Camp J
- Summer Camp J Overview
- Noar (Youth): Rising Kinder
- Shalom (Peace): Rising 1st – 2nd
- Giborim (Heroes): Rising 3rd – 5th
- Tiyul (Trip): Rising 6th – 8th
- Nisayon (Experience): Rising 9th – 10th
- Inclusion for Campers with Disabilities Rising Kinder-5th
- Early Childhood Education Camps Ages 3-4
- Disability Program Services Camps Rising 6th - Adult
- Gallery
- Frequently Asked Questions
Spend winter break at the J! Winter Camp J provides a camp-like experience while school is out of session. Winter camp is happy to provide Kindergarten-Grade 5 and Siyur (Grade 6-8) campers with an age-appropriate, safe, and fun place to play during the holiday season! Your campers will experience activities around the J as well as go on field trips. Winter Camp runs Monday through Wednesday, December 22 through December 24, and December 29 through December 31. Unlike Summer, you can choose each day you would like your camper to attend. There is no weeklong commitment.
Discounts apply to Tucson J members only
- Sibling Discount: If you are a new or existing member, registering more than 1 camper, you qualify for a 5% sibling discount towards each additional camper’s registration
winter camp j: K-Grade 5
Dates + Times
Monday through Wednesday, December 22 through December 24, and December 29 through December 31. Choose each day you would like your camper to attend.
Drop off as early as 7am and pick up no later than 6pm. Camp is from 9am-4pm.
Registration, Discount, Financial Assistance + Rates
Registration
- Registration opens Sunday, October 5
Discounts
- Discounts apply to Tucson J members only
- Sibling Discount: If you are a new or existing member, registering more than 1 camper, you qualify for a 5% sibling discount towards each additional camper’s registration
Financial Assistance
Need help paying for camp and membership? Click here to learn more about our Tucson J financial assistance opportunities!
Rates
Pricing per day: $60 members / $70 guests
Age + Unit Info
Each Camp group has 16-20 campers with 2 counselors. Each Camp Unit is designed for campers from Kindergarten through grade 5.
Sample Schedule
Sample Day Schedule:
- 7am: Morning Care
- 9am: Opening
- 9:15am: Gym
- 10:15am: Discovery
- 11:15am: Lunch
- 11:50am: PlaySpace
- 12:50pm: Cooking
- 1:50pm: GaGa
- 2:50pm: Art
- 3:50pm: Snack + Closing
- 4pm: Afternoon Care
Sample Field Trip Day Schedule:
- 7am: Morning Care
- 9am: Opening
- 9:15am: Field Games
- 10:15am: Art
- 11:15am: Lunch
- 12pm: Field Trip
- 2:50pm: Discovery
- 3:50pm: Snack + Closing
- 4pm: Afternoon Care
Snacks + Lunch
Lunches available for pre-order starting December 1.
Waitlist
Camp J is almost full for summer 2025. Please fill out the registration form to be put on a waitlist
winter camp j: Siyur
Our Siyur Camp program is designed to give campers a unique experience tailored to the needs of tween and teen participants. Campers will cultivate independence and build self-confidence through new skills, teamwork, friendships, and developing awareness of themselves and the world around them. Each day includes trips, with Mondays beginning with orientation and a morning hike before returning to the J for lunch and heading out again for an afternoon field trip.
Dates + Times
Monday through Wednesday, December 22 through December 24, and December 29 through December 31. Choose each day you would like your camper to attend.
Drop off as early as 7am and pick up no later than 6pm. Camp is from 9am-4pm.
Registration, Discount, Financial Assistance + Rates
Registration
- Registration opens Sunday, October 5
Discounts
- Discounts apply to Tucson J members only
- Sibling Discount: If you are a new or existing member, registering more than 1 camper, you qualify for a 5% sibling discount towards each additional camper’s registration
Financial Assistance
Need help paying for camp and membership? Click here to learn more about our Tucson J financial assistance opportunities!
Rates
Pricing per day: $70 members / $80 guests
Age + Unit Info
Grade 6 through grade 8 (11-14 years old)
Siyur Schedule
2025 Siyur Schedule:
Week 1
Monday, December 22
Tuesday, December 23
Wednesday, December 24
Week 2
Monday, December 29
Tuesday, December 30
Wednesday, December 31
Snacks + Lunch
Campers may bring their own lunch, purchase from the café, or order a hot lunch.
Lunches available for pre-order starting December 1.
Waitlist
Camp J is almost full for summer 2025. Please fill out the registration form to be put on a waitlist
We are honored that you are considering our award-winning and ACA-accredited Camp J! Camp J provides an intentional summer experience where all campers can discover, learn, and grow. We take pride in the life skills campers inherently learn through play, organized activities, and highlighted Jewish values. We see activities, such as art and athletics, creating an environment for campers to grow in their imagination, freedom of expression, patience, and grit. Our goals are centered around building community, turning summer memories into lifelong stories, and making camp a meaningful and successful experience for every camper.
We are looking forward to meeting our new campers as well as seeing familiar faces that return each summer.
