Today's Building Hours
  • Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
    5:30am - 10:00pm
  • Weinberg Park Heights JCC
    5:30am - 10:00pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting: 4:25pm
Join the J Locations Schedules
Today's Building Hours
  • Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
    5:30am - 10:00pm
  • Weinberg Park Heights JCC
    5:30am - 10:00pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting: 4:25pm

JCC Blog

Tag: Summer

Mar23
Swimming at J Camps
by admin
Camps Summer Youth

Experience the Magic of J Camps

Does your child like to play, explore, create, and swim? Then prepare for a J Camps summer to remember! The diversity and mix of this year’s J Camps’ offerings is incredible.

J Camps Senior Director Emily Stern puts it best, “We have something to fit the needs of every child, covering anything your child may be interested in.” And, J Camps runs 12 weeks, from Baltimore County Public School closing in June through the Friday before Labor Day weekend.

The variety of J Camp offerings begins for campers as young as two years of age (J Camps’ Noah’s Ark and Camp Ami programs), and runs through its...

Jan19
Shlichim Counselors at Camp
by admin
Camps Youth Summer

Continuing a J Camps Connection in Israel

This June, Robin and Jason Katcoff jet to Israel with daughters Wriley, 12, and Ariella, 9, for Wriley’s Bat Mitzvah.  They’re so excited, not only because Wriley will have her Bat Mitzvah in Israel as part of a tour with Beth Am Synagogue, but for four days beforehand, the family will embark on a great “Shlichim tour,” visiting several of the shlichim they have hosted for J Camps and Noah’s Ark Camp and the Macks Center for Jewish Education, here in their Owings Mills home over the last five years.

Shlichim is the plural form of the Hebrew word “shaliach,” which means “emissary” or “messenger.” Each summer, J Camps plays host to several shlichim, to increase Jewish awareness and knowledge and to promote an understanding of Israeli ideals among J Camp campers and the camp...

Aug04
by admin
Camps Summer Youth Jewish Life

The Power of J Day Camp

Creating Mensches with Shabbabah 

There is a story of a beloved teacher, Rabbi Zusya, who had become old and taken ill.  His students came to visit him and Rabbi Zusya began to weep.  The students ask the great teacher, “Reb Zusya, why do you weep? Surely, if anyone is slotted for a good life in the world to come, it must be you!” 

Reb Zusya responded, “My dear ones, if when I pass into the next world I am asked ‘Why were you not an Abraham?’ I will have no hesitation to answer, ‘Because, I was not born an Abraham.’ So too, if I am to be asked, ‘And, why were you not a Moses?’ I will still confidently respond ‘Nor was I born a Moses.’ My children, I weep because there is only one question I fear to be asked, ‘Why were you not Zusya?’”  

This story is foundation upon which we seek to grow our community at...

May26
by admin
Summer Youth

Playing it Cool by the Pool

Five Things You Should Be Aware of when visiting the J’s Aquatics Recreation Park.

It’s almost summer! Time for fun in the sun and a world of outdoor activities including, of course, swimming in the pool!

But… before you begin to dip your toes and dive in, it’s always smart to take a minute to review some basic pool safety measures.

JCC Aquatics Director Bill Kirkner offers these words of wisdom for JCC members and guests when coming to the Shapiro Aquatics Park to ensure a fun and safe experience for all.

1. First, according to Bill, folks should: “Be respectful of the lifeguards. They are here to ensure the safety of everyone in the pool.”

Bill explains, “Folks don’t always see what the...

Feb15
by admin
Youth Teens Camps Summer Special Needs

Inclusion Programs at the J

February is national Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month. T.J. Casser is the father of Ethan Casser, a seven year old boy who has Autism and pronounced communication delays. Ethan has attended J camps and has been actively involved in JCC inclusion programs. Please read along as T.J. shares some of his experiences here at the J and the wisdom he has gained in caring for his son.

Inclusion Programs at the J: A Father's Point of View
By T.J. Casser

Nothing prepares you for having a child with special needs.  We all plan for having intelligent, talented, successful children who have the freedom and ability to pursue their dreams.  Images of school during the year,...