Camp | Jewish News

Toras Chaim brings internationally acclaimed child safety program to students, staff, and families

Rabbi Aryeh Kravetz — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:43:27 +0000

As summer approaches and children prepare for camps, day trips, and new environments, Toras Chaim Day School is making sure its students head into the season with something more than sunscreen and a packed lunch.

This spring, the school brought in Debbie Fox and the Magen Yeladim International Safety Kid Program to equip students, parents, and staff with the knowledge and language children need to stay safe.

The transition from the structured school year to the relative freedom of summer is one of the most vulnerable periods for children. New settings, unfamiliar adults, and less-supervised hours can create situations where children are unsure of how to respond or who to turn to. The Safety Kid program addresses that gap head-on by giving children a clear, memorable framework and the confidence to use it.

Fox, who consults and speaks internationally on the topic of child abuse prevention, led a comprehensive series of trainings that touched every level of the Toras Chaim community. Teachers participated in professional development sessions designed to help them recognize warning signs and reinforce safety concepts throughout the school year. Parents were also trained, giving families the vocabulary and conversation starters to continue these discussions at home, with a key element focusing on how to create a home environment where children feel safe and comfortable sharing about their day and raising any struggles they may have come across. Finally, a cohort of staff members participated in a “train the trainer” program, training in the Safety Kid approach to ensure the program can be sustained and delivered to students from year to year.

At the heart of the program are the ABCs of Safety: Ask for help, Bring a friend, Check first, and Do Tell. These four principles were taught directly to students in age-appropriate classroom sessions and are designed to be immediately actionable. Rather than relying on abstract warnings, the ABCs give children concrete steps they can take in real situations.

Students learned practical emergency skills: how to call 911, how to speak clearly to safety personnel, and, critically, how to stay on the line until help arrives. They were taught what to do if they become separated from their group or get lost in a public place, and how to communicate changes of plans to a parent or trusted adult. Scenarios included a child at a summer camp, on a family outing, or in any new setting a child might genuinely encounter.

Perhaps one of the most lasting lessons involved identifying a trusted adult. Students were taught how to recognize which adults in their lives they can turn to when something feels wrong or makes them uncomfortable, and that speaking up is not only permitted but expected. This message is especially vital for children navigating new social environments during the summer months, where the trusted figures of the school year may not be present.

The Magen Yeladim International Safety Kid Program has earned wide recognition from law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and school administrators for the way it delivers critical safety information in ways that are dignified, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive. It has been equally praised by parents and children themselves; a reflection of how carefully the program is designed to empower rather than frighten.

Students learn the ABCs of safety.

For Toras Chaim, bringing the Safety Kid program to the entire school community reflects a commitment to the whole child, not just academic excellence. As families finalize summer plans, the school encourages all parents to help their children know what to do and who to talk to when a situation feels uncomfortable, making sure their children know who the child’s trusted adults are at camp or in new settings. But perhaps the most important thing for parents is to be present and create a happy and comfortable home environment where the parent-child relationship is a healthy and supportive one.

Rabbi Aryeh Kravetz is Head of School at Toras Chaim.

A summer that shapes a lifetime:Investing in Jewish campthrough One Happy Camper

Tidewater Jewish Foundation Staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:40:31 +0000

What if there were a place where Jewish children could safely explore and express their heritage? A place where the values and traditions learned at home are not only reinforced but shared and lived among peers. A place where identity is not questioned but cultivated. Where friendships take root, and over time, grow into something lasting.

For the Hoffman family, that place was Jewish camp.

When Summer Hoffman attended BBYO International Kallah through a One Happy Camper grant, the experience became far more than a summer away. It became a turning point. As her father, Jason Hoffman, says, “BBYO Kallah gave Summer the space to explore what being Jewish means to her… it helped her connect with our community and ultimately led to her decision to embrace her Jewish heritage.”

