Camp Centerland Mission and Vision
Camp Mission
At Camp Centerland, we are dedicated to providing a safe space where children can explore their identity, values and traditions. Our mission, is to inspire and empower each camper to embrace their unique potential within a supportive community. We foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, meaningful connections and shared experiences.
Camp Vision
At Camp Centerland, our vision is to be a transformative force in the lives of children, fostering a vibrant community where each camper discovers and embraces their unique potential. We aspire to create an inclusive and empowering environment, where the exploration of identity, values, and traditions becomes a catalyst for personal growth. Through meaningful connections and shared experiences, we envision a camp that inspires a lifelong love for learning, self-discovery, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Our commitment is to continue providing a safe and supportive space where every child can thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of our camp community.
Safety is important to us
Even though summer is filled with fun, safety is our number one priority. Some safety measures include: application of sunscreen, a certified Professional Registered Nurse on staff, CPR/First Aid certified staff, and background checks on all camp employees. The Amherst Police are notified when camp is in session and conduct several checks of camp during our camp season.
Theme Weeks
General Information
Camp Tuition
June 30 – August 29
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
* Fee Assistance is available for qualifying families. Check the box on the camp application, and more information will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE:
• A $50 per week non refundable deposit is due at registration.
• To qualify for the member discount, applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of registration, and throughout the camp season.
• Campers must be registered for full days of camp to be eligible to attend a Specialty Camp.
• All early pick up must be before 3:30 pm. After that campers must be picked up at Centerland Carpool.
Camp Centerland
Discover the ultimate outdoor experience at Camp Centerland, where fun and exploration come together!
• Sports & Games: Enjoy soccer, basketball, swimming, Gaga, archery, and team challenges that inspire collaborative fun
• Arts & Crafts (Omanut): Unleash creativity with painting, tie-dye, sculpting, and DIY projects.
• STEM: Dive into hands-on science, coding, robotics, and engineering challenges.
• Nature (Teva): Explore hiking trails, wildlife, gardening, and environmental activities.
• Music (Shira) & Theater: Shine on stage with singing, acting, and performing at camp.
Adventure, creativity, and lifelong memories await!
Junior
Camp (Entering grades K-2 in Fall 2025)
ןורש Sharon : Kindergarten בגנ Negev : Grades 1-2
Our young campers explore their creativity, build lasting friendships, and learn important values like teamwork, kindness, and respect. Through fun activities in arts, nature, and games, kids grow, laugh, and discover their unique potential in a supportive and joyful environment.
Senior
Camp (Entering grades 3-6 in Fall 2025)
הדוהי Yehuda: Grades 3-4
דיתע Atid: Grades 5-6
Our older campers deepen friendships, learn important values, and take on exciting challenges. From soaring on the zipline to conquering rock climbing, it’s an unforgettable experience of growth, fun, and adventure! Senior campers are given senior choice, allowing them to choose the fun.
Discovery
Camp (Entering grades 7-9 in Fall 2025)
Our Disco campers will enjoy outdoor adventure, leadership, and fun! Disco campers enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, STEM, music, theater, and ziplining and high ropes. They also help display camp values and mentor younger campers, all while enjoying exciting field trips like catching a Bison’s game or exploring a national park.
Leadership in Training (L.I.T.)
(Entering grade 10 in Fall 2025)
The Leadership Program for teens is a dynamic blend of mentorship and camp fun, focusing on developing future counselors. Participants learn leadership skills while teaching camp values and leading activities. A key component is the American Red Cross Junior Lifeguard training, providing essential water safety, CPR, AED, and first aid skills, culminating in a Junior Lifeguard certificate. Teens can later pursue full lifeguard certification and employment opportunities with JCC upon turning 16, making this a summer of growth, skill-building, and preparation for future roles. Each L.I.T. session is three weeks, and are starting Weeks 2 and 5. *American Red Cross Certification is valued up to $300
Specialty Camps
Offered alongside our Traditional Camp, Specialty Camp provides several weeks of focused experiences tailored to your child’s unique interests. Whether they want to dive deeper into a specific activity or stick with the variety and fun of Traditional Camp, the choice is theirs for an unforgettable summer adventure. Specialty camps include, Sewing Camp, Sports and Fitness Camp, Theater Camp, Art Camp, Esports Camp.
Theater: Summer Stage Spectacular – Full Day, Grades 4-8
This single-week theater-intensive camp allows our aspiring actors & actresses the chance to focus on theater, and improve their skills. Through this camp, our performers will learn the choreography and song to a single number, and perform it at the end of the week for family & friends. Campers will also learn about acting techniques, set & prop design, costume creation, vocal techniques, and many more important aspects of theater. By the end of the week, campers will be better equipped in their theater skills, and have a higher understanding of the theatrical world!
Art: The Creative Corner – 1/2 Day, Grades 4-8
Dive into a week of artistic exploration where budding artists of all ages and skill levels can unleash their imagination! Each day at Art Camp offers hands-on projects in a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Participants will experiment with vibrant colors, dynamic textures, and innovative techniques. Celebrate your creative journey and take-home cherished memories—and your own gallery-worthy artwork!
