2026 j Camps Parent Handbook
Dear J Camps Families,
WELCOME PAGE
Welcome to an unforgettable summer at J Camps!
J Camps is so much more than a place to fill summer days. It’s a community where young people connect, grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. A community that fosters friendships and creates memories that last a lifetime. Our mission is to provide a meaningful camp experience where every camper can explore their interests, discover their talents and feel like they truly belong.
We warmly welcome campers and families of all backgrounds, regardless of race, faith or background. An important aspect of the J Camps experience includes exposure to Jewish culture and traditions that guide our community and promote acceptance, kindness and respect for all. We weave core Jewish values like responsibility (achreiyut), cooperation (shalom bayit), community (kehillah) and service (avodah) into daily camp life and activities.
Above all, J Camps is a place where children can have fun, feel supported and grow into their best selves. Our dedicated staff is deeply committed to providing every camper with a nurturing, engaging and safe environment.
When summer comes to a close, your child will leave J Camps with more than just great memories. They will carry with them moments of joy, friendship, love and laughter — moments where they truly shined!
Thank you for choosing J Camps. We are honored to share the summer with your family and can’t wait for the memories we’ll create together.
Leslie Holmes Director of Children & Camp
CONTACTING US
Camp staff spend the majority of their day with campers, meaning they are rarely at their desks. The best way to reach a J Camps Leadership Staff is through their email. Please leave a detailed email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
JCC Member Services Desk | 713.729.3200
Camp Director Leslie Holmes | lholmes@erjcchouston.org
Camp BAMI Brianna Barnes | bcbarnes@erjcchouston.org
Bertha Alyce Academy Membership Desk | 713.551.7200
Kinder Camp Director Andrea Wolfe | kindercamp@erjcchouston.org
Kaleidoscope Director Olivia Rangel | orangel@erjcchouston.org
Sports & Specialty Camps Director Hilary Most | hmost@erjcchouston.org
Performing Arts Camps Director Eva de la Cruz | edelacruz@erjcchouston.org
Dance Camps Director Hannah Lovitt | hlovitt@erjcchouston.org
Art Camp Director Debbie Guelzow | dguelzow@erjcchouston.org
Culinary Camp Director
Teen Camps Director Barrie Skalsky | bskalsky@erjcchouston.org
Tennis Camp Director Erik Kiser | Ekiser@erjcchouston.org
Gymnastics Camp Director Tanya Haverly | thaverly@erjcchouston.org
Inclusion Director campercare@erjcchouston.org
Aquatics Team James Browning | jbrowning@erjcchouston.org
Lyric Whittingham | aquatics@erjcchouston.org
GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP HOURS: Monday-Friday | 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
AM CARE HOURS: Monday-Friday | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
PM CARE HOURS: Monday-Friday | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
SENIOR COUNSELORS
• Senior Counselors are 18 years of age or older. At least one Senior Counselor is present in each group.
JUNIOR COUNSELORS
• Junior Counselors are at least 16 years of age and are always at least two years older than the campers in their group. There is not always a Junior Counselor present in a group.
STAFF TO CHILD RATIOS
• J Camps follows the staff to child ratios set by the American Camp Association (ACA). These are as follows:
• For campers entering Kindergarten: 1:6
• For campers entering grades 1-3: 1:8
• For campers entering grades 4-8: 1:10 CAMP DATES *Week 4, no camp Friday, 7/4
FINANCIAL POLICIES
Payment Options
At the time of registration, a $50 deposit is required for each week of camp. The deposit is applied to your total camp fees and is non-refundable. All camp fees must be paid in full by June 17, 2026.
Installment Details
• Payment can be made in full or in four auto-debited monthly installments via ACH (bank account) or credit card.
• The deposit is due at the time of registration, regardless of the payment method.
• If paying in installments, the four equal payments will be auto-debited on the following dates:
• Tuesday, March 17
• Friday, April 17
• Tuesday, May 19
• Wednesday, June 17
Late Registrations
For registrations made on or after March 17, the deposit and any installments for the months that have already passed must be paid immediately.
Credit Card/Debit Card Fees
A 3% non-refundable processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions for J Camps. Please note that debit cards are processed as credit transactions and are therefore subject to the same 3% processing fee. To avoid this fee, we recommend adding an ACH (bank account) as your stored payment method. This lets you pay directly from your bank with no extra charge.