That transformation is the very reason Jewish camp remains one of the most powerful investments a community can make in its future. At a stage in life when young people are still forming their sense of self, they are also the most open to influence. Jewish camp meets them in that moment. It surrounds them with shared language, ritual, and belonging, creating an environment where identity is not taught in theory, but experienced in real time.

Those early experiences, says Jay Kossman, a Tidewater Jewish Foundation board member, are “where identity starts to take hold… those experiences stay with people, and they shape how connected they feel later in life.”

Through the One Happy Camper program, TJF provides one-time, up to $1,000 scholarships to children who do not attend Jewish day school, ensuring more families can access this formative experience. It is not simply a grant, it is an intentional step along what TJF calls “The Journey,” a lifelong path of connection, leadership, and giving.

Now, TJF is looking ahead. With the goal of creating an endowed fund to support 20 campers annually, the Foundation is inviting the community to think beyond a single summer and toward a sustained investment in Jewish continuity.

That camp experience can become part of a donor’s legacy, extending forward so that the next generation has the same opportunity to discover, connect, and belong. Afterall, the question is not just where children spend their summers. It is who they become because of them.

To learn more about supporting One Happy Camper or to begin a conversation about establishing a lasting legacy through this initiative, contact Naomi Limor Sedek at Tidewater Jewish Foundation, nsedek@tjfva.org or 757-965-6109.

New manager for Camp JCC

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:38:28 +0000

Christine Carnahan, Camp JCC’s new manager, will oversee daily camp operations as well as support campers and staff. She will also provide year-round support for the Simon Family JCC and related programs.

A Virginia Beach native, Carnahan’s background is in retail management. She most recently managed Book Exchange Red Mill. During her time there she engaged in community outreach and reading programs with local schools.

Carnahan says she is “looking forward to engaging with and building connections with families and campers.”

To learn more about Camp JCC, Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes, and more, contact Christine Carnahan, Camp JCC manager, at ccarnahan@ujft.org or 757-452-3182.

Summer at the Academy features wide range of camp options

Mike Connors — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:36:18 +0000

Norfolk Academy’s Summer at the Academy camps offer six weeks of excitement for students of all ages.

Starting this year on June 22 and running through the end of July, summer camps offer a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and lasting memories. From exciting outdoor activities and creative arts to team-building games and hands-on learning, programs are designed to keep kids engaged, active, and growing.

With experienced staff, including many Norfolk Academy teachers and coaches, as well as former campers who return to lend a hand, camps create a safe and welcoming environment. The camps focus on building confidence, friendships, and independence, and leave students wanting to come back year after year.

Athletics offerings include the ever-popular bike camp, as well as baseball, flag football, girls with sticks, and new this year, Zumba. If the fine arts are more the camper’s speed, offerings range from poetry, yoga, and theater to broadcasting, comic book creation, and of course, Slime Time.

Camps are available for students entering kindergarten through 10th grade and are not limited to Norfolk Academy families. Children throughout Hampton Roads may attend and busing is available.

For more information, including the full list of 2026 offerings, and to register, visit Norfolk Academy’s website: https://www.norfolkacademy.org/summer.

Mike Connors is the digital and social media specialist at Norfolk Academy.

Spring Break at Camp JCC

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:06:55 +0000

Another successful spring break camp took place last month at Camp JCC. Students from Strelitz International Academy and local public schools participated in sports, nature walks, Israeli culture, and arts and crafts.

Each day featured specific themes: Camp Takeover included tie-dying shirts; Passover Day focused on decorating matzah covers; Nature Day involved exploration and journaling; and Arts Day featured clay sculpting, dancing, and magic tricks. The week ended with Parent Trap Day, inspired by the Disney film The Parent Trap, where campers made friendship bracelets, completed an obstacle course, and watched the movie.

