Summer Day Camp at the JCC
The JCC has two summer camp options: Camp Ruach, a unique Jewish day camp experience open to rising first through ninth graders 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.
Find your friends at Camp Ruach beginning Jun.15
Camp registration opens February 16, 2026
Camp Ruach (rising 1st-7th graders)
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!
Camp Ruach Tuition Policies
All campers must have an active JCC Membership to attend.
Camp Tuition is due by April 1. Registrations added for camp sessions after April 1 are due and payable at the time of registration.
Completed Camper Enrollment Packets & full camp payment ($365 per week) are due by April 1st. are due and payable at the time of registration.
Cancellation Policies
Notifications of cancellation must be made in writing to camp director by June 1. All registrations after June 1 are non-refundable.
Unpaid camp tuition is subject to forfeiture of enrollment and cancellation of the registration.
Camp Director: Daniel “Tuxedo” Smedley or call 253-0701 ext. 107 for more information.
Payment Plans
All payment plans for third-party payments are scheduled through the Finance Office. For more information, please contact Caroline@jcc-asheville.org
Need-based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are available through the Esther and Hyman Burstein Scholarship.
JCC Immunization Policy
Asheville JCC Immunization Policy
North Carolina General Statute 130A-152(a) requires immunizations for every child in this state. All children enrolled in the children’s programs at the JCC must have an immunization record on file prior to admission. We will accept a Children’s Medical Report form, signed and dated by a physician, OR a copy of the child’s most recent physical exam along with the Record of Immunization form. These forms are provided to families at the time of enrollment, and must be uploaded to us from the physician’s office prior to attendance in our children’s programs. The immunization record must include:
Name of child
Name of parent/guardian
Child’s birth date
Vaccine administration dates
Date of issue
Name and address of physician
If applicable, physician-verified history of disease, laboratory evidence of immunity or medical exemption.
Parents are required to provide updated immunization records each time their child receives a vaccination. Parents of children with missing or overdue vaccinations have 14 business days to submit an updated copy of their child’s immunization record. Failure to comply within 14 business days will result in the child being excluded from our programs until the child is caught up on required vaccinations.
Exemptions The Buncombe County Health Center, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all strongly recommend that vaccines be given according to recommendations. Communal immunity to deadly and injurious preventable diseases is only achieved when at least 92% of the population is vaccinated. The more people who opt out of vaccinations, the more risk there is for the spread of disease.
The Asheville JCC is committed to protecting the health and safety of all of the children in our care, and we are particularly concerned with protecting those who cannot receive vaccinations due to medical reasons. We are therefore only accepting medical exemptions for children in our childcare and summer camp programs. We do not accept religious or philosophical exemptions, as we believe that the risk posed to children and immunocompromised adults who simply cannot receive vaccinations due to valid medical reasons is far too great.
If a licensed physician certifies in writing that a child has a health condition which is a valid contraindication to receiving a specific vaccine, then a permanent or temporary exemption may be granted. This statement must specify those immunizations which may be detrimental and the length of time they may be detrimental. In the event of an outbreak, medically exempt children will be excluded from care to avoid potential complications of the disease. The length of exclusion will depend upon the incubation period of the particular disease. The Department of Health will be consulted if an outbreak does occur.
Leaders in Training Program
Leaders in Training (LIT) are an integral part of the Camp Ruach experience. As rising freshmen and sophomores in high school, these teenagers help plan and run activities, support senior staff, and help make unforgettable memories for the campers attending each session. LITs will receive special trainings, activities, and discussions geared towards building healthy communication skills, a strong work ethic, and will learn first hand what it means to be a leader. The goal of the LIT program is to help build confidence, cement leadership skills, and give real-life interpersonal experience to teens who are looking to grow into successful young adults.
2026 Summer Camp Weeks and Themes
Week 1: June 15-18 (closed January 19th) L’dor v’dor (Generation to Generation)
Week 2: June 22-26: Chayot (animals)
Week 3: June 29-July 3: Kehilah (community)
Week 4: July 6-10: Mazon (Food)
Week 5: July 13-17: Harpatkah (Adventure)
Week 6: July 20-24: Limud (Learning)
Week 7: July 27-31: Teva (Nature)
Week 8: August 3-7: Tikkun Olam (Repair the World)
Week 9: August 10-14: Simcha (Joy)
Parent/Guardian Handbook
