Citing the health and safety of campers and staff amidst the Coronavirus pandemic , the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) has pivoted from its traditional in-person day camping program, a mainstay in the metro Atlanta community for countless years, to an innovative and diverse offering of virtual camps aimed at keeping stay-at-home campers engaged in meaningful physical and social activities throughout the month of June. In what can only be called truly inspired programming, the MJCCA has leveraged strategic partnerships with area experts throughout Atlanta, including the Alliance Theatre, Bach to Rock, Bob Rathbun, Bricks4Kidz, Kids TV International, Painting with a Twist, and Whiz Kids Learning. The center tentatively plans to resume in-person camp activities at Zaban Park in late June.
According to MJCCA CEO Jared Powers, “We immediately recognized the struggle parents in our community were having in terms of keeping their children safe, involved, and entertained while at home. We knew we were going to have to completely reimagine one of our most popular programs, day camps, and be as creative as possible in order to make this work. If the campers couldn’t come to us just yet, we would bring camp into their home. Creating integral connections between campers — and between the JCC and our families who depend on us — is what we do best, and I am deeply satisfied that we have achieved that goal.”
All virtual camp programs will be held Monday – Friday via ZOOM from 9:30 – 11:30 am; Drama Camp will be held weekdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
CAMP CONNECTION FREE TO ALL REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS!
Throughout the quarantine, MJCCA Day Camps has kept campers and their families entertained and engaged with weekly online content. They will continue to offer a free Camp Connection program each weekday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Here, campers will enjoy a special Camp Connection with their favorite day camp directors who will be leading a fun, creative activity via Zoom. A supply list will be posted weekly on the MJCCA Day Camps Facebook page to give parents plenty of time to gather supplies for different projects. Participants must be registered in advance to participate in these daily, no-cost activities, which include:
- Mondays: Arts & Crafts
- Tuesdays: Cooking and Edible Art Projects
- Wednesdays: Fun Fitness Activities
- Thursdays: Science and Tinker Projects
- Fridays: Shabbat Celebration, Challah Making, and Songs
“I am incredibly proud of this amazing virtual day camp experience our team has put together for our campers. From drama to music, LEGO to art, game coding to sports broadcasting, we’ve chosen some of our most popular camps and made them available virtually. While we all agree that nothing can take the place of an in-person camp experience, we think this is the next best thing and are confident that our campers will stay engaged, active, and connected to their friends. During this time of fear and uncertainly, the impact that this creative programming will have on our community is immeasurable,” said MJCCA Day Camps Director Jodi Sonenshine.
Virtual specialty day camp offerings include:
ROCK CITY CAMP: MUSIC AND MOVEMENT WITH BACH TO ROCK
Offered weeks 1 – 4 in June
For: Rising K – 3rd Graders
Instructor/Camper ratio: 1:15
Whether your child is a budding rock-star or an aspiring classical soloist, Rock City Online is the place for them to experience real music education. Through dynamic musical and movement-based activities, exposure to instruments, and musically inspired story-time, budding young musicians will develop the skills needed to read music, play simple rhythms, and develop fine motor control skills that are essential for future success in playing an instrument. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.
LEGO CAMP WITH BRICKS4KIDZ
Offered Weeks 1-4
Rising 2nd – 5th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
- Week 1 Theme: Star Wars
- Week 2 Theme: Amazing Animals
- Week 3 Theme: STEM Heroes
- Week 4 Theme: Brick City Engineers
Campers will enjoy building LEGO projects with their very own LEGO kits as they progress through a week-long story. Kids will share their creations, and work in breakout groups to get much-needed socialization and work as a team. Each camp will end with students receiving a diploma via e-mail during a Zoom-based graduation ceremony. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and each camper will receive a ‘Camp in a Box’ supply package via curbside pick-up at the MJCCA on the Sunday before each session.
