Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Summer J Camp.
Jump to:
- Registration
- Paying for Camp
- What to Expect at J Camp
- Morning Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
- Camp Communications
- Health + Safety
Registration
Do I have to be a member of the Stroum Jewish Community Center to attend J Camp?
You don’t have to be a J member to attend J Camp. However, membership does have its benefits, including discounted prices on all camps and other SJCC programs. Learn about membership here or contact Denise Ipock, Membership Coordinator, by email or at 206-829-2594.
How do I find the right camp?
Summer J Camp offers a variety of camps for kids of all ages. Visit the Find Your Summer J Camp page, where you can view camps based on type, grade, and week. All grades listed are for the 2024-25 school year. Still have questions? Email us!
How old does my child need to be to attend J Camp?
Campers must be rising pre-K and age four or turning four in the month that they are enrolled. Campers must be potty trained.
Who can attend J Camp?
The SJCC is open to everyone—regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and basis of disability. Everyone is welcome. Kids must meet the age requirements above and be fully vaccinated to attend J Camp.
When does registration close?
Registration will close on CampInTouch one week before the start of each camp. Please email us after that date to find out if space is available.
Are there any prerequisites for the specialty camps?
Specialty camps are open to campers with a range of experience and skills! Whether it’s your first time on the soccer field, stage, or art studio, or you’re a professional, our camps will be a good fit for you! Camp is a great place to explore something new!
Swim Camp campers must be able to swim 50 yards freestyle and tread water for 30 seconds. Some Tech Academy camps have recommended skills and/or prior experience; see individual descriptions for more info.
Can I sign up for just one week of Performing Arts Camp or Counselor in Training?
These unique camps offer programming that builds throughout the weeks. As a result, campers must sign up for the entire program.
What is Camp Kef 3?
In Kef 3, campers stay with the same group for three weeks, allowing them to create stronger bonds with their camp group and counselors. As an added bonus, you’ll save $100 if you sign up for Camp Kef 3 (compared to registering for three individual weeks). If minimum enrollment is not met, campers will join other Camp Kef groups.
Will campers of all ages be grouped together?
Campers are broken into groups based on their age or grade.
Can I request that my child be grouped with a friend?
If you would like your child grouped with a friend, please complete the Friend Request Form on CampInTouch at least two weeks before the start of the session. Requests cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to honor one mutual request per session for campers enrolled in the same program.
How can I work at camp?
We think camp is the best summer job! Check out our job descriptions and fill out an online application. Email us for more information.
Paying for J Camp
What are the costs for J Camp?
| Camp | Rates |
|---|---|
| Core Camps | M: $395 G: $435 |
| Camp Kef 3 (three-week sessions) | M: $1,085 G: $1,205 Save $100 over 3 single weeks of Kef! |
| X Camp | M: $470 G: $510 |
| Specialty Camps | M: $430 G: $475 |
| Camping Adventure | M: $840 G: $880 |
| Counselor in Training (two-week sessions) | M: $395 G: $435 |
| Performing Arts Camp: “Finding Nemo” (three-week session) | M: $1,290 G: $1,425 |
| Extended Care Mornings OR Afternoons | M: $95 G: $100 |
| Extended Care Mornings AND Afternoons | M: $165 G: $180 |
| Bus Transportation | M: $165 G: $170 |
| Luther Burbank Shuttle | $25 |
Get member rates! Learn more >>
Week 2 will be prorated; no camp July 4 (Independence Day)
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
If your plans change, you must submit a refund request in writing to Beth Rosen. If you cancel before April 30, 2024, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee per week. If you cancel between May 2 and May 31, 2024, you will receive a 50% refund minus a $50 administrative fee. From June 1, 2024, until the end of camp, camp fees are not refundable. This ensures we can purchase supplies and hire necessary staff in preparation for camp.
If the J cancels a camp for any reason, you will receive a credit or a full refund. We are unable to offer refunds if campers are ill or quarantining and unable to attend camp.
