For more than 50 years in San Diego and 25 years at the current location in La Jolla, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) has been the place to go for summer sports camps. This summer is proving no different.
The sports camps have more than 100 campers, with ages ranging from 5 to 18. Kids from all over San Diego County attend, but about half are from La Jolla.
A number of different sports options are available for boys and girls throughout the area, according to JCC marketing director Dan Shapiro.
“Not only do campers benefit from team building and sportsmanship through the summer sports camp programs offered at Camp Jaycee, they learn the fundamentals of their chosen sport,” Shapiro said. “Campers are able to expand current skill sets and excel within their athletic abilities while having fun in a safe and caring environment.”
The list of sports options includes swimming, tennis, basketball, sports conditioning, karate, soccer, surfing, flag football, gymnastics, horseback riding, golf and cheerleading.
For campers in Grades K through 1, there is Camp Gesher Sports, with two four-week sessions that run June 25 to July 20 and July 23 through Aug. 17.
Gesher Sports introduces campers to a wide variety of traditional and nontraditional sports. From T-ball to track and field, campers have fun learning basic sports rules, fundamental skills and teamwork.
Each session is complemented with traditional activities, arts and crafts, music, swimming, weekly field trips and more.
Camp Kadima Jr. Sports is for grades 2 through 3 and runs June 25 to July 6; July 23 to Aug. 3; July 9 to 20; and Aug. 6 to 17.
Each week focuses on a new sport, offering children exposure to a variety of athletic opportunities. From traditional sports (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 professionals from 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.
Camp Maccabiah (Jewish Olympics) is held June 25 to July 6; July 23 to Aug. 3; July 9 to 20; and Aug. 6 to 17.
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 sports specialists.
Camp Maccabiah is complemented by visits to Catalina and Los Angeles-area theme parks, rock climbing at Vertical Hold and ocean sports with La Jolla Kayak. Overnights, swimming, weekly field trips, arts and crafts, and music are also involved.
A one-week surf session is held June 25 to July 6.
Participants can master the waves and hit the beach. 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.
One two-week golf session is held Aug. 6 to 17.
The JCC golf camp is an on-course experience with individual attention. Each day focuses on a fundamental: chipping, putting, driving and, of course, golf course etiquette. Campers are asked to wear golf course attire (collared shirt/shorts).
A one-week basketball session is held Aug. 13 to 17.
Instruction includes ball handling, shooting and technical drills for individual and team play. Workouts will include conditioning, game situations and scrimmages.
“Staffed by a talented and fun group of sports counselors and specialists, campers ages 5 to 18 gain invaluable tools to further the love of their specified sport while participating in a competitive yet supportive atmosphere,” Shapiro noted.
Camp Jaycee still has spaces available for the entire summer. The best way to register is to go online at www.lfjcc.org/campjaycee or to call the camp office, (858) 362-1132.