Fashion Lap NY: Fashion Design and Sewing – Full Day, Grades 3-6
Our one-of-a-kind program teaches campers how to machine sew, design and style their own garments and accessories in one week. Small camp size allows each camper to get the attention and tools they need to design and create. Our Camp ends with a Fashion Runway Show for parents and friends! Our fashionistas will show off their garments, and fabulous accessories on Friday at pick-up. No sewing experience needed; we will teach you all you need to know!
Photography:
Camp Photoventure – 1/2 Day, Grades 4-8
Discover the art of photography! Explore the scenic beauty of Camp Centerland, learn to capture stunning shots, and refine your skills in our computer lab with easy-to-use editing tools. Campers will create a personal collection of favorite photos to showcase in a vibrant end-of-camp gallery. Turn your creative vision into a masterpiece this summer!
Esports: Game On – 1/2 Day, Grades 1-8
Level up this summer! Dive into the exciting world of competitive gaming, where strategy, teamwork, and skill take center stage. Campers will explore popular games, learn advanced techniques, and develop leadership and communication skills through team-based challenges.
Fashion Lab NY: American Girl Doll Fashion Design – Full Day, Grades 3-6
Unleash your creativity and become a designer at one of our Fashion and Sewing Camps with Fashion Lab NY. Learn to sketch and sew unique clothing and accessory designs for you and your doll.
Sports Conditioning Blast – 1/2 Day, Grades 5-9
This sports-centered obstacle course will enhance your overall speed, agility, and strength. Great for kids involved in a sport or who just want to improve their overall fitness level. This fun group-based activity will build upon the fundamental values of teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Week Specialty Camp (grades)
1: 6/30-7/3
2: 7/7-7/11 Esports (1-3 & 4-8) Fashion Design and Sewing Camp (3-6)
3: 7/14-7/18 Theater (4-8)
4: 7/21-7/25 MACCABI GAMES
5: 7/28-8/1 Esports (1-3 & 4-8)
6: 8/4-8/8 Art (1-3 & 4-8) Photography (4-8)
7: 8/11-8/15 Photography (4-8)
8: 8/18-8/22 American Girl Doll Fashion Camp (3-6) Sports Conditioning Blast (5-9)
9: 8/25-8/29 Fashion Design and Sewing Camp (3-6)
Camp Through a Jewish Lens
This year, we’re devoted to creating a healthy, thriving Jewish spirit at Camp Centerland. In Judaism, we are encouraged to cultivate a sense of gratitude, wonder and curiosity about the world around us and the way we interact with it.
At camp, we will explore Shabbat on a deeper level, acknowledge our environment through a Jewish lens and nurture the Jewish relationship to Israel. When we weave these aspects of Jewish life into our schedule, we not only learn about Judaism, we experience its beauty.
August 7, 2025
Our annual Awesomesauce Day in memory of Gretchen Gross takes place each summer. She was fiercely dedicated to children and to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, focusing her indomitable spirit into Camp Centerland, and as a mentor to our early childhood program. Gretchen was never without a camera in her hand, and loved to combine her passion for photography with her work for the community.
This year to celebrate Gretchen, the day will include an ice cream truck, Tie-Dyeing commemorative bandana, bounce houses, photography by our own campers, art project, and more. To donate to the Gretchen S. Gross Memorial Endowment, please contact Patty Simonson at 716.204.2073 or psimonson@jccbuffalo.org.
Tour the Campgrounds
We’re thrilled to introduce you to Camp Centerland, nestled within the beautiful Irving M. Shuman Campgrounds. Discover the magic, adventure, and endless possibilities waiting for you here.
Reach out to us today to schedule your personalized tour and experience the charm of camp firsthand!
Letter from the Team
At camp, our mission is simple: to inspire and empower each camper to embrace their unique potential within a supportive community. We foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, meaningful connections and shared experiences. This summer, we’ve planned a lineup of activities and adventures designed to excite, inspire, and challenge your campers in all the best ways.
From Ziplining to camp singalongs, from arts and crafts to thrilling team games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Along the way, we’ll explore new skills, conquer challenges, and celebrate each camper’s unique talents.
More than just fun, camp is also about values—those small but powerful lessons that shape who we are and how we contribute to the world around us. This summer, we’ll continue to focus on key camp values like respect, honesty, kindness, and the importance of helping make the world a better place. Through shared experiences, teamwork, and friendships we’ll ensure every camper leaves not just with new skills but with a strengthened sense of character and community.
Parents, rest assured that your child’s safety, happiness, and growth are our top priorities. We’re committed to creating an environment where campers feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves. Our dedicated team of counselors, staff, and specialists are here to make sure every camper has the best summer ever.
Campers, get ready to unplug, explore, and dive into the adventure of a lifetime! We can’t wait to meet you, cheer you on, and share in the joy of camp with you.
If you have any questions or need additional information as we gear up for camp, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Let’s make Summer Camp 2025 one for the books!
Contact Us:
Director: Nick Utz – 716.815.7764 or nutz@jccbuffalo.org
Assistant Director: Jackie Brant – 716.204.2240 or jbrant@jccbuffalo.org
Registrar: Doris Shearn – 716.204.2079 or dshearn@jccbuffalo.org
www.campcenterland.org campcenterland@jccbuffalo.org
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