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CAMPS & SCHOOLS • FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2019 17A
CAMPS SCHOOLS
Q: Tell me about Camp Jacobson, a values-driven premier camp experience serving families in Nassau County and Queens. A: As a part of Sid Jacobson JCC, Camp Jacobson brings a different mission and vision than other camps on Long Island. We build our program based on Jewish values and ideals and focus on teaching campers about our BEAR program, which stands for Bravery, Empathy, Awareness and Responsibility. We believe that camp should be focused on more than just the activities; it should also focus on the interpersonal relationships that are developed throughout the summer between campers and the staff. With these beliefs in mind, we have developed Camp Jacobson to be a place where campers and staff are able to try new activities and be themselves in an environment that focuses on growth and self-expression.
Prepare For Summer At Camp Jacobson Years ago, the term “summer camp” would send a chill down the spines of children, whose parents overhauled their summer by sending them away for weeks of activities while school was out of session. Now, it’s the exact opposite. Paul Isserles is the director of the Bernice Jacobson Day School and Camp and it is a job he truly loves to do. Isserles
shared what he loves about Camp Jacobson, the summer day camp program under the Sid Jacobson JCC that encourages campers to make a positive impact on the world. Q: What is your role as Camp Director at the JCC? A: Camp is such a special place for me, having spent my entire life involved in the camping world. My role allows me to work with a team
of passionate individuals to create an experience and culture at Camp Jacobson that will have an impact on every camper, family and staff member. I was the first Director of Camp Jacobson from 2009-11, and now, as I return as Camp Director in 2019, it feels like a chance to come home. Right now, one of my major focuses is developing individual relationships with our campers, families and staff. The success I had
Q: What are some of the ways that Camp Jacobson encompasses the BEAR values into its programs? A: BEAR is the philosophy that we base everything off of, including our programs, activities and curriculum. We acknowledge campers and staff who exhibit these values and create different ways to recognize the number
of moments that campers embody them throughout the summer. As a camp, we come together to celebrate and recognize these accomplishments which further creates the drive for children to act from the values instilled. Being a camp that is built on values, in addition to having great programs and professional staff, is what allows us to deliver an unmatched experience that parents are looking for. In a world where kids are addicted to technology and games, camp can provide
Celebrating 50 Years of Summer Fun!
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both at Camp Jacobson and during my tenure at Buckley was primarily due to the connection that I was able to cultivate with the families we serve. One of the aspects that I love most about my role is getting to see the growth of a camper, from somewhat shy and nervous during the tour to being fully acclimated within the first few days.
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a place where we teach, recognize and reward positive behaviors, and lay the groundwork for our youth to grow into socially responsible teens and adults. Q: Camp Jacobson brings in local specialists to providers campers with a well-rounded experience. Tell me about some of those organizations. A: We partner with the best local businesses in specialty areas to take the experience at camp to the next level. Some of today’s partnerships were formed when Camp Jacobson began in 2009, such as our year-round partnership with Unlimited Sports Action in Port Washington. Their coaches bring a level of professionalism to the Camp Jacobson sports program that combines the importance of learning skills, having fun, and teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Ultimate Performance + Fitness is year-round and includes working on our Jacobson Ninja Warrior program, offering birthday parties, after-school programs and personal training sessions. Our relationship with Little Art Studio began last summer in 2018 and has helped us develop an arts program that allows the campers to create real art projects.
Q: Share a little about Camp Jacobson’s leadership team. A: The leadership team at Camp Jacobson is one of the best in the industry; our strong roots in camps throughout Long Island allow us to understand the needs of our families and the campers’ experience in a way others cannot. This summer we are excited to welcome Adam Grundfast as the new Assistant Director at Camp Jacobson. His lifelong involvement in camp along with his career experience over the last 11 years make him the ideal fit for this position. Most recently, he worked for two years at Camp Pontiac in Copake overseeing a group of middle school-aged boys, supervising campers across campus-wide activities, and in the training and development of camp counselors. At Camp Jacobson, Adam will assist in the creation and implementation of strategic planning along with the overall program development and supervision of daily operations. Q: Why should parents consider becoming a part of the JCC family and community? A: Camp Jacobson is a special place where we make our campers, families and staff feel like it’s their second home. We want each camper to grow emotionally, physically and mentally during their time at camp. We want them to leave each summer with new friends and memories of learning new skills, trying new things, and being part of a community that makes them feel like family. No matter the makeup of your family constellation, your religious beliefs or your financial status, Camp Jacobson welcomes all. Memories that last a lifetime are made on our campgrounds, life-long friendships are formed and the minds of our future are molded, that is what makes up Camp Jacobson. The Bernice Jacobson Day School and Camp is located at 340 Wheatley Rd., Old Westbury. For more information, call 516-626-1094 or visit www.sjjcc.org.
An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teachers in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential!
The Summer Academy (Ages 8-13)
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BY JENNIFER FAUCI
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CAMP JACOBSON from page 11A 17A
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Jjfauci@antonmediagroup.com
18A FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2019 • CAMPS & SCHOOLS
• A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classrooms offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years. • Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998. • Early drop-off and extended day available.
354 Lakeville Road • Great Neck, NY • 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com 196649 M