Programs & Activities
Our Programs
Sports & Athletics » learn more
Our sports programs are designed and run by top level instructors with emphasis on
safety, personal development and team spirit. Here are some of the many sports options
at CYJ: Softball, Kickball, Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Soccer, Archery,
Ga-Ga, & Ultimate Frisbee.
Arts » learn more
In arts (Omanut) we offer different projects including face masks, jewelry, fashion
design, printmaking, model airplane building, chamsas, murals, tie-dye, mosaics,
mezuzot, and Israeli decorations for their homes. We also offer an extensive ceramics
program. Using brand new ceramic wheels, the campers learn how to make different kinds
of pottery such as pots, mugs, and bowls.
Video » learn more
Campers will have the opportunity to be in the studio and behind the scenes in this
hi-tech, artistic program. Campers will learn how to use a video camera as well as edit
the material they film, creating their own movies of the summer!
Performing Arts » learn more
In this program campers sample all parts of performing arts, including dance
(modern, traditional Israeli, and hip hop), song, drama, video, and set building. Each
camper who wants will have a chance to perform at one point during camp! Chanichim will
also learn modern Israeli songs and dances.
Challenge Adventure Activities » learn more
Ropes course allows campers the chance to develop teamwork, strength, trust, and
confidence on our state-of-the-art high and low ropes course. Run by trained and
experienced staff members, campers will be "challenged by choice" while learning basic
belaying and spotting techniques and overcoming personal and group challenges. Campers
will also have the opportunity to ride our exciting zip line across the Sprout Lake
river.
Pool » learn more
In our pool, we offer both recreational and instructional swim (for our younger
groups). Our guards will teach a variety of strokes, including the front crawl, back
crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly. We also offer
water sports, such as Water Polo and Water Basketball.
Horseback Riding » learn more
Sprout Lake is excited to offer Horseback Riding! Campers who choose to horseback
ride will have 6 lessons a session at a riding stable about five minutes from camp.
Note: There is an additional fee for horseback riding and limited space is
available.
Outdoor Adventure Activities » learn more
Campers will hike through the woods of a National Park and arrive at a campsite
where they will set up their own tents and campsite. There will be a BBQ dinner for
everyone and smores over a campfire.
Nature Activities » learn more
Campers learn about their environment, including the woods around them, the animals
and plants that live there, and how to be responsible for the earth. We have an organic
garden where the campers care for and harvest, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry
tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, hot peppers and herbs, such as sage, basil and
mint.
Pinat Chai/ Petting Zoo » learn more
Campers have the opportunity to care for animals in our petting zoo. Our animals
include alpacas, goats, chickens, ducks, bunnies and some interesting reptiles.
Culinary Arts » learn more
Campers learn how to read and cook recipes. At the end of the summer, campers will
complete their own cookbook that they can take home to use over and over again,
throughout the year!
Out of Camps Trips » learn more
We provide three out of camp trips a session. Each age group will travel to a
National Park to hike and camp out. In the last week of camp, all of the campers will
go to either an amusement park, like Six Flags, or to a Mountain Creek Water Park.
Lastly, all campers will have the opportunity to leave camp on a volunteering trip
within the local community. This trip is part of our Make A Difference program called
MADIMOW.
MADIMOW: Making a Difference in My Own Way
A primary feature of our summer is the Making a Difference in My Own Way (MADIMOW) program, which is a summer-long curriculum meant to inspire and empower campers to take on social action causes to change the world. The program manifests into two sections, education and action and the fair:
Education and Action
Each aidah (age group) focuses on one MADIMOW theme for the session. Our tsevet (staff) runs a series of informal educational programs introducing the themes and the responsibility of Jews to participate in tikkun olam (healing the world).
One of the most important pieces of the MADIMOW program is sending our campers out into the community to make a difference, through action. Each aidah ventures into the community to experience a day of service, pertaining to the respective MADIMOW themes.
| AIDAH | THEME | PROJECT |
|---|---|---|
| Ofarim | Elderly | Visit a nursing home |
| Tsofim | The World and Food | Volunteering at an Organic CSA Farm which grows food for the poor and homeless |
| Kesher | Hunger | Visit a soup kitchen and implement a grocery store food drive |
| Bogrim | Helping the Homebound / Needy | Delivering meals through the "Meals on Wheels" program |
The Fair
In preparation for the fair, we ask all chanichim (campers) to bring 5 single dollars for tzedekah to the opening day of camp, when the madrichim (counselors) will collect and store all money. After each aidah has completed the education and action portion of the MADIMOW program, the fair occurs. This fair is a hands-on social action exhibit, drawing from each of the themes and informally educating on all the causes at hand. A series of booths showcase relevant organizations and issues with games, books, activities, films or DVDs, and other child-appropriate mediums.
As the chanichimmove through the exhibition of social action, they are asked to consider those organizations and issues that particularly speak to them. Upon the conclusion of the MADIMOW fair, each chanich/a receives his/her 5 single dollars and has the opportunity to distribute his/her own tzedekah