Why Our Family Loves J Camps Year After Year

May 12, 2026

By The Chernow Family

Every summer, our family looks forward to camp season. There’s something special about the excitement that builds as the first day gets closer: reconnecting with friends, trying new activities, and making memories that last long after summer ends.

For our boys, camp is about different things, but both count down the days all year long. Spencer says what he looks forward to most is being at camp with his friends, while Jack eagerly awaits Color War every summer. The energy, teamwork, and excitement surrounding those days make them unforgettable.

One of our favorite camp memories is actually tied to Color War. Two summers ago, their team won, and the excitement in our house afterward was priceless. Another moment that always makes me smile was celebrating Jack’s birthday at camp last summer. Kids with summer birthdays can sometimes feel like they miss out on celebrating with classmates and friends, so seeing him feel so special and celebrated meant a lot to our family.

If our boys had to describe camp in just a few words, they’d say:

Fun
Happy
Playful

And according to Jack:

Awesome
Fun
Exciting

Beyond the fun, we’ve also seen growth in ways we didn’t necessarily expect. Jack has become much more confident in the pool and in trying new activities, especially the zipline, which was a huge accomplishment for him. Spencer has gained athletic skills while also learning important lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s been rewarding to watch both boys grow more confident and independent each summer.

When friends ask what J Camps is like, our answer is always simple: we love sending our kids there. They are well cared for, they have an absolute blast, and we feel good knowing they’re spending their summers in such a positive, supportive environment. You really can’t go wrong.

For more information about J Camps, please visit jcampsbaltimore.org.

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