How do I pay for J Camp?
To reserve a place for your child at camp, payment must be received in full upon registration or through a monthly payment plan. Monthly payments will be processed by credit card/e-check in equal amounts, based on when you register, on March 4, April 1, May 1, and June 3, 2024. Registrations received after June 3 must be paid in full upon registration.
Payments will be processed by credit card or e-check. J Camp charges 2.5% for credit card use to help us cover the cost credit card companies charge us.
E-check is a secure, easy alternative with no added fees for either party. Make sure you have your routing number and account number available for e-check purchases. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Account Services Manager Beth Rosen or call 206-388-1995.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Need-based assistance for camp tuition is available, based on a family’s ability to pay. Everyone who qualifies will receive assistance. Applications are due May 1, 2023. You’ll find more details here.
What is the first-time family discount?
Families new to the J are eligible for a $100 discount (per family) with a minimum of three weeks. Funds are limited; register early. To receive this discount or for more information, contact Beth Rosen, Account Services Manager, by email or at 206-388-1995.
What is the early registration discount?
Campers registered by March 4, 2024, will receive a 10% discount on all camps. Discounts do not apply to extended day or busing.
What is the multi-week discount?
Campers registered for four or more weeks of Camp Katan, Camp Kef, J Camp at Green Lake and Luther Burbank, and/or J Camp Minis at Green Lake and Luther Burbank receive a 10% discount on those weeks.
What do we need to do before coming to J Camp?
Before J Camp begins, you are required to upload the necessary forms and ensure that your information is correct and up to date in your CampInTouch account.
If you have any specific concerns about starting J Camp or would like to share information with our team to help make your camper’s summer successful, please contact Aliza Glatter, Camp Director, by email or at 206-829-2668. The more we know about the medical and social-emotional wellness of your camper in advance, the better we will be able to support them during the summer.
I still have registration questions, who do I contact?
Contact Beth Rosen, Account Services Manager, by email or at 206-388-1995 if you have questions directly related to registration.
What to Expect at J Camp
What is the daily schedule for J Camp?
J Camp hours are 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
Morning drop-off is from 9-9:30 am and afternoon pick-up is from 3:30-4 pm. More on that below.
What should my camper wear to J Camp every day?
Campers should come prepared each day for outdoor fun and mess! We recommend shorts and a t-shirt that are easy to move around in. Campers must wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes to participate safely in all camp activities. Please apply sunscreen to your children before they arrive at camp; counselors will make sure campers reapply throughout the day. Masks are optional at the J; please note, this is subject to change.
Please label everything with your child’s first and last name in a permanent marker.
What do we need to bring to J Camp every day?
- Lunch and snacks (vegetarian and nut-free; fish is ok, but other meat is not – suggestions below!)
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen in a zipped bag
- Swimsuit, towel, and goggles for swim and waterfront days
- Hat
- Change of clothes (can be left at camp for kids in Camp Katan or J Camp Minis)
- Face mask — although masks are optional at the J, we encourage you to pack them
Please label everything with your child’s first and last name in a permanent marker.
Is there anything that we shouldn’t bring to J Camp?
Please do not bring toys, trading cards, electronics (including phones and smartwatches), or anything else from home. We do not want children sharing anything with each other that is not provided by and regularly sanitized by the J. Additionally, camp is a great place for campers to disconnect, live in the moment, learn independence, and focus on friends and fun. Items that are deemed inappropriate for camp will be put in the camp office and sent home at the end of the day. The SJCC is not responsible for any lost or damaged items that come to camp.
My child lost something at camp! Where can they find it?
Items found labeled with a first and last name will be returned to their owner. All other found items will be kept at the designated lost and found location, which campers can visit to look for lost items.
What are J Camp’s dietary restrictions?
