To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.

Mr. Dave visits the Hampton Roads Show to talk about the upcoming summer at Camp JCC.

Malex Monk shows his Camp JCC spirit.

Camp JCC: More than just a summer camp

Dave Flagler — Thu, 08 May 2025 17:37:22 +0000

When schools close for winter and spring breaks and other federal holidays, Camp JCC School Days Out is the fun place to be for campers and a convenient and flexible option for parents.

Registration was available for individual days, 5- and 10-day bundles, and for the entire school year. Since many school calendars are not aligned with each other, each registration option was utilized by multiple families over the course of the school year.

Camp JCC School Days Out concluded programming for the 2024-2025 school year with another successful spring break camp. Covering one week of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Strelitz International Academy school closures during Passover, April 14 – 18, campers enjoyed spring themed crafts, indoor and outdoor games, STEM projects, free swim with new and old friends, and more.

The ability to customize schedules has been popular for families. Along with each registration option, families utilized newly established payment plans for Camp JCC School Days Out. With these options and additions, Camp JCC School Days Out has seen significant increases in enrollment, with both individuals participating and days attending, over the past three school years. For the recently completed 2024-2025 school year, Camp JCC School Days Out enrollment and attendance surpassed the previous year’s total.

More than just a summer camp, Camp JCC successfully engages campers and serves Tidewater families all year round.

To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.

Winter fun at Camp JCC

Dave Flagler — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:30:51 +0000

Camp JCC wrapped up another successful Winter Camp to conclude a fun filled 2024. More than 50 children attended the camp during the two weeks of school holiday closures, enjoying the “Camp JCC Winter Cabin” with each day featuring its own song as its theme for the “Winter Cabin Playlist.” The playlist included such classics such as Cold as Ice, Sweater Weather, Light One Candle, So much funnikah, Eternal Flame, The Final Countdown, Light My Fire, and Ice Ice Baby.

Winter-themed or song-related crafts, indoor games and sports, STEM projects, daily free swim, and Israeli culture with Tidewater’s Shinshinim Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk were part of each day. With Hanukah coinciding with Winter Camp, campers also enjoyed a dreidel competition, latkes, daily candle lighting, gelt, and a special game of Hanukah/Winter Camp jeopardy. Beyond the latkes, campers enjoyed culinary creations of their own – making chocolate balls, ice cream in a bag, and s’mores. And for the first time, Camp JCC hosted a New Year’s Noon celebration complete with a countdown, balloons, and lots of cheering.

As a part of the Camp JCC School Days Out program, families were able to choose from several packages or any individual days for Winter Camp. And, since many school calendars are not aligned with each other, this option to customize schedules enabled campers to participate in their class holiday parties, holiday travel plans, and all of the fun of Camp JCC.

Camp JCC School Days Out is open to Kindergarteners through fifth graders. More information, pricing, and registration can be found at campjcc.org. Spots for Spring Break/Passover Break are already filling up, so register soon.

To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182

With gelt on the line, campers engage in an intense game of dreidel: Zeeva Cooper, Killian Bickerton, Izzy Ford, Simon Fine, Lily Bertani, and Juliette Fine.

Campers enjoy a camp classic, fuse beads: Ann Ning and Jolie Wilson.

Malex Monk poses in his Camp JCC swag in the New Year’s Noon photo booth.

Enjoying S’mores after swim: Theo Trem, Ruby Kievit, Corah Beasley, Zara Murdock, and Simon Shall.

Community Impact Day: Creating kindness and Jewish camp curiosity

Dave Flagler — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:38:36 +0000

Camp Fair at the Simon Family JCC

Sunday, November 24, 10 am – 12 pm, Sandler Family Campus | Learn more and register at JewishVA.org/CampsandKindness

As part of Community Impact Day: Creating Kindness and Jewish Camp Curiosity, a Camp Fair will offer an opportunity for families to explore a wide variety of Jewish sleepaway and day camps. With more than eight camps participating, meaningful and enriching Jewish summer programming tailored to diverse interests and experiences will be on display.

No two children or families are alike, which is why it is important to meet all the camps, see their unique offerings, and engage in conversations about what program would be a good fit based on a child’s passions and needs. The participating camps represent different Jewish denominations, each offering a mix of activities, educational programs, and pathways for youth and their families to connect with Jewish life. The camp representatives aren’t just going to recruit for their own programs; they want children to have positive Jewish camp experiences, and they collaborate throughout the year to advance this shared mission and foster positive, lifelong memories of Jewish camping.

Camps at the Fair will include 6 Points, Camps Airy and Louise, Camp Harlam, Camp JCC Tidewater, Camp Poyntelle, Camp Ramah, Perlman Camp, and Sababa Beachaway.

Jewish Tidewater’s access to so many options for Jewish camping is an investment in Jewish continuity, ensuring that the next generation stays connected to their heritage in meaningful ways.

To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of Camp and Teen Engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.

First gathering of Middle Schoolers of the school year

Dave Flagler — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:38:08 +0000

Tuesday, October 29 6:00 – 7:15 pm Simon Family JCC

Calling all 6th-8th Graders for the 3rd annual Middle School Kick Off.

At this gathering, connect with new and old friends, enjoy a pizza dinner, share ideas, plan future get-togethers, and have fun. This event will be a chance to get to know Tidewater’s new Shinshinim, Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk, and enjoy lighthearted mid-week fam vibing without FOMO.

Facts: This event is free, slaps no cap, but advance registration is required by Monday, October 28th

For more information, contact Dave Flagler at dflagler@ujft.org or 757-3182.