Mandel JCC J-Day Camps Brochure 2026 by Mandel JCC of Cleveland

SUMMER 2026

A New Adventure is Waiting for You.

J-Day Camps is where nature inspires and creativity takes the stage. Through progressive programming, campers participate in age-appropriate activities that offer a new experience level each year. Don’t miss out on a summer packed with adventure, laughter and memories that will last a lifetime. Enroll your kids for the summer in Anisfield Day Camp or Performing Arts Camp, or a mix of both.

NEW IN SUMMER 2026

OLIM VILLAGE

A brand-new service and excursion-based summer experience for rising 7th graders!

ENHANCED PAC PROGRAMMING

An even-better-than-ever Pilloff Performing Arts Camp experience is on its way, including masterclasses, technical theater, and playwriting.

STEM EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE

In this new and improved specialty track, campers will learn the ins and outs of care for horses and the basic fundamentals of horseback riding.

J-Day Camp Values

J-Day Camps are guided by strongly-held Jewish values that shape our community. We infuse our Jewish values throughout our programming, including weekly Kabbalat Shabbat, learning Hebrew songs and words, and celebrating Israeli culture with the help of incredible Israeli counselors.

• Kehillah vkhve – Community

• Klal Yisrael ktrah kkf – Unity of the Jewish People

• Hachnasat Orchim ohjrit ,xbfv – Welcoming All

• Tikkun Olam okum iueh, – Repairing the World

• Chesed sxj – Kindness

• Shmirat Haguf V’hanefesh apbvu ;udv ,rhna – Caring for Body and Soul

American Camp Association

J-Day Camps are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. ACA accreditation requires a rigorous process that includes a detailed analysis of our J-Day Camp policies, procedures and practices.

QUESTIONS?

Anisfield Day Camp

Grade K • Adama (Earth) • Safran Park • Beachwood

ART

Campers participate in daily art instruction and explore creativity through multiple mediums. From watercolors to 3D sculptures and everything in between, campers enjoy projects infused with Judaism, nature and STEAM as they express themselves.

MAKERSPACE

Play-Doh, Magnatiles and Kinetic Sand – what could be better?! Adama campers take on STEAM-based challenges. Makerspace encourages collaboration, tinkering, fine motor skill development and problem-solving as campers become confident creators.

SPORTS

Through soccer, capture the flag, T-ball, gaga ball and more, campers develop new skills, practice teamwork and have a blast! Adama campers also enjoy yoga and fitness challenges that encourage them to enjoy being active!

Kef – Israeli Culture

Kef, which means ‘fun’ is a fan-favorite and a camp hightlight. Campers are able to connect to Judaism and Israeli culture through cooking, art, music, dance and creative programming. These activities are led by a Mishlachat, a member of our Israeli staff.

MINDFULNESS

Campers build self-awareness as they learn techniques to navigate emotions and practice empathy. Through creative activities, campers celebrate individuality and community.

SWIM

Adama campers participate in both instructional and free swim. Under the guidance of the Mandel JCC’s aquatics staff, campers gain new skills in and out of the water.

MUSIC/DANCE/DRAMA

Song circles, creative dance and dramatic play allow children to flex their imaginations. Daily arts and music experiences infuse camp with song and dance and give campers space to find and celebrate their voices.

TEVA & Outdoor Play

Gardening, outdoor play, and the great outdoors, oh my! Campers will explore their outdoor environment, build fine motor skills through tactile play and exploration outdoors, and have a blast in our community garden.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

Adama campers will be introduced to new and thrilling experiences from stepping inside bubbles to fascinating wildlife encounters, each session is designed to spark curiosity and expand their horizon.

SAFETY TOWN

Campers participate in a high-level Safety Town experience, learning about emergency preparedness, fire safety, weather, traffic, street-crossing and stranger safety. Safety Town is included in Adama registration and takes place all right here at camp during Session 3!

Anisfield Day Camp

Grade 1 • Mayim (Water) • Safran Park • Beachwood

ART

STEAM

Campers will engineer, create, build and play through hands-on sensory exploration. At Discovery Stations, Mayim campers will be introduced to a variety of materials as they practice problem-solving, tinker and follow their own curiosities!