DIGITAL BUILDERS CAMP: MINECRAFT MANIA WITH WHIZ LEARNING KIDS
Offered Week 1 and Week 3
Grades: Rising 2nd -8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:12
In this tech camp partnership with Whiz Learning Kids, campers will use the popular Minecraft program to design and build all sorts of exciting worlds and digital creations. With individual and team-based challenges, campers will learn key technical and problem-solving skills and tap into their creativity as they build their way through the week! Please note: an internet connection, a computer or tablet, and a valid Minecraft license are required at home.
VIDEO GAME DESIGN CODING CAMP WITH WHIZ LEARNING KIDS
Offered Week 2 and Week 4
Grades: Rising 2nd – 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:12
In this tech camp partnership with Whiz Learning Kids, campers will work in Scratch and other computer coding programs to learn how to create characters, backgrounds, and stories for a complete gaming experience. Instructors will help the campers use problem-solving to work through programming challenges and use their creativity in an interactive medium. The final games our campers create will be compatible on any PC or Mac computer. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and software will be provided.
DIRECTOR’S CUT CAMP WITH KIDS TV INTERNATIONAL
Offered Week 1 and Week 3
Grades: Rising 3rd – 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
Campers will write, film, and edit their very own movies. The experts from KIDS TV International will guide them through the moviemaking process, while allowing them to explore their creativity, develop acting and technical skills, and work quickly and effectively to achieve an excellent finished product in the form of a DVD that will be mailed home within two weeks. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.
SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP WITH BOB RATHBUN
Offered Week 2
Grades: Rising 3rd– 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:10
Campers will learn the ins and outs of sports broadcasting. the Atlanta Hawks’ own Bob Rathbun. With more than 20 years of television and broadcasting experience, Rathbun will teach campers all about editing, writing, producing, and on-air reporting and directing. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.
CANVAS CREATIONS WITH PAINTING WITH A TWIST
Offered Week 2 and Week 4
Grades: Rising 3rd – 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:20
In this camp led by the experts at Painting with a Twist, campers will create different masterpieces each day and bring their own canvases to life! An artist will lead each class and walk campers through the painting process step-by-step and all supplies will be provided. No experience is needed, just your child’s desire to use their imagination and have fun! Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and supplies will be provided via curbside pick-up at the MJCCA.
INTRO TO SONGWRITING CAMP WITH BACH TO ROCK
Offered Week 1 and Week 4
Grades: Rising 4th – 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
In this one-of-a-kind virtual experience, Bach to Rock will teach campers how to write chord progressions, song lyrics, construct melodies, and perform their masterpiece! By the end of our week-long adventure, these future stars will be performing with ease and on their way to their first Grammy!
BEGINNER UKULELE CAMP WITH BACH TO ROCK
Offered Week 2 and Week 3
Grades: Rising 4th – Rising 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
Campers will learn the basics of ukulele in an interactive, virtual group setting. Through games, music theory, and performance, campers will start playing songs quickly! Led by Bach to Rock, this week-long camp will culminate in a virtual performance! Students will learn and play together in a team-like atmosphere, motivating and encouraging each other to practice and perform. Please note: a ukulele, an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.
DRAMA CAMPS WITH ALLIANCE THEATRE
Offered Weeks 1-4
Rising K – 8th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:12
Options include:
- Creative Drama Camp (Rising K – 3rd)
- Musical Theater Camp (Rising K – 8th)
- Performing Arts Camp (Rising 2nd – 8th graders)
The MJCCA’s signature Drama Camp meets the Alliance Theatre in this singular program second to none. Budding actors will collaborate with other artists, learn about performance, and make lasting memories. Screen time is about 2-4 hours per day and daily activities will include physical and vocal warm-ups, drama games, movement and performance rehearsals, crafts, and self-filmed assignments. Drama Camp will culminate in a final sharing at the conclusion of each week, Friday at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and everything you need for this camp will be shipped to you, including all art supplies, templates for crafts, activity sheets, and books.
Click HERE to register for these virtual camps.
ABOUT THE MARCUS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF ATLANTA
Impacting more than 60,000 people annually, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is welcoming to people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds. The MJCCA is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. Our NAEYC-accredited preschools, award-winning camps, outstanding cultural events, and invigorating sports and fitness programs engage and connect the community.
