Dear Friends,
I am beyond thrilled to share some wonderful highlights below from our first week of Camp Kef! It has been an incredible start to the summer, filled with excitement and unforgettable experiences. We were overjoyed to welcome over 315 campers and 100 staff members to camp this week! It’s truly heartwarming to see our community come together, and with 517 campers enrolled for the summer, we still have lots of friends to meet! We are proud to share that this summer, the Kaiserman JCC will provide over $70,000 in financial aid to support families in need. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and growth that summer camp offers.
Our revamped aquatics curriculum, utilizing the Red Cross Learn to Swim program, has made a splash with our campers! Each child underwent swim skill testing and began their swimming lessons. We can’t wait to see their progress and confidence grow in the water.
As part of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Shlichim Program, we welcomed two international staff members from Israel who bring unique perspectives and cultural exchanges to our camp community. Their presence enriches the experience for both campers and staff alike.
Our Milded Lasch Special Needs Inclusion Program is flourishing – this year, we have nearly 40 campers enrolled! This program exemplifies our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for children of all abilities. It is particularly inspiring to note that 20 of these campers are also part of the Social Enrichment Center supplemental program, which we are offering for the second consecutive summer! This partnership allows us to provide options for campers that benefit from working with an SEC staff member for the morning on social, behavioral, and emotional skills – preparing them for the afternoon in their bunks at camp. Everyone’s first week went so well!
Yesterday, we had our first Thrilling Thursday – “Touch-a-Truck”! Campers had the opportunity to explore and interact with exciting vehicles up close. Mister Softee Ice Cream, the Lower Merion Police Department, the Penn Wynne Firehouse, and the Lower Merion Ambulance Corp, all came out to join us which their vehicles! It was a day filled with awe, wonder… and ice cream!
Despite some unpredictable weather, we successfully pivoted our activities to indoor spaces without compromising the fun of camp. Our dedicated team ensured that the campers had a fantastic time.
Friday barbecue lunch is back! At the end of every week of camp, we fire up the grills and treat all campers and staff to a delicious lunch – hot dogs, chips/popcorn, and of course a yummy dessert. After a hiatus that may have lasted for almost 10 years, we are really thrilled to be bringing barbecue Fridays back! Not only is it a fun and delicious experience for campers and staff, but it also provides parents with a well-deserved break from packing lunches!
The BIGGEST thank you to our dedicated staff, passionate counselors, supportive families, and the entire Camp Kef and Kaiserman JCC communities. Your contributions have played a significant role in making our first week of camp a resounding success. Together, we are creating lifelong memories, fostering friendships, and inspiring the growth of our campers.
I look forward to sharing more of our adventures at Camp Kef with you. If the first week is any indicator, it’s truly going to be a fantastic Summer!
Shabbat Shalom, and Happy 4th of July!
Jordan
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