All camp lunches and snacks must be vegetarian, dairy, or fish-based. No meat is allowed at camp (pork, beef, chicken, turkey, etc.). Egg products are allowed. All lunches and snacks must be nut-free, meaning they do not contain nuts or traces of nuts. Please note, we do not offer refrigeration for lunches or snacks. Not sure what to pack? Check out this list of suggestions >>
Will my child get to swim?
In most camps, kids get to swim or visit the waterfront two to three times each week. Even if children don’t plan to swim, we recommend bringing a bathing suit, as sometimes there are other fun water-based activities.
Can my kids take swim lessons?
Absolutely! Learn more here or email our Aquatics Team.
Will children go boating?
Yes – kids in most camps held at the SJCC will go boating on Lake Washington and kids in camp at Green Lake will go boating on Green Lake. Please complete the Boating Waiver on CampInTouch. Children must wear life jackets at all times and adhere to lifeguard instructions.
How do campers stay safe at the pool?
At the J, lifeguards are on duty on the pool deck anytime kids are in the pool, and counselors are in the water with campers. At the waterfront, campers always wear a lifejacket and have a staff member in their boat. All lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross Lifeguard, with an additional waterfront certification for the Waterfront Coordinator. The aquatics team is supervised by Kara Kaplan, Aquatics Director, who has 20 years of experience managing aquatics centers.
All children will be given a swim test their first time in the J pool. Campers must swim the length of the pool (25 yards) freestyle and tread water for 30 seconds. Children are given a swim group based on their swimming ability, which may mean wearing a life jacket in deeper parts of the pool. Campers who prefer not to take the swim test will be placed in the lowest level group. Our counselors are excited to spend time swimming with campers and will encourage them to practice and retake the swim test if desired.
Who are your camp counselors?
At the heart of J Camp is our dedicated and caring staff members, who are carefully selected for their experience, skills, and sensitivity with children. All staff members are required to participate in our pre-camp training and must pass a background check. Our low camper-to-staff ratio ensures each camper receives personal attention and guidance during their camp experience.
Many of our staff members spent their summers attending J Camp as campers before becoming counselors.
Do you offer extended care?
Yes! Morning care starts at 7:30 am and afternoon care runs until 6 pm at the J. Campers in camps at Luther Burbank will be shuttled between locations. We do not offer extended care at Green Lake at this time. Full details and registration here >>
Do you offer bus transportation?
Yes! We are excited to offer bus transportation from Seattle to Mercer Island weeks 1 through 8 (June 23-Aug. 16). Buses will pick kids up in the morning and drop them off in the afternoon, with stops at both the J and Luther Burbank. Times and routes are subject to change; find full details and registration here >>
Can I register for one-way transportation?
Registering for camp transportation ensures your child has a spot saved on the bus. As a result, we are unable to offer prorated one-way transportation. Please email camp@sjcc.org if you are registering for bus transportation but your child will not require transportation every morning and afternoon.
Morning Drop-Off/Afternoon Pickup Procedures
What are the drop-off and pickup procedures?
Regular morning drop-off is 9-9:30 am and regular afternoon pickup is 3:30-4 pm. More information will be shared with enrolled families via email.
What is your late pickup policy?
There is a $1 per minute per camper charge for campers picked up late (after 4 pm for regular pickup, after 6 pm for extended care, and after the designated stop time for bus transportation). If late pickup becomes a recurring issue, J Camp participation may be reevaluated.
What do I do if I have children attending camp at Luther Burbank and at the SJCC?
If you have campers at both locations, we recommend getting to your first location as close to 9 am or 3:30 pm as possible and then heading to your second location. Alternatively, you can sign your child up for busing between the SJCC and Luther Burbank for a nominal fee and do drop-off and pickup at the J. Learn more about the Luther Burbank shuttle
What do I do if I need to drop-off a camper late or pick up a camper early?
You’ll receive a form in the weekly welcome email to complete if your camper will be arriving late, leaving early, absent, or has a change in arrival or dismissal.