REFUND POLICY
Camp Changes
A change occurs when a camper’s schedule changes, but the number of weeks remains the same.
• $25 administration fee per change, per camper starting May 4, 2026.
• If a camper changes to a more expensive camp, they must pay the difference at the time of the change.
• If the new camp is cheaper, the difference will be posted as credit to the camper’s household account and will be applied to future camp payments.
• If there is any remaining camp credit after June 17, 2026, a refund will be issued to the original form of payment no later than August 14, 2026.
Cancellations
FINANCIAL POLICIES (continued)
FINANCIAL POLICIES (Continues)
CANCELLATIONS
A cancellation is when a camper’s number of weeks decreases (i.e., from seven weeks to five weeks of camp).
• Cancellations made between registration and five business days before the camp week starts will result in a credit minus the $50.00 non-refundable deposit. The credit will be posted to the household account and will be applied to future camp payments.
• If there is any remaining camp credit after June 17, 2026, a refund will be issued to the original form of payment no later than August 14, 2026.
• No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations within five business days of the camp start date.
• No deductions or prorated fees for partial sessions or absences unless your child attends a Jewish sleep-away camp and the dates conflict with J Camps. You must notify the camp office of the dates by May 4, 2026; no exceptions.
Camp Program Cancellations by the J
• The J reserves the right to cancel any camp program due to insufficient enrollment. If this occurs, every effort will be made to accommodate registered campers in other programs. If we cannot accommodate them, a full refund will be issued.
• The J reserves the right to request that a camper leave the camp because of a violation of the camp regulations or because of personal conduct that interferes with the health or welfare of themselves or others. Should this occur, the camper will be withdrawn from camp and no refund will be issued.
• Camper forms are available to complete as soon as you register for camp. All camper forms are due on May 4, 2026. A camper with incomplete forms after May 4 will be with drawn from camp and no refund will be issued.
COMMUNICATION
At J Camps, we provide families with excellent communication both before camp and throughout the summer. However, there may be times when you need to reach out with questions.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT CAMP?
• Camp directors are actively engaged in camp activities during the summer and may not always be at their desks, making phone communication more difficult. For the fastest response, please email your questions, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
WHAT COMMUNICATION SHOULD I EXPECT?
• Pre-Camp Email: On the Tuesday before your child’s camp session begins, you will receive an email from the camp director with specific instructions and any special items to pack for camp. The director will also provide a list of campers in your child’s group (for Camp BAMI, Kinder, and Kaleidoscope only).
• Weekly Wrap-Up: Every Friday, you will receive an email summarizing the week’s activities and highlights.
• Photos: Throughout the summer, we will post pictures in a shared album via Waldo. Additional instructions on how to access these photos will be sent in the weekly emails.
WHO DO I CONTACT?
For Carpool or Schedule Changes:
• Subject Line: CARPOOL CHANGE or SCHEDULE CHANGE
• Camp BAMI: Email campbami@erjcchouston.org and copy jbendetson@erjcchouston.org
• Kaleidoscope: Email orangel@erjcchouston.org and copy kalasstdir@erjcchouston.org
• Kinder: Email awolfe@erjcchouston.org or kcrowder@erjcchouston.org
• K-9 Camps: Email your camp director and copy rbohanan@erjcchouston.org
For General Camp Questions:
Email: rbohanan@erjcchouston.org
THEME DAYS
At J Camps, theme days are a favorite tradition! Every Wednesday brings a new dress-up theme, and we can’t wait to see the creativity our campers, counselors and directors bring to life each week. This year’s themes are: Pre-Camp: No Theme
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
It’s Your Moment to Chill! Wear your favorite pajamas to camp.
It’s Your Moment to Be Colorful! Wear the rainbow to camp.
It’s Your Moment to Be Sporty! Wear something with your favorite sports team’s logo.
WEEK 4 NO THEME
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
It’s Your Moment to Shine! Wear your brightest colors, neons and sparkles.
It’s Your Moment to Be a Character! Come as your favorite character from a book, movie or TV show.
It’s Your Moment to Be Wild! Wear animal print or safari gear.
It’s Your Moment to Be a Hero! Come as your favorite superhero.
It’s Your Moment to Be Wacky! Wear mismatched clothes, bold patterns, backward outfits or style your hair in the silliest or most unexpected way.
FOOD POLICIES
WHAT TO PACK EACH DAY
• Camp BAMI & Kinder Campers: Two labeled, nut-free snacks.