SPORTS

Through soccer, flag football, kickball, gaga ball and more, campers develop new skills, practice teamwork and have a blast! Mayim campers also enjoy yoga and fitness challenges that encourage them to enjoy being active!

KEF – ISRAELI CULTURE

MUSIC/DANCE/DRAMA

SWIM

Mayim campers participate in both instructional and free swim. Under the guidance of the Mandel JCC’s aquatics staff, campers gain new skills in and out of the water.

TEVA & OUTDOOR PLAY

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

Mayim campers will be introduced to new and thrilling experiences from stepping inside bubbles to fascinating wildlife encounters, each session is designed to spark curiosity and expand their horizon.

First grade campers have the choice of location between Beachwood and Burton.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

8:30 am Drop Off

9 am Rock the Rock

9:15 am Snack + Group Time

9:40 am Swim Lessons

10:20 am Free Swim

11 am Outdoor Play + Zumba

11:40 am Lunch

12:20 pm Sports

1 pm Dance

1:40 pm Teva

2:20 pm Art

3 pm Music

3:40 pm Pick Up

Anisfield Day Camp

Grade 1 • Shoresh (Root) • Halle Park • Burton

Anisfield campers will enjoy our beautiful, wooded property in Burton, Ohio. Campers love exploring all that Halle Park has to offer, including swimming in our outdoor pool, boating on the lake, and trying their hand at archery!

ART

Campers will participate in daily art instruction and explore creativity through multiple mediums. Projects infused with Judaism, nature, STEAM and camp values allow campers to find new ways to express themselves.

SPORTS

Get ready for an action packed summer with a wide variety of sports! Through, flag football, volleyball, basketball and gaga ball, campers develop new teamwork skills in active play. Shoresh campers will also participate in low impact activities such as yoga.

Kef – Israeli Culture

MUSIC/DANCE

Song circles, creative movement and dramatic play allow children to flex their imaginations. They will be introduced to beloved camp traditions and will find themselves singing and dancing all year long.

SWIM

Shoresh campers participate in both instructional and free swim. Under the guidance our Red Cross certified aquatics staff, campers gain new skills in and out of the water.

LAKE

Campers will engage in age appropriate water play at our Halle Park lakefront where they can enjoy jumping on our lake toys, learning basic boating principles and making sand castles!

TEVA

What better way to explore our beautiful campus than through an immersive Teva (Nature) program? Campers will embark on thrilling hikes on Halle Park trails, discover the beauty through bird watching and plant identification and get hands on in our camp garden.

First grade campers have the choice of location between Beachwood and Burton.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

8:30 am Drop Off at Safran Park

9:30 am Arrive at Halle Park and Rock the Rock

9:45 am Teva

10:25 am Swim Lessons

11:05 am Free Swim

11:45 am Lunch

1:05 pm Music

1:45 pm Art

2:25 pm Group Time

3:00 pm Closing Activity

3:40 pm Pick up at Safran Park

Anisfield Day Camp

Grades 2-3 • Geza (Trunk) • Halle Park • Burton

Anisfield campers in grades 2-3 will enjoy our beautiful, wooded property in Burton, Ohio, where they will participate in Camp 360, Athletics, and/or Creative Arts. Geza campers are invited to customize their camp experience by choosing from a variety of program offerings as they embark on a one-of-a-kind camp experience. Geza campers love exploring all that Halle Park has to offer, including swimming in our outdoor pool, boating on the lake, and trying their hand at archery!

Each major will have the opportunity to swim every day and have the chance to go to the lake and archery.

CAMP 360

Looking to get the best of all things camp? Camp 360 is the program for you! Geza 360 campers will have a chance to enjoy it all, getting creative in Arts & Crafts, exploring the outdoors in Teva, and competing at Sports. From the Lake to the Pool and everywhere in between, Geza 360 campers will build community, try new things, and have the time of their lives!

ATHLETICS INTENSIVE

Geza Athletics campers will do a deep dive into sports! They will spend extra time immersed in building and honing athletic skills. Through drills, games, and scrimmages, campers will experience a variety of athletic offerings, practice teamwork, and skillbuild. We can’t wait to see your athlete on our basketball and pickleball courts or on the soccer and football field!

