Summer Day Camp at the J
The JCC offers Camp Ruach, a unique Jewish day camp experience open to first through eighth graders; Camp Tikvah, an inclusive day camp experience for children on the autism spectrum; and a leaders-in-training program for teens. Summer day camp at the J is open to children and teens of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions.
The community has voted Camp Ruach a “Mountain Xpress Best of” summer camp every year since 2014!
Find your friends at Camp Ruach and Camp Tikvah!
The JCC campus includes a 25-meter pool for daily free swim and swimming lessons with certified instructors as well as a natural outdoor pavilion for outdoor games. Throughout the summer, campers participate in cooking, crafts, nature expeditions, gardening, music, team building, weekly Shabbat celebrations, and field trips. Campers enjoy many unique Camp Ruach traditions, including our exciting Maccabiah Games, Wacky Water Olympics, Ruach Scavenger Hunt, Seth Olson “You Can Make A Difference Day,” and our Ruach Relay!
Camp Ruach
Whether they are here for one week or the whole summer, Camp Ruach campers come away having grown and changed, carrying a newfound sense of confidence. Here, everyone is celebrated! Feeling valued and supported, campers become strong, confident community members while gaining new abilities and having fulfilling experiences. Our energetic Camp Ruach staff work and play with our campers to ensure that they feel safe and nurtured as they have the time of their lives!
Contact Daniel Tuxedo Smedley or 253-0701 ext. 107 for more information.
Camp Tikvah for Children with Autism
Camp Tikvah is the only autism inclusion/integration summer day camp of its kind in Western North Carolina. Tikvah enables children on the autism spectrum to enjoy the fun and community of Camp Ruach. Here, campers participate in an individually monitored and highly structured program. Each one-week session runs interwoven with Camp Ruach, and enables these awesome kids to participate in as many peer activities as are individually appropriate.
Contact Daniel Tuxedo Smedley or 253-0701 ext. 107 for more information.
Camp Ruach Leaders in Training Program
The LIT program is a great option for rising 9th and 10th grade students who are looking for their first professional training experience. LITs play an essential role at Shalom Children’s Center, Camp Ruach, and Camp Tikvah – our Autism inclusion program.
The primary function of LITs is to assist counselors & teachers in making sure all children are engaged and having fun. They are also responsible for various tasks designed to help them develop leadership and workplace skills, and learn what it means to be professional.
Contact Mariah Schweiger or 253-0701 ext. 107 for more information.