Families maintained flexibility by enrolling for individual days or bundling the full week for savings. This customizable scheduling allowed campers to balance spring travel and family time with the activities at Camp JCC. By providing diverse programming and convenient registration, the camp delivered a streamlined and engaging experience.

To learn more about Camp JCC, Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.

Ruby Kievit’s first time on the new playground.

Aiden Coneys explores the new playground on the Sandler Family Campus.

Eleanor Levenstein, Aiden Coneys, Wes Cohen, Blake Sisler, Mimi Greer, and Gavin Blanks enjoy spending time in the sun.

Camp JCC fills days with fun, friendship, and spirit

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:57:08 +0000

From themed weeks to unforgettable traditions, Camp JCC aims to keep the energy high throughout the summer.

Favorite camp events include the Color Run and Apache Relay, Lip Sync Showcase, Camp JCC Gala, and Carnival Colossal. Daily fun happens with spirit days such as Crazy Hair Day, Tacky Tourist Day, Neon Day, and Tie-Dye Day, along with summer staples such as H2O Day, Watermelon Wednesday, and the Stars & Stripes Pool Party.

Every morning at Camp JCC begins with Boker Tov, a camp-wide celebration of songs, cheers, and laughter, setting the tone for a joyful day, and each week closes with Shabbat blessings, songs, and, of course, challah for all.

Camp JCC is the ultimate all-in-one day camp summer experience—offering something for every child. Campers swim twice daily (including instructional swim), play sports, create arts and crafts, explore nature, and participate in music, drama, and classic camp games like gaga.

Open to children of all backgrounds, faiths, and abilities, Camp JCC is a welcoming, inclusive community where kids can try new things, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.

Camp JCC has a strong commitment to safety, low camper-to-staff ratios, and a caring team that ensures every child feels seen, supported, and successful.

“Camp JCC is more than just camp, it’s a place where kids grow,” says Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC.

Fun and values go hand in hand at Camp JCC. All activities are designed to help campers build confidence, character, and connection through core Jewish values:

• Simcha (Joy): Celebrating each day with laughter, energy, and positivity.

• Chaverut (Friendship): Building meaningful relationships rooted in kindness and respect.

• Ometz Lev (Courage): Encouraging campers to try new things and step outside their comfort zones.

• Arvut (Community): Creating a strong sense of belonging through shared traditions and experiences.

• Achrayut (Responsibility): Teaching accountability and leadership in everyday moments.

• Kehilah (Inclusivity): Welcoming and celebrating campers of all backgrounds.

Through these values, Camp JCC creates a community where every camper feels they belong—and leaves with skills that last far beyond summer.

For information, go to campjcc.org.

Kate-Lynn Cipolla is director of Camp JCC. She may be reached at klcipolla@ujft.org.

SCN camp security initiative webinar for parents, future counselors

Jewish News VA — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:55:48 +0000

Wednesday, April 22, 2 – 3 pm, online

Summer camp season is around the corner, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) is launching its first-ever Camp Security Initiative Webinar Series, designed for camp administrators, counselors, parents, and campers. This program is intended to provide practical guidance to help in preparations for a safe and secure summer.

Protecting Campers: Safety Guidance for Counselors, is the subject of the webinar taking place on April 22. It will offer practical instruction for counselors on situational awareness, camper supervision, and reporting suspicious activity. The session includes a live Q&A period with security professionals.

SCN also offers a list of essential safety questions for parents to ask prior to sending their children to summer camp.

Some of the questions are:

1. Has the camp had a Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessment performed and has it developed a plan to implement identified security and safety issues?

2. How is access to the camp controlled for visitors and vendors?

3. What is the procedure for handling a missing camper?

4. How does the camp communicate emergencies to campers, staff, and families?

The complete list of questions with details, is available at securecommunitynetwork.org.

Since launching in April 2024, SCN’s Camp Security Initiative has trained more than 5,000 camp-related individuals, conducted more than 100 site assessments, and helped secure $2.2 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding.