CREATIVE ARTS INTENSIVE

Geza Creative Arts Campers will explore the world of visual arts in addition to regular camp programming. Through the Creative Arts Intensive, campers will explore their artistic vision and master a variety of mediums and techniques. Creative Arts campers enjoy building their own portfolio through painting, sculpting, mixed media collaging, graffiti, jewelrymaking, and more.

STEM EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE SPECIALTY TRACK

Join our STEM Equestrian Experience Specialty Track for an exciting introduction to equine care! Through our hands-on, agriculture-based STEM program, campers will learn all about horses. Campers will safely interact with horses while learning about grooming, feeding, and holistic care. While riding is a part of the fun, the focus of this program is on providing excellent care for our equine friends. The program takes place at an off-site barn, where campers will also have the opportunity to see other animals, such as chickens, dogs, and cats.

Intensives subject to change

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

8:30 am Drop Off at Safran Park

9:30 am Arrive at Halle Park and Rock the Rock

9:45 am Music or Art

10:25 am Sports or Archery

11:05 am Lake

11:45 am Free Swim

12:25 pm Lunch

1:05 pm Teva or Dance

2:25 pm Elective

3 pm Closing Activity 3:40 pm Pick up at Safran Park

INTENSIVES

Anisfield Day Camp

GradEs 4-6

• Anaf (Branches) • Halle Park • Burton

Anisfield campers in grades 4-6 will enjoy our beautiful, wooded property in Burton, Ohio, where they will participate in Camp 360, Athletics, and/ or Creative Arts.

Anaf campers will enjoy programming that grows as they do, including the chance to choose how to spend portions of their camp day and progressive programming that allows them to balance immersion in activities they love with chances to find new passions.

Anaf campers are invited to customize their camp experience by choosing Camp 360 or an Intensive or Specialty Track – or, to mix and match their way to the summer of their dreams! Campers connect as a village and grow together as they swim, boat, hike, and create!

NEW! Chugim are the “choice” blocks offered to campers in which they can choose from a wide range of interesting and fun activities four times a week.

ATHLETICS INTENSIVE

Anaf Athletics campers will do a deep dive into sports! In addition to regular camp programming, they will spend extra time immersed in building and honing athletic skills. Through drills, games, and scrimmages, campers will experience a variety of athletic offerings, practice teamwork, and skill-build. We can’t wait to see your athlete on our basketball and pickleball courts or on the soccer and football field!

CREATIVE ARTS INTENSIVE

Anaf Creative Arts Campers will explore the word of visual arts in addition to regular camp programming. Through the Creative Arts Intensive, campers will explore their artistic vision and master a variety of mediums and techniques. Campers enjoy building

their own portfolio through painting, sculpting, mixed media collaging, graffiti, jewelry-making, and more.

CAMP 360

Looking to get the best of all things camp? Camp 360 is the program for you! Anaf 360 campers will have a chance to enjoy it all, getting creative in Arts & Crafts, exploring the outdoors in Teva, and competing at Sports. From the Lake to the Pool and everywhere in between, Anaf 360 campers will hone skills, develop lifelong friendships, and have a blast!

STEM EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE SPECIALTY TRACK

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

8:30 am Drop Off at Safran Park

9:30 am Arrive at Halle Park and Rock the Rock

9:45 am Music

10:25 am Sports

11:05 am Lake

11:45 am Free Swim

12:25 pm Lunch

1:05 pm Teva

1:45 pm Archery

2:25 pm Elective

3 pm Closing Activity

3:40 pm Pick up at Safran Park

INTENSIVES

Athletics and Creative Arts campers will spend a significant portion of their camp day in their Intensive, while also enjoying Halle Park specials and camp programming.

Anisfield Day Camp

GradE 7 • olim (to rise) • Halle Park • Burton

New this summer, Anisfield’s rising 7th graders will have their best summer yet! As a cohort, our Olim Village will grow, adventure, and connect. Through a variety of carefully crafted field trips and on-site experiences, Olim campers will develop leadership skills, give back to their community, explore Cleveland through many lenses, and have a blast enjoying beloved camp programs.

