Camp accepts special needs children on a case by case basis.
Session Lengths: 3 Weeks
Explore JCamps: Camp Haverim and Camp Yeladim
The JCamps: Camp Haverim and Camp Yeladim Story
The Merage JCC’s Camp Haverim and Camp Yeladim provide opportunities for campers from two to teens to have a summer of fun and exploration, swimming and water play, arts and crafts and more. At our 10-acre campus, campers choose from sports, science, art, theater and Judaic activities. Each day offers recreation and a wide variety of special activities and programs. Our experienced and talented staff help campers make friends and memories, gain or improve skills and independence all while having fun. Hands-on Jewish culture is shared through art, music and drama, Friday Shabbat programs and our Summer Shlichim program are led by Israeli counselors and specialists.
Our J Camp Haverim, for grades TK-11, is proud to maintain ACA accreditation. The staff includes six full-time JCC staff. Professionally trained and experienced college students serve as counselors and specialists and are experts in their fields including art, sports, science, Israeli dance & Israeli culture.
J Camp Yeladim for campers ages 2-5 creates magical summer experiences in the security of our nurturing Early Childhood Learning Center. Our credentialed and highly trained early childhood educators guide your child through a summer of making new friends, learning, creativity, imagination and of course, lots of fun! Children enjoy various types of water play daily including splashing in the pool, water slides, water tables, sand and water play. Each week, special guests and visitors enrich our campers with exciting programs such as magic shows, science experiments, exotic animals, music concerts and dramatic performance.
Featured Activities at JCamps: Camp Haverim and Camp Yeladim
Children’s Program and Camp Haverim Director | Audra Martin
Audra Martin has served as the Director of Merage JCC’s Children's Programs and Camp Haverim (grades K-5) for 9 years. after coming. Audra was recruited from the Flanzer JCC in Sarasota, Florida to Orange County to open the new Merage JCC and launch its children’s programs. Being an employee in the JCC field for almost 20 years, Audra enjoys working with children on all levels and strives to watch them grow within her programs. Audra has a degree from University of South Florida in Business Administration and Finance. While not working, Audra enjoys spending time with her show dog, Bellah.
BA, Assistant Children and Camp Director | Carly Singer
Carly oversees the J’s children and camping programs, ensuring that our Jkids are learning and making memories and friendships in a safe environment. She is passionate about kids and education, and uses a strong Jewish background to teach our kids amidst Jewish values. She has taught at several Jewish preschools, served as a Camp Haverim Unit Head for two years, and English in Israeli elementary schools. Carly grew up in Irvine and attended Temple Bat Yahm. She studied education at Chico State, where she was also a soccer stud.
BS, Director of the Eric & Sheila Samson Family Early Childhood Learning Center | Sheila Dalva-Hornback
Sheila is responsible for overseeing the Eric & Sheila Samson Family Early Childhood Center programming, which includes the Aronoff Preschool, Parenting Center, Camp Yeladim, and Library. Sheila has a Bachelors degree in Business from University of Phoenix and an extensive customer service and sales background. When she is not showing off the preschool, Sheila enjoys family time, cooking, hiking, swimming, camping and an occasional lazy day!
"Hosting Shlichim during the summers remains a wonderful experience for our family. Each year we meet dynamic and fascinating young Israelis with whom we maintain contact long after the summer has gone. Our kids are the greatest beneficiaries of the experience, finding in the Shlichim individuals who they come to regard as older siblings. It is an event we look forward to every year with good reason and plan on continuing for years to come."
- Soberman Family, The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp, Prosserman JCC
Connecting with Israel
“Although it was so new, Israel brought upon me a familiar sense of belonging much like what I feel at Camp Chi every summer. The ability to be in a place where one feels so free and proud to be a Jew is a feeling that makes me so proud to be involved in my Jewish heritage.”
- Joshua Krawitz, 17, Camp Chi, JCC Chicago
- Joshua Krawitz, 17, Camp Chi, JCC Chicago