• All Campers: A labeled, nut-free lunch in its own bag. A labeled, reusable water bottle. A labeled, nut-free snack.
• Important: The J does not provide snacks for day campers. Please pack snacks and lunch separately.
WHAT THE J PROVIDES:
• Challah every Friday to celebrate Shabbat.
• A kosher snack for campers staying for PM Care. (You may also pack your own if preferred.)
• Special camp days when campers receive kosher treats and snacks.
LUNCH ORDERING FROM LAYKIE’S CAFÉ:
If you prefer not to pack lunch, you can order from Laykie’s Café.
• Pre-order required via the lunch form. Same-day purchases are not allowed—campers may only receive lunch if it was pre-ordered.
• Payment must be made directly to Laykie’s Café by the Friday before camp starts.
• PM Care campers cannot purchase snacks from the café in the afternoons.
BIRTHDAYS AT CAMP:
• Celebrate with a nut-free, kosher, pre-packaged snack.
• Contact the camp director in advance to arrange a time for the birthday treat.
FOOD ALLERGIES & RESTRICTIONS:
• It is important to notify camp of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• We take allergies and food restrictions very seriously and will make all reasonable accommodations to ensure campers can safely participate in food-related activities.
For questions about food, email the camp office at rbohanan@erjcchouston.org.
WHAT TO BRING/LOST & FOUND
CAMPERS SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH THEM EACH DAY:
• A nut-free lunch
• A nut-free snack
• Water bottle
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP:
• ELECTRONICS: We strive to provide a program free from video games, cell phones, audio players, toys and other distractions. Please do NOT allow your child to bring any of these items with them to camp. Kids will be busy throughout the day and these items will not be needed. These items also tend to get lost or misplaced when brought to camp.
• MONEY: Campers will not need money while at camp or on field trips. Children will not be permitted to purchase food items from Laykie’s Cafe or on field trips during camp hours. Additional money is not needed and should not be sent.
LOST & FOUND
The JCC does not assume responsibility, beyond reasonable care, for the personal property of campers. Children are responsible for their own items. Please label all items with your child’s first and last name so they can be returned to your child’s counselor when they are found. Every effort will be made to return lost items if they have been labeled. Misplaced items will be gathered each day. Unclaimed or unlabeled items left or found will be placed in a Lost & Found box on the second floor. Any items left at the end of the summer will be donated.
TRANSPORTATION
Carpool tags will be mailed on or before May 4, 2026. If your family enrolls after May 4, please come to the J to pick up your tags at the front desk. When entering the carpool line, please ensure your tag is hanging from your rearview mirror. Any car without a carpool tag will be required to park, walk up to the walk-up table, and show identification for pickup. No exceptions.
MORNING DROPOFF OPTIONS
The morning carpool for all camps is 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM. Parents may use the carpool line or park and walk into the J for camper drop-off.
MAIN J CAMPUS
CAR DROP-OFF:
• BAMI Only Campers: Cars should enter and exit through the gate on Braeswood and follow the PINK path on the map.
• BAMI + Older Campers (excluding Kaleidoscope):
• Option 1: Cars may enter the Braeswood gate, follow the PINK path, and drop off all campers at Bertha Alyce. A staff member will escort the older campers to their respective camps.
• Option 2: Cars may enter through the Atwell gate, follow the BLUE path, and stop at the Samuels Family Community Pavilion (Main J) to drop off older campers, then merge onto the GREEN path to drop off BAMI campers.
• Note: BAMI campers cannot be dropped off at the Main J.
• Kaleidoscope Campers:
• All Kaleidoscope campers who are bussed to Merfish must be dropped off by 8:45 AM using the BLUE path.
• If the car also has BAMI campers, merge into the GREEN path to drop them off at Bertha Alyce and exit through the Braeswood gate.
WALK-IN DROP-OFF:
• If you wish to walk your child inside, you may park along the fence next to the Main J.
• Parents/guardians must have Brivo credentials to enter the building.
• Once inside, walk your camper to the auditorium, where a J Camps staff member will accompany them to their group.
Camp Kaleidoscope/Merfish Drop-Off:
• Cars will enter through the north gate and pull up to the porte-cochère in front of the building.
• Cars will exit through the south gate and turn right onto S. Rice.
TRANSPORTATION (Continues)
PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and accessibility, the J has a pedestrian crosswalk at Atwell and Queensloch. This includes ramps on both sides of the street and a pedestrian gate to make crossing easier and safer for all. We kindly ask that you remain alert and use caution near this area and in our parking lots as well, as pedestrians and children may be crossing.