Through programming created specifically to meet the needs and interests of this middle school age group, Olim will offer our oldest Anisfield campers a summer of fun, experiential learning, tikkun olam, community-building, and memories to last a lifetime.

FIELD TRIPS

Olim campers will spend several days each week off-site, enjoying a variety of field trips connected to each session’s theme. Campers will see Cleveland and Northeast Ohio’s natural beauty, arts and culture, museums, local businesses, and more.

VOLUNTEERING

Campers will experience hands-on volunteer opportunities in the greater Cleveland area and right here at camp! Through tikkun olam opportunities, Olim campers will give back to their communities and make memories while making a difference.

CHOICE

Olim campers will choose aspects of their camp week, picking from a menu of options at Halle Park. What could be better than extra Lake Time, bonus Art, or tie-dyeing with your friends?! Sign us up!

NEW!

Olim will start their day with drop-off and Rock the Rock with the full J-Day Camps community. Olim days will be spent either off-site enjoying a variety of field trip offerings, in service projects, or at Halle Park, where they will choose from all that there is to love about Anisfield.

The Ultimate Sleepover

We are once again partnering with Camp Wise, Mandel JCC’s overnight camp located on the other side of the Halle Park lake, for the popular J-Day Camps Goes to Camp Wise.

J-Day Camps Goes To Camp Wise

June 22-June 25 • Grades 4-6 July 20-July 23 • Grades 2-3

Campers who register for J-Day Camps Goes To Camp Wise will get a best-of-both-worlds experience, splitting a session between J-Day Camps and Camp Wise and participating in Camp 360 or Performing Arts Camp for the remainder of that session.

Campers enrolled in this experience will start their session in their J-Day Camps program. During the second week of that J-Day Camps session, they will be greeted by the Camp Wise team at The J before heading out to Wise. After their days at Camp Wise, they will finish the session back at J-Day Camps for a culminating Kabbalat Shabbat with their group.

J-Day Camps Goes To Camp Wise campers will have the opportunity to experience Camp Wise with their J-Day Camps Goes To Camp Wise group and counselors, all while living in a village and experiencing all that Camp Wise has to offer!

Performing Arts Camp

GradEs K-8 • safran Park • Beachwood

An extension of our Playmakers Youth Theatre program, The J’s Performing Arts Camp (PAC) is a place for campers of all experience levels to stretch their imaginations, gain confidence on and off the stage, find their voices and build lifelong friendships. Through playing a character, singing their hearts out and nurturing instruction that celebrates each individual’s creativity, PAC campers grow as performers and people.

PAC campers participate in theater classes and electives, enjoy fun in the sun, swim and express themselves through visual art. Each day, campers in grades K-5 rehearse a play written by Emma Miller, with roles specifically developed to showcase each individual. Our sixth- through eighth-grade campers dive deeply into theatrical storytelling, bringing well-known characters and scenes to the stage. All campers rehearse daily and enjoy specials such as improv, costume design, masterclasses, Scene Stealers, and Playmympics. They will also enjoy new-and-improved offerings in playwriting, technical theater, creative movement, and voice.

The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family

Performing Arts Camp

Nitzotzot • GradEs K-1 • safran Park • Beachwood

PROGRAMMING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DAILY SPECIALS:

MUSIC

From camp classics to Broadway tunes, campers will sing their hearts out, engage in musical games, build their own instruments and explore their voices.

DANCE & CREATIVE MOVEMENT

Get grooving through yoga, gymnastics, prop-play, ribbon dancing, make-believe movement and the ins and outs of dance.

DRAMA & IMPROV

In drama, campers will stretch their imaginations, explore storytelling, play and create characters and try their hand at improvising!

ART

Sewing, mask-making and favorite camper crafts oh-my! Campers will participate in art and crafts projects and put their skills to work creating costume pieces and designing their own puppets

SWIM

Mayim campers participate in both instructional and free swim. Under the guidance of the Mandel JCC’s aquatics staff, campers gain new skills in and out of the water.

OUTDOOR PLAY

Through guided outdoor play, Nitzotzot campers will enjoy fun-inthe-sun, nature walks and gardening.

CREATORS’ CORNER

Each day, campers will have choice time using a variety of artistic mediums to respond to a prompt. This ageappropriate opportunity to make and share art will help spark and honor the creativity in each camper.

