Have a child looking to get a little action in on the baseball diamond or in the pool this summer? If so, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) may be just the place.
A variety of summer sports are being offered at the JCC beginning later this month.
If your kindergarten through first-grade child is sports-minded, Gesher Sports introduces campers to a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional sports.
From T-ball to track and field, campers have fun learning basic sports rules, fundamental skills and teamwork. Each session is complemented by traditional activities, arts & crafts, music, swimming, weekly field trips and a late night.
Weekly themes and field trips provide a framework for this spirited camp. On Fridays, Gesher enjoys storytime in the Astor Judaica Library. Each session, campers enjoy a late-night activity that includes sports, games, dinner and a movie. Counselors lead each grade unit in this traditional well-rounded camp.
For grades two and three, a sports-filled summer awaits at Camp Kadima. Each week focuses on a new sport, offering your child exposure to a variety of athletic opportunities.
From traditional (basketball, soccer, flag football and golf) to more extreme sports (rock-climbing, surfing, and ice hockey/skating), Camp Kadima stresses teamwork and the fundamental skills necessary to successfully participate and compete.
Surfing, rock climbing and ice hockey/skating feature professional instruction by the staff at Surf Sessions, Vertical Hold, and San Diego Ice Arena. Each session is complemented with traditional activities, arts and crafts, music, swimming, weekly field trips and a late night.
For grades four thru six, one’s star athlete will find a home at Camp Maccabiah. Designed for the more experienced athlete, Camp Maccabiah offers two-week sessions in which campers participate in weeklong specialized sports clinics. At least two hours every day is spent in skill development with our sports specialists.
Camp Maccabiah is complemented by visits to Catalina and LA Theme Parks, rock climbing at Vertical Hold and ocean sports with La Jolla Kayak, overnights, swimming, weekly field trips, arts and crafts, and music.
For those in grades two thru eight who like the water, master the waves and hit the beach. Join the folks at Surf Sessions and learn surfing technique, water safety and an appreciation for the ocean. Campers surf for half of the day and then come back to the JCC to participate in traditional camp activities. This camp is open to surfers of all skill levels and all equipment is provided.
For grades four thru six, Fred Hanover, a 17-year veteran of the Canadian Professional Golf Tour, leads the golf program of on-course experience and individual attention.
Each day focuses on the fundamentals: chipping, putting, driving and, of course, golf course etiquette. The session concludes with a golf tournament. Even if your camper doesn’t become the next Tiger Woods, the golf camp will reportedly improve skills and understanding of the game. Attendees are asked to wear golf course attire (collared shirt/shorts).
For grades four thru eight looking for some time on the basketball court, players improve their skills and game for next season’s challenges through fun drills. Hoop action is constant, with practicing basketball fundamentals, conditioning, and practice games. Campers enjoy swimming before returning for the afternoon session.
For those in grades four thru eight looking to sharpen their tennis skills, championship caliber instruction, top facilities, and a proven program await to take one’s game to a whole new level.
In the morning, campers focus on improving fundamentals: ground strokes, serves, volleys, match play, strategy, specialty shots, fitness and footwork. Each afternoon of tennis camp includes swimming, fitness activities, and games to develop tennis skills and teamwork. Marc Pinckney, a high school varsity/college tennis coach and Head Teaching pro of the JCC’s Albert A. Hutler Tennis Center, leads this training program.
For those in grades six thru eight looking to take to the outdoors, campers will explore San Diego’s great coastal areas, mountains and desert.
Each day will focus on a particular destination, with emphasis on an introduction to hiking, attention to our natural surroundings, and an opportunity to photograph our discoveries. Hikes will get a little more challenging as the week progresses. Swimming at the “J” will end each day.
Campers should bring a waist belt or small backpack to carry a water bottle or two. Led by Norma Lunney, sports and fitness director at the JCC, and previous outdoor sports director for Canyon Ranch.
Volleyball enthusiasts in grades eight thru ten can take to the volleyball camp, providing an opportunity for the aspiring middle school/high school volleyball player.
These intensive, instructional tune-ups are valuable for those planning to play fall sports. Local high school and travel team coaches will direct the camp and will emphasize developing skills, working on team plays and improving overall fitness. Camp will break for a refreshing swim in the pool.
For more information on any of these summer camps at the JCC, call (858) 457-3030.