Want to avoid sitting in the carpool line? Consider parking in the neighborhood and using the pedestrian crosswalk for drop-off or pickup!
Please note that the pedestrian gate operates with normal business hours.
TRANSPORTATION (Continues)
AFTERNOON PICKUP OPTIONS
Afternoon carpool starts at 3:30 PM. All parents/guardians picking up children must have their carpool tag hanging from the rear-view mirror. If you do not have a carpool tag, you will be asked to show a valid picture ID.
MAIN J CAMPUS
• Cars with BAMI-only campers should enter and exit through the gate at Braeswood. Please refer to the PINK path on the map.
• Cars with a combination of BAMI and older campers should enter the gate on Braeswood, stop at the Main J for their first pickup, then merge with the GREEN line to continue on to Bertha Alyce for BAMI campers.
• All other cars should enter the gate on Atwell and pick up in front of the Main J. Please refer to the BLUE path on the map.
• All parents/guardians picking up children must have their carpool tag hanging from the rear-view mirror. If you do not have a carpool tag, you will be asked to park, walk to the walk-up table and present a valid picture ID.
WALK-UP PICKUP
• NEW LOCATION! Walk-up pick-ups will be in front of the Weingarten side of the building.
• We recommend parking in the neighborhood and walking in through the pedestrian gate to come into the parking lot.
• There will be a sign-out table in front of the entrance near the stairs.
• Parents must show their carpool tag and wait in line at the bottom of the stairs until their camper is brought out.
• Please DO NOT go inside the J for walk-up pickup.
EARLY PICKUP
• Early pickup at the Main J must happen by 3:00 PM. No exceptions.
• After 3:00 PM, all campers must be picked up in the carpool line or parents can join the walk-up line just outside the entrance of the building.
• Please do not wait for your camper in the lobby, as this disrupts the flow of carpool staging and the counselors walking campers to carpool do not have a way to check your carpool tag.
CAMP KALEIDOSCOPE/MERFISH
• Afternoon carpool starts at 3:30 PM.
• All parents/guardians picking up children must have their carpool tag hanging on their rear-view mirror. If you do not have a carpool tag, you will be asked to park and present a valid picture ID.
• Early pick up at the Merfish must happen by 2:45 PM daily.
• Parents may park and walk up to the front door to get their child.
TRANSPORTATION (Continues)
WEST HOUSTON BUS
MORNINGS:
• The West Houston (WH) bus is available to transport campers to/from West Houston.
• The bus will load from Temple Sinai 13875 Brimhurst Drive Houston 77077.
• The bus will depart at 8:00 AM sharp.
• Please call Rene Kariel at 281-556-5567 if your plans change and your child will not be riding the WH bus in the morning or afternoon.
• The bus will stop at the Main J and the Merfish and campers will be escorted to their camp groups.
AFTERNOONS:
• The bus will pick up campers from the Merfish and the Main J and should arrive at Temple Sinai around 4:15 PM.
We will communicate if the bus will be later than expected for any reason. Parents can join the West Houston Bus Parent Whatsapp group for up-to-date communication. https://chat.whatsapp.com/I2kODs0hKCm5DsfqeO4Utv
AM CARE
• AM Care is available 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM at the Main J for all campers including Kaleidoscope.
• Parents must park and walk their children into the building for AM Care.
• A J staff member will meet them in the lobby and counselors will escort them to their camp rooms.
AM care for BAMI will be at Bertha Alyce. BAMI campers must be dropped off at Bertha Alyce.
PM CARE
• PM Care is available from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM.
• All PM Care activities, including Kaleidoscope, will take place at the Main J.
• Campers at the Merfish who are enrolled in PM Care will be transported by bus to the Main J, where they will be escorted to their PM Care rooms.
• Only campers enrolled in PM Care will be bussed from the Merfish.
• PM Care campers will be downstairs and available for carpool pickup from 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM.
• Parents must park and walk into the Main J for pickup before 5:15 PM.
• Parents must present their carpool tag to the J staff member at the table just inside the lobby. Campers will then be escorted down for pickup.
BAMI PM Care will be at Bertha Alyce. BAMI campers will be picked up at Bertha Alyce.