REHEARSAL

Campers will rehearse their very own show, complete with a character, speaking lines, choreography and singing solos for each camper, regardless of prior experience. The nurturing and educational rehearsal experience is geared specifically to young performers, many of whom are performing for the first time. As they rehearse, campers will also build courage, celebrate their individuality and come together as a team.

SHOWTIME

At the end of each session, campers will take the stage for their performance. Nitzotzot campers will also perform in out PAC-wide show, Pace, Love, PAC. We can’t wait for your camper to experience their moment in the spotlight!

SAFETY TOWN (KINDERGARTEN)

Included in your kindergarten camper’s registration is a Safety Town experience, through which they learn about emergency preparedness, fire safety, weather, traffic, street crossing and stranger safety – all right here at camp during Session B in week six.

and Warm Ups 9:10 am Morning Circle

The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family

Performing Arts Camp

Kochavim • GradEs 2-3 • safran Park • Beachwood

Chugim

Ukulele, karaoke and Battle of the Bands, oh my! There are tons of electives to choose from each week. We can’t wait to see what you’ll pick!

Playmympics

Each day, camp groups participate as a team (counselors, too!) in a creative challenge that fosters collaboration, improve and thinking on your feet. They are hilarious and theatrical-a camp favorite!

Rehearsal

Kochavim will spend the session rehearsing for opening night. All performers have a featured role with singing solos and speaking lines. Rehearsals are process-driven and help campers build skills and confidence.

Showcase

Kochavim campers have the opportunity to choose an artistic medium to pursue throughout the

session. From puppetry to modern dance and songwriting to Shakespeare, campers will do a deep dive into their chosen topic. At the end of the session, campers will showcase this newfound passion in our Peace, Love, PAC show!

Showtime

Peace, Love, PAC

In this camp-wide showcase, audiences are invited to take a peek into a PAC summer. Our talented staff and campers share performing offerings, participate in camp traditions and celebrate a successful session in this fan-favorite performance.

Performances

At the end of each session, each village performs a splashy, spectacular show! Campers act, play characters, dance sing their hearts out in fabulous and fun performances complete with creative costumes. Each camper has their moment in the spotlight.

3:40pm Pick-Up

Programming

Specialties

Our campers participate in a variety of fun and interactive programs every day including:

Arts and Crafts

Costume Design

Rehearsal

The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family

Performing Arts Camp

Sachkanim • GradEs 4-5 • safran Park • Beachwood

NEW THIS SUMMER!

Sachkanim campers can look forward to exploring the Cleveland theater scene through field trips and masterclasses. They will also have new opportunities to learn playwriting, behind-the-scenes technique including costuming, scenic design and stage make-up, and experience programming that grows as they do.

CHUGIM

Ukulele, karaoke and Battle of The Bands, oh my! There are tons of electives to choose from each week. We can’t wait to see what you’ll pick!

PLAYMYMPICS

REHEARSAL

Sachkanim campers may choose to participate as a “techie” behind the scenes, instead of on the stage.

SHOWCASE

Sachkanim campers have the opportunity to choose an artistic medium to pursue throughout the session. From puppetry to modern dance and songwriting to Shakespeare, campers will do a deep dive into their chosen topic. At the end of the session, campers will showcase this newfound passion in our Peace, Love, PAC show!

SHOWTIME

Peace, Love, PAC

PERFORMANCES

PROGRAMMING SPECIALTIES

Our campers participate in a variety of fun and interactive programs every day including:

• Arts and Crafts

• Costume Design

• Creative Moment

• Dance

• Drama

• Improv

• Music • Puppetry

• Rehearsal

• Set Design

• Swimming • Tech and Theater Design

The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family

Performing Arts Camp

Bamayim • GradEs 6-8 •

safran Park • Beachwood

NEW THIS SUMMER!

Bamayim campers can look forward to exploring the Cleveland theater scene through field trips and masterclasses. They will also have new opportunities to learn playwriting, behind-the-scenes technique including costuming, scenic design and stage make-up, and experience programming that grows as they do.

CHUGIM

Ukulele, karaoke and Battle of The Bands, oh my! There are tons of electives to choose from each week. We can’t wait to see what you’ll pick!