Are there any other options for drop-off and pickup?
Learn more about our busing and extended care options for Mercer Island camps here >>
Camp Communication
How will I receive information about J Camp?
Families will receive an update about their upcoming week of camp, including reminders and other important information, by the Friday before their camp week. If you don’t receive an email, please contact us.
What do I do if I have questions during the camp day?
If you have questions during the camp day, please contact the J Camp Team by email or at camp’s summer number, which is shared in the weekly welcome email.
You can also contact Camp Director Aliza Glatter by email or at 206-829-2668. Please note, the Camp Director and most of our camp team are generally away from their desks during the camp day; allow at least 24 hours for a response.
Who can I contact with more questions?
The staff listed below work year-round to help get ready for a great summer! More contacts will be added once our seasonal staff members begin working.
| Name | Contact Information | When to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| J Camp Team | Camp@sjcc.org |
|
| Aliza Glatter Camp Director | 206-829-2668 AlizaG@sjcc.org |
|
| Liam Geisser Asst. Camp Director | 206-388-0830 LiamG@sjcc.org |
|
| Beth Rosen Account Services Manager | 206-388-1995 BethR@sjcc.org |
|
| Denise Ipock Membership Coordinator | 206-829-2594 DeniseI@sjcc.org |
|
| Kara Kaplan Aquatics Manager | 206-388-0821 KaraK@sjcc.org Aquatics@sjcc.org |
|
| Dana Weiner Sr. Director SJCC Experience | 206-829-2593 DanaW@sjcc.org |
|
Health + Safety
What health and safety protocols are in place?
J Camp staff sign in campers every morning and sign them out every afternoon.
J Camp staff is first-aid certified. Counselors make sure campers reapply sunscreen and stay hydrated throughout the day. Please send campers with sunscreen and a reusable water bottle each day.
Do you require health forms for my camper?
All campers must submit the following forms on CampInTouch before attending Summer J Camp:
- authorized pickup
- copy of health insurance card
- health history form
- medication administration – required if campers will need to take medicine while at camp
- parent authorization
- waterfront waiver – optional, but recommended
We ask that forms be submitted by May 1, 2024, so our staff has time to review them before camp starts. If you register after May 1, forms must be submitted within 10 days. Children will not be allowed to attend camp until forms have been submitted and our staff has been given time to review.
What do I do if my child needs to take medication during the camp day?
A medication administration form must be completed on CampInTouch for campers taking medicine during the camp day. Medication must be delivered to camp in its original packaging, please email us to set up a time to drop-off medication.
All medication will be stored and locked in the camp office, with the exception of emergency medication (such as an inhaler or EpiPen). For the safety of all campers, children may not carry any medication — including over-the-counter medication— in their pockets or backpacks.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
In the case of extreme heat, extreme smoke, or thunder and lightning, campers will be brought indoors to designated locations. In rare instances when it is unsafe for staff and/or campers, we may determine to cancel camp for the day.
How do I know my camper will stay safe during field trips?
All field trip locations have been pre-screened by our staff to ensure locations are safe and age-appropriate. Campers will explore locations in groups with a low camper-to-counselor ratio, and all campers and staff are required to wear a bracelet during trips with the J Camp name and phone number listed. Upon arrival at all sites, campers review location-specific safety information and are shown a meeting spot.
Can I visit camp?
For the safety of our J Camp community, we do not allow visitors at camp.
Get all the information you need for Summer J Camp. Check out the links for more, including a full listing of all our camp offerings.
 Find Your Camp From our core camps like Katan and Kef, to specialty camps thanks to our many partners, there is a camp for everyone! Find your camp >> |  Registration Registration for Summer J Camp is now open! |  FAQs + More Get all the basics about Summer J Camp, including our policies and procedures. |  Work at J CampWe’re looking for counselors, specialists and more to help make this summer great! |
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