for grades K-8 

Get ready for a summer of fun in our biggest and most popular camp program, Camp Kef. Join with old friends and make new ones as you spend your summer outside exploring, learning and experiencing all that SJCC Summer Camp has to offer.

Our qualified professional staff members help each child learn and grow socially, physically, and intellectually. Each year we host summer camp counselors from Israel and Hungary to give our campers a glimpse into Jewish life with a worldwide perspective. These counselors work exclusively with Camp Kef campers, teaching and interacting with them in ways that will reverberate for a lifetime.

Every day in Camp Kef we participate in sports, arts and crafts, science, nature education, cooking, and Judaic enrichment. Red Cross-certified swim instructors supervise free swim in our indoor pool; lessons are available before and after each camp day. Each week campers explore Seattle with field trips that have included Family Fun Center, local parks, Remlinger Farms, a Mariners game, the Museum of Flight, an Argosy cruise, Ride the Ducks, and much more.

Kef means fun in Hebrew. That's exactly the experience you will receive in Camp Kef. Come enjoy all that is Camp Kef and give your child what they should have in summer: fun!

Chugim
Campers participate in a chug (area of special interest) of their choice everyday. We offer a wide variety of chugim including sports, Judaic projects, arts and crafts, science, nature, cooking, drama, and Israeli culture and history. Each chug focuses on a specific project each week, like plaster facemasks, candle making, the human body, and more.

Swimming
Campers take to the water three to four times a week for free swim. Campers who pass the Aquatics Department swim test can use our TurboTwister slide. Our Red Cross certified instructors stress safety when in, on or around the water.

Camp Kef Villages
We take the utmost care in Camp Kef to place your child with an appropriate group of children of similar age and ability. Children are grouped into villages according to school grade. Each village has its own special activities. A senior counselor and junior counselor supervise each group of 10-12 children. 

Shemesh Or (sunshine)
Grade K-1
Shemesh Or is the Camp Kef experience for younger children to enjoy the outdoors in an age-appropriate program. In Shemesh Or, activities include swimming, nature, science, Judaic activities, arts and crafts, music, and drama, plus weekly field trips and themed programming at a lakefront campsite.

Ofarim (trailblazers)
Grades 2-3
Through arts and crafts, drama, sports, science, and Judaics, campers learn to work and play together, make new friends and develop new skills. This summer program includes swimming, chugim (clubs), chofesh (free time), tzrif time (village activities), weekly field trips, and themed programming at a lakefront campsite.

Chalutzim (pioneers)
Grades 4-5
Campers participate in challenging programs that include Judaics, sports, science, theater, and arts and crafts. Campers will make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Chalutzim campers also have the chance to take their own field trips as a group once a week for a more challenging hike or outdoor adventure.

Kesher (connections)
Grades 6–8
Kesher brings together middle school students from around the Puget Sound for a summer of fun. This program includes lots of field trips, tikkun olam (repair the world) projects, community service activities, team building, Israeli activities structured around pop culture, and leadership opportunities to work with younger campers.

You may request that we group your child with friends of the same age; we will try to accommodate your request but we do not guarantee placement.

Typical Camp Kef Daily Schedule
9:30 a.m.        Opening circle: songs and skits
10 a.m.           Swim time and chug rotations, science, art, time in the SJCC Kesher Community Garden, cooking, and Judaics
11 a.m.           Tzrif (village) time – gaga, games, stories, etc.
Noon              Lunch
12:30 p.m.      Shira (singing)
1:00 p.m.        Chugim: science, nature, sports, arts, drama, and Israel education
2 p.m.             Afternoon activity – tie dye, make your own ice cream, water Olympics
3 p.m.             Chofesh (free time): kickball, group games
3:30 p.m.        Snack time and announcements
4 p.m.             Closing circle and pick up

Judaic Programming
In summer 2013, Camp Kef staff will continue to use TAG (Torah, Adodah and Gemilut Chasadim) a Judaic curriculum created by the nationwide JCC Association. Campers will spend time learning about a variety of topics, all mapping back to our camp theme of derech eretz; from simple lessons of respect to how we interact with nature and our community. While Jewish in nature, these universal values are important for all campers.

Every Friday afternoon, each village gathers together to welcome Shabbat with a blessing over the candles, juice, and challah. Some groups bake challah for a Shabbat snack. The impact of Jewish living at camp lasts a lifetime.

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Forever Chai - Week Ten Camp
grades K-5
Forever Chai is a one-week adventure camp. Each day campers will leave the SJCC to participate in field trips. Field trips are subject to change based on weather, transportation and enrollment.

Monday
Newcastle Beach for swimming, kickball, parachute games, sandcastle contest

Tuesday
Seattle Great Wheel

Wednesday
Luther Burbank Park for scavenger hunt

Thursday
Vasa Park for swimming, waterslides and beach fun

Friday
Family Fun Center

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LOCATIONS
SJCC MI Campus – all sessions
3801 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island WA 98040

Seattle Jewish Community School – Sessions II and III only (July 8-26 and July 29-August 16)
12351 8th Avenue NE
Seattle WA 98125

DATES
Session I:   June 15-July 5 (no camp on Wednesday, July 4) 
Session II:  July 8-26  
Session III: July 29-August 16
Week Ten: August 19-23

HOURS
Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

COST
Three-Week Option
$600 per session

One-Week Option
$250 per week

For more information, contact SJCC Youth and Family Program Coordinator/Camp Kef Director Daliah Silver at DaliahS@sjcc.org or 206-388-0839.

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What happens in Camp Kef?
Take a look at a project that kids say is to "dye" for: 

 

 

3801 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island WA 98040
206-232-7115 

 

 
12351 8th Avenue NE
Seattle WA 98125