PLAYMYMPICS

REHEARSAL

Each village spends the session rehearsing for opening night. All performers have a featured role with singing solos and speaking lines. Rehearsals are process-driven and help campers build skills and confidence. Bamayim campers may choose to participate as a “techie” behind the scenes, instead of on the stage.

SHOWCASE

Bamayim campers have the opportunity to choose an artistic medium to pursue throughout the session. From puppetry to modern dance and songwriting to Shakespeare, campers will do a deep dive into their chosen topic. At the end of the session, campers will showcase this newfound passion in our Peace, Love, PAC show!

SHOWTIME

Peace, Love, PAC

PERFORMANCES

LEADERSHIP & THE BAMAYIM EXPERIENCE

Our oldest Performing Arts campers enjoy beloved activities while also choosing elements of their daily schedule. Bamayim campers will rehearse for an additional performance opportunity, enjoy extra master classes and focus on ensemble-building artistic creativity and leadership skills.

BAMAYIM SHOW

Bamayim campers will enjoy an elevated rehearsal process and performance of a full-scale musical. This enhanced process will showcase the growth and talent of our oldest campers, offering them an exciting and challenging theatrical experience.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE 8:30 am Drop-off 9 am Rock the Rock 9:10 am Rehearsal 11:30 am Swim 12 pm Lunch 12:30 pm Improv 12:55 pm Tech 1:20 pm Scene Stealers 1:45pm Dance 2:10 pm Musical Theatre 2:35 pm Drama 2:55 pm Masterclass 3:20 pm Group Time and Leadership Training 3:40 pm Pick-Up

PROGRAMMING SPECIALTIES

Our campers participate in a variety of fun and interactive programs every day including:

• Arts and Crafts

• Costume Design

• Creative Moment

• Dance

• Drama

2026 Dates and Rates

Registration opens December 1, 2025 for members and returning families.

Registration opens December 8, 2025 for community.

New this year! Olim for campers entering 7th grade!

Day Camp Goes to Camp Wise

Anisfield Session 4 K-6 7/27 - 8/07 $ 720 $ 910 Anisfield Session 4 7 7/27 - 8/07 $ 750 $ 940

Arts Camp (PAC) Session A K-8 6/15 - 7/10 $1,380 $1,730

STEM Equestrian Experience

Transportation

Drop-off and pick-up for all families take place at Safran Park at the Mandel JCC. Morning drop-off: 8:30-8:55 am Afternoon pick up: 3:45-4 pm

Bus Shuttle $65/session

For Lyndhurst, Shaker and Solon Limited seats available

Maccabiah will take place during Session 4.

No camp June 19 and July 3

* In order to receive member rates, camper must be included in annual family membership

and Post Camp

INFO AND TO REGISTER

Questions? Contact the J-Day Camps team: 216-593-6249 daycamps@mandeljcc.org

Testimonials

“We were wowed by such nurturing, caring staff who know our child on a real, personal, and holistic level. We feel so taken care of and so known and loved by the staff, and it was the perfect place for our kindergartner to be!”

“My son comes home from camp each day singing Rock the Rock songs, teaches us his favorite camp games in the backyard, and wants to “play camp” with his stuffies. Camp is now forever part of who he is and has become his happy place so quickly. Thank you, J-Day Camps!”

“Thank you for the amazing, enthusiastic, energetic space you create each day! My daughter wakes up so excited for camp each day and practically leaps out of the car in the mornings. It’s such a gift to see her feel so welcomed and to watch her be part of a community!”

“At camp, I can be brave. My friends and counselors make me feel like it’s okay to try something new and help me believe in myself. It’s my favorite feeling to be on stage in front of an audience (even though I used to be really shy!) and to sing with my PAC group.”

“I’ve tried so many new things this summer! My counselor taught us how to grill and cook outside, I passed the deep end test for the first time, I was a mascot at Maccabiah, and I danced in front of so many people! I didn’t know I would love those activities but camp makes it cool to do something new and showed me it’s not scary.”

“I have no idea what my life would be without camp and I am so glad I don’t have to find out! Here, I am my best self and surrounded by counselors and friends who love me for me.”