HEALTH POLICIES
All camper forms are due on May 4, 2026. A camper with incomplete forms will not be allowed to start camp and will be withdrawn without a refund. Campers who register after May 4 will have 72 hours to complete their forms or be withdrawn without a refund.
Prior to attending J Camps, each camper must submit a current health history form that includes:
• Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: A record of any allergies (food, environmental or medical) and dietary restrictions.
• Medications: A list of all current medications, including prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.
• Past Health Treatments: Information on significant past treatments or medical conditions.
• Immunizations: A signed statement confirming all school-required immunizations are up to date, including the date of the last tetanus shot. Acceptable documentation includes physician statements, government reports or school records.
• Current Conditions: Descriptions of any physical, mental, emotional or social health conditions, including treatments or restrictions.
• Activity Restrictions: Identification of camp activities the camper should be exempt from for health reasons.
• Permission to Treat: Signed permission to provide routine healthcare, administer medications and seek emergency services.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
J Camps requires the following for all campers:
• Full name and birth date.
• Home address.
• Name, address and phone number of the parent/guardian (including business and cell numbers).
• Emergency contact information for additional individuals.
CAMPER HEALTH AND WELLNESS POLICY
At J Camps, we are committed to maintaining the health, safety and well-being of all campers, staff and visitors. This policy ensures compliance with the highest standards of health and safety, including addressing special health needs to create an inclusive environment for all.
• Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible under the following circumstances:
• The camper has a fever, vomiting or symptoms of a contagious illness.
• The camper experiences an injury that may require medical evaluation, such as a possible fracture, head injury or severe sprain.
• The camper requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
• The camper must leave camp early due to illness or injury.
• Emergency services (911) are called or the camper needs to be transported to a medical facility.
HEALTH POLICIES (Continues)
CAMPER HEALTH AND WELLNESS POLICY (CONTINUES)
• The camper has a significant allergic reaction or asthma episode.
• For minor issues (small scrapes, minor bumps or brief complaints that resolve quickly), our staff will provide basic first aid and continue to monitor the camper. These minor incidents may be communicated at pick-up or through routine camp communication rather than an immediate phone call.
• Please ensure your contact information and emergency contacts are current so we can reach you quickly if needed.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
J Camps ensures access to required healthcare equipment, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), within the recommended timeframe and staffed by trained personnel. Emergency healthcare procedures are shared with all necessary personnel.
MEDICATION STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
• All medications are stored under lock except when controlled by authorized personnel.
• Prescription drugs are administered only under licensed prescriber directions by the camp nurse.
• Nonprescription drugs follow written procedures or parental instructions.
• Life-saving medications (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens) may be carried by campers or staff as necessary.
RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING
J Camps maintains:
• Permanent records of health incidents, including dates, descriptions, treatments and personnel involved.
• Reports of all incidents requiring professional medical treatment.
FIRST AID KITS
Stocked first aid kits, including personal protective equipment, are readily available at:
• Aquatic areas
• Specialized activity areas
• Out-of-camp trip locations
• Food service areas
• Camp vehicles
ACCIDENT AND INJURY
All staff are certified in first aid, CPR and AED use. If a camper is injured, first aid will be administered on-site and parents will be notified by the camp nurse or director. If the injury requires more than basic first aid:
• 9-1-1 will be called and the camper will be transported to the hospital at the discretion of emergency responders. Parents will be notified immediately.
• If you cannot arrive before the ambulance leaves, a J Camps staff member will accompany your child to the hospital.
HEALTH POLICIES (Continues)
FOOD ALLERGIES
J Camps is a nut-free camp. Please do not send food containing nuts for lunch or snacks.
• Complete the allergy section of the camper forms.
• If your child requires an EpiPen, send it to camp in a labeled container. It will stay with the camper throughout the day.
SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY
Campers should arrive at camp with sunscreen and bug spray already applied.
• Campers can bring labeled sunscreen and bug spray to camp.
• Staff will help younger campers reapply if needed.
• Sunscreen and bug spray cannot be shared between campers.
INCLUSION
At J Camps, we value each camper’s unique needs and are committed to their social and emotional well-being. As part of the J’s commitment to inclusion, we have a seasonal inclusion director on our J Camps staff. We will hire and train dedicated aides to create personalized inclusion plans, ensuring every child feels supported and successful. The inclusion director will serve as a resource for staff and will keep parents informed about any challenges.
The J Camps inclusion program is generously underwritten by the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation Endowment Fund and the Lillian Kaiser Lewis Foundation.
