Camp Ruach is Western North Carolina’s oldest Jewish summer day camp. Established in 1951, this 5-star licensed program welcomes children and teens of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions to enjoy a classic summer day‑camp experience rooted in Jewish values.
Themes Through a Jewish Lens
Each week features a unique theme that guides activities, games, and special events, giving campers opportunities to explore, learn, and grow in a fun, supportive environment. Past themes have included: Mazon (Food), Teva (Nature), Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World), and Simcha (Joy).
Jewish beliefs and customs are at the core of our camp program. As part of sharing Jewish tradition, we strive to celebrate Shabbat every Friday with challah and blessings. All of our Judaic content and activities are a source of great joy and pride in our community. While we are based in Judaic values, we are an inclusive program and aim to make all feel welcome, regardless of cultural or religious background.
Camp Counselors
Campers are guided by caring, committed staff—many of whom once experienced camp as campers themselves—bringing deep passion, wisdom, and Ruach (spirit) to every day. Through collaboration and strong leadership, counselors support campers with respect, empathy, and joy, helping them grow and thrive throughout the summer.
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.
Special Events
Each week during the summer, campers enjoy a special event. These help to enhance the weekly theme with a unique spin and a deeper dive into an area of focus. For example during Mechonot (machines) week last year, campers enjoyed a talk by a local animatronic engineer who shared how machines help to 3D print his designs. Other events have included fire dancers, animal ambassadors from the WNC Nature Center, musical performances, and water olympics at the JCC pool.
Register Today!
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.
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.
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 are available through the Esther and Hyman Burstein Scholarship.
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.
For more information, please contact: