Q&A: Schenectady JCC

Note: Schenectady JCC isn’t in Saratoga County HOWEVER they offer transportation from Clifton Park AND Saratoga!

1) For those people who haven’t heard of it before, what is camp at Schenectady JCC all about?

The Schenectady JCC has run summer camp for over 85 years. We offer programming for campers as young as 3 and as old as entering 10th grade. The Schenectady JCC sits on a 25 acre campus complete with large outdoor pool, tennis courts, large pavilions, wooded area with fire pits and archery range, outdoor stages, and lots of field space. The JCC is committed to providing Campers with a positive and enriching Summer Camp experience by offering Campers a variety of age appropriate activities, including Jewish traditions, culture and values, to enhance the Camper’s self esteem.

2) You provide busing from Saratoga & Clifton Park too! Where are the pick-up locations?

Saratoga Pick Up location is the Price Chopper on Ballston Ave. approx pick up time is 7:45/8am and drop off time is around 4:50/5:15pm
Clifton Park pick up and drop off is located at Congregation Beth Shalom located at 688 Clifton Park Rd. Clifton Park, NY 12065 Approx. 8am pickup, 4:45pm dropoff. Depends on how many campers are in each location.

3) Anything new this year?

Online Registration
Brand New Playground
New Swim Schedule
New Field Trips
Extra Day of Color Games

4) What are the dates and hours?

June 29th-August 21st
8:45am-4:00pm

5) What’s the age range?

Camp Chaverim – 3 Year Old- Entering 6th Grade
Tween Camp – Entering 6th-8th Grade
LIT/CIT – Entering 9th-10th Grade

6) And cost?

Camp Chaverim –
$2,620 for the full 8 weeks, campers can attend from anywhere from 1 week- all 8, pricing varies

Tween Camp –
$2,948 for the full 8 weeks, campers can attend from anywhere from 1 week- all 8, pricing varies

LIT/CIT –
$975 for LIT, $725 for CIT

7) What will campers be doing all day? Are there field trips?

We offer three major programs.

Camp Chaverim is our traditional day camp for campers ages 3 year old until entering 6th grade. Swimming is a big part of our programming. Campers will receive a 30 minute swim lesson and a 30 minute free swim period everyday. There are no extra fees for swim lessons. Campers will spend the rest of their days getting to meet with our Specialists that offer programming in arts and crafts, ceramics, nature, science, drama, cooking, sports and more. Campers entering 2nd-3rd grade enjoy two field trips over the course of the summer and the 4th-6th grade campers enjoy 4 field trips.

Tween Camp is our travel based camp that offers programming to campers entering 6th-8th grade. Tween camp is comprised of daily field trip, 3 overnight trips , and “J” Days. Most days our Tween Camp group can be found visiting local attractions such as Saratoga Ninja Lab, Secret Caverns, Airdrenaline and more. Campers will have the option to attend a 1 night trip to Syracuse, NY to visit the Rosamond Zoo and USA Destiny. There will be a 2- night trip to Atlantic City, NJ where campers will enjoy Six Flags Great Adventure, the Atlantic City Boardwalk and more. The Tween Camp will wrap up the summer and take a trip to CLub Getaway located in Kent, Connecticut where they get to enjoy the overnight camp experience by staying in cabins and enjoy activities such as lake swimming, boating, ziplining and more. “J” Days are days spent on site at the JCC where they get to enjoy traditional camp activities and games.

LIT/CIT Programs are for campers entering 9th-10th grade who are interested in learning what it takes to become a great counselor. LITs and CITs will spend parts of their days with different camp group getting hands on experience with campers and then also meet with the LIT/CIT Director to talk about skills.

8) What should campers plan to bring?

Campers should bring one bathing suit, one towel, lunch, water bottle, and a hat. Campers can pack their own sunscreen, but we do supply sunscreen for all of camp.