OT AND SPEECH THERAPIST POLICY
Campers may continue to see their OT or speech therapist while at camp. Space and time slots are limited, so please contact the camp director to schedule a session.
DISCIPLINE POLICIES
J Camps is committed to providing a safe, supervised and fun experience for all campers. While minor behavioral issues are a normal part of camp, more severe behaviors—such as intentional kicking, unprovoked hitting, biting or bullying—will result in the following steps:
• First Incident: Parents will receive a phone call from the camp director explaining the situation and reviewing the behavior policy.
• Second Incident: Parents will receive another call and a behavior modification plan will be developed. A one-day suspension (without refund) may be issued.
• Third Incident: A third incident may result in further suspension or immediate expulsion from camp without a refund.
Parents of all campers involved in an incident will be contacted to ensure transparency and proper handling. Please discuss appropriate camp behavior with your child.
SWIMMING
All camps hosted at the Main J will have the opportunity to experience our state-of-the-art aquatics facilities. Kaleidoscope campers will enjoy the Merfish pool at their own private oasis of fun.
INSTRUCTIONAL SWIM
Campers enrolled in Camp BAMI, STARS, Kinder Camp and Camp Kaleidoscope (1st and 2nd grade) will participate in instructional swim as part of their J Camps experience. These sessions will take place Monday to Thursday with Friday designated for recreational free swim. BAMI and Kinder campers will utilize the indoor pool for instructional swim and the outdoor shallow recreational pool for free swim. Kaleidoscope campers will enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool at the Merfish.
Our swim classes at the J prioritize teaching children of all skill levels to become water-safe and confident swimmers for life. Your child will develop a strong foundation of skills and water safety awareness through our structured and fun swimming classes. We are excited to welcome campers, whether this is their first swimming experience or if they’re looking to advance their skills.
On their first two days of camp, campers will undergo an evaluation to determine the appropriate swim level, taking into account age and ability.
· All camp swim classes maintain a 4:1 ratio of swimmers to instructors.
· Each swim lesson will last 30 minutes.
· The indoor pool is kept at a water temperature of 86-88 degrees. The Merfish outdoor pool is kept at a water temperature of 82-85 degrees.
· Swim progress reports will be emailed to parents on the following days: June 16, June 26, July 17, July 24 and July 31.
· Instructional swim will take place during weeks 1-3 and 5-8 for BAMI, Kinder and Kaleidoscope camps.
RECREATIONAL SWIM
All other camps will have daily recreational swim (Monday-Friday) in our outdoor recreational pools at the Main J or Merfish depending on where the camp is located.
Camp BAMI, Kinder Camp, and Camp Kaleidoscope will have recreational swim on Fridays and during weeks when instructional swim is not offered. View our pool rules here.
THE SWIM TEST
For the safety of our swimmers, we test all campers under the age of 13 wanting to swim in water beyond 3.5 feet to assess swimming abilities before engaging in water activity at the pool.
SWIMMING
OUR SWIM TEST CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS:
1. Jump into water at least 6 feet deep and submerge.
2. Recover by treading or floating for 30 seconds without touching the wall, grabbing the lane rope or going underwater.
3. Swim 25 yards of freestyle unassisted immediately after treading or floating. Swimmers must exhibit breath control and swim with their face in the water except to take a breath. Swimmers must move forward horizontally through the water and swim a recognizable stroke.
Campers must pass all parts of the swim test to swim in the deeper areas of the pool.
Campers will receive a red wristband upon passing the swim test. This will indicate to our aquatics team and camp counselors that your camper passed the swim test, allowing them to swim anywhere in the pool. Campers who do not pass the swim test must stay in the shallow area of our pools. We have a limited number of US Coast Guard approved lifejackets available for campers to wear.
THE SLIDE
Campers must be at least 48 inches tall to use the slide in our recreational pool at the Main J.
PREPARING FOR J CAMPS SWIM
Please prepare your camper with the following for swim days:
· Swimsuit
· Towel
· Sunscreen – This must be applied before the camp day begins. Kaleidoscope and specialty campers participating in recreational swim will be outdoors. Flip flops/Crocs – Shoes that are easily removeable and can get wet.
We encourage children to be comfortable swimming without goggles until they are in our intermediate level or higher. Your camper can bring goggles, as we do not have goggles to provide.
WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about our instructional swim program or the swim test, please contact aquatics@erjcchouston.org