Spring Break Adventure awaits at Camp JCC

Jewish News VA — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:20:34 +0000

April 6 – 10 9 am – 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus

The countdown to Spring Break is officially on, with Camp JCC ready to transform a week away from the classroom into a memorable adventure. Designed specifically for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the program offers a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment where kids can truly be kids. Every day is curated with exciting themes to ensure that no two days feel the same. Campers can look forward to a jam-packed schedule that includes free swim sessions in the indoor pool, Gaga matches, and creative arts and crafts projects.

Spring Break serves as the ultimate “sneak peek” for the upcoming summer season. Many beloved summer counselors will be on-site, giving campers a chance to reconnect with their favorite counselors and get excited for the sunshine ahead. Each day features unique highlights, such as the “Camp Takeover,” where campers will dive into tie-dye and host mini color run competitions. Campers will also embrace the outdoors with guided nature hikes around the pond and building-wide scavenger hunts.

Understanding that every family has different needs during the break, enrollment flexibility is offered. Parents can choose to register for individual days or dive into the full experience with a 5-day package. For those who need a bit more time, an extended care option is available, 8 am – 6 pm.

To learn more about Camp JCC, Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.

Camp JCC presents Kids Night Out: Ultimate Bracket Bash

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:28:26 +0000

Saturday, March 21 5 – 9 pm, Sandler Family Campus

Get ready to hit the court and experience the madness! Children, ages 4–12, are invited to the Ultimate Bracket Bash Kids Night Out.

The evening kicks off with basketball relays where campers can showcase their skills, followed by sports-themed arts and crafts. After working up a sweat, kids can cool down with a refreshing free swim before winding down for the night with a special snack and a movie finale.

Participants are encouraged to show their team spirit by arriving dressed in their favorite jerseys or team colors. Parents, remember to pack your child’s dinner to enjoy before the fun officially tips off. Space is limited. Register at JewishVA.org/KNO.

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, Camp JCC, children’s classes and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.

Registration now open for Spring Break Camp

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:26:56 +0000

April 6 – 10, 9 am – 4 pm

Sandler Family Campus

When school is out, Camp JCC is in. Children currently in K-5th grade can look forward to a week filled with energy, friendship, and fun with a jam-packed schedule that includes free swim sessions in the indoor pool, creative arts and crafts projects, high-energy gym games, and plenty of time playing Gaga or exploring the incredible new playground.

Since every family has different needs during the break, the camp offers enrollment flexibility: choose individual days or dive into the full experience with the convenient 5-Day Package. In addition to the standard School Days Out program, an extended care option, 8 am – 6 pm is offered. Whether looking for a single day of reliable childcare or a full week of friendship and fun, Camp JCC provides a safe, vibrant environment where kids can truly be kids.

To make the week special, many beloved counselors from the summer will be there to lead the way, bringing that camp spirit and mentorship to every activity. These familiar faces ensure that campers feel at home from the moment they check in – surrounded by staff who know exactly how to turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary memory.

Each day will feature an exciting theme, ensuring that no two days feel the same. Campers will have the chance to embark on epic scavenger hunts, solving riddles and working as a team to uncover hidden treasures. Between high-energy activities, there will be time to make special snacks that are as tasty as they are fun to create, giving everyone a chance to express their culinary creativity. A variety of organized games to promote teamwork and sportsmanship will also take place. Whenever the weather permits, plenty of time will be spent outside, soaking up the fresh spring air and enjoying the sunshine.

Spring Break Camp serves as a social bridge, allowing kids to step outside their usual school circles and bond with peers through shared challenges and laughter. Whether strategizing during a game of Gaga or collaborating on a masterpiece in the art room, these moments are where lifelong bonds begin. This is the perfect opportunity for children to reconnect with their camp friends and make new ones. Every single moment is meticulously designed to be an unforgettable break from the classroom routine.

To secure a spot, visit www.campjcc.org.

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.