Discounts apply to Tucson J members only
- Early Bird Discount: If a new or existing member registers early for 6 weeks or more, they receive a 15% discount on their registration
- Sibling Discount: If you are a new or existing member, registering more than 1 camper, you qualify for a 5% sibling discount towards each additional camper’s registration
Camp J Overview
Traditional Camp J creates an environment where campers entering grades K–9 develop essential life skills through meaningful experiences, supportive relationships, and intentional community-building. Small group sizes and strong staff-to-camper ratios allow each child to be known, supported, and encouraged as they take healthy risks, try new things, and discover their strengths. The camp day is intentionally structured to promote problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, confidence, and social-emotional learning—all woven into play, group challenges, hands-on projects, and shared camp traditions. As campers grow, they practice independence and leadership, learning how to communicate, navigate friendships, work as a team, and contribute to the larger camp community. With AM/PM care included and daily routines designed to be seamless for families, Camp J offers a full-service summer experience where every camper can build skills, deepen connections, and continue their personal growth in a joyful and supportive setting.
Dates + Times
Camp J is a 10-week traditional day camp that runs Monday-Friday* throughout the summer.
*Week 1 is Tuesday-Friday, week 6 is Monday-Thursday, week 10 is Monday-Wednesday.
Hours of operation are 9am-4pm with optional, included before and after care from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm
- Week 1: *May 26-May 29 *Tuesday-Friday; Closed Memorial Day
- Week 2: June 1-June 5
- Week 3: June 8-June 12
- Week 4: June 15-June 19
- Week 5: June 22-June 26
- Week 6: *June 29-July 2 *Monday-Thursday; Closed Independence Day
- Week 7: July 6-July 10
- Week 8: July 13-July 17
- Week 9: July 20-July 24
- Week 10: July 27-July 29
Registration, Discount, Payment + Cancellation
Registration
- Registration opens for New and Existing Members on Sunday, January 4
- Registration opens to all on Sunday, January 11
Discounts
- Discounts apply to Tucson J members only
- Early Bird Discount: If a new or existing member registers early (by January 4) for 6 weeks or more, they receive a 15% discount on their registration
- Sibling Discount: If you are a new or existing member, registering more than 1 camper, you qualify for a 5% sibling discount towards each additional camper’s registration
Payment
We require that all Camp J fees are paid in whole by May 8. Upon registration, we will collect a $50 registration fee per camper and a $20 non-refundable deposit per week, per camper. You will notice a payment plan question on the registration form. This is the space for you to choose either weekly or monthly payments, as well as specify your preferred payment plan start date. Your schedule will then be individualized and detailed in your confirmation email. If you bypass the payment plan details on your registration form, we will be under the assumption that you would like to pay in full by May 8.
- If you are paying with a NEW CARD – you must also fill out the Camp 2026 NEW CARD Payment Information (second form in your Registration Packet).
- If New Card Payment is selected on the registration form and the Camp 2026 NEW CARD Payment Information is not filled out, you may lose your place in the queue!
Cancellation Policy
- If you must cancel any weeks of camp J you must do so by Friday, April 17 to receive a full refund of fees paid to date, aside from the $20 non-refundable deposit per week, per camper.
- If you cancel any weeks of Camp J before Friday, May 1, your payment due will be reduced to half, and you will be responsible for paying the remaining half.
- If you cancel any weeks of Camp J after Friday, May 1, you will be responsible for paying for your camper’s registered weeks in full.
Financial Assistance
Need help paying for camp and membership? Click here to learn more about our Tucson J financial assistance opportunities!
Rates
- Noar
- Weeks 1-9: $350 for members, $405 for guests
- Week 10: $265 for members, $305 for guests (M-W)
- Shalom
- Weeks 1-9: $350 for members, $405 for guests
- Week 10: $265 for members, $305 for guests (M-W)
- Giborim
- Weeks 1-9: $405 for members, $470 for guests
- Week 10: $300 for members, $350 for guests (M-W)
- Tiyul
- Weeks 1-9: $460 for members, $510 for guests
- Week 10: $335 for members, $380 for guests (M-W)
- Nisayon
- Per 4-week session: $1600 for members, $1850 for guests
Age + Unit Info
Each Camp group has 16-20 campers with 2 counselors. Each Camp Unit is designed for campers rising into the following grades in Fall 2026:
- Noar (Youth): Rising Kindergarten
- Shalom (Peace): Rising 1st-2nd Grade
- Giborim (Heroes): Rising 3rd-5th Grade
- Tiyul (Trip): Rising 6th-8th Grade
- Nisayon (Experience), Leaders–in–Training: Rising 9th and 10th Grade
Weekly Activities
- Arts and Crafts, Specialist–led
- Indoor and Outdoor Sports and Athletics, Specialist–led
- Cooking, Specialist-led
Discovery (STEM activities and experiential learning), Specialist-led - Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “Repairing the World” – these are Service Learning, Social Action, and Mental/Emotional/Social Health opportunities), Specialist– led
- Daily Swimming (including built-in lessons for the Noar and Shalom Units)
Ga-Ga (traditional Israeli ball game) - Weekly Shabbat (including prayers, songs, stories, challah and counselor skits)
- Giborim: Friday Field Trips
- Tiyul: Overnight and Travel Trips
Weekly Virtues
Week 1: Hachnasat Orchim, Welcoming Others
Week 2: Hatmada, Persistence/Grit
Week 3: Patience
Week 4: Creativity
Week 5: Respect
Week 6: Hakarat Hatov, Recognize the Good: Gratitude
Week 7: Chesed, Loving Kindness
Week 8: Avodat Tzevet, Teamwork/Sportsmanship
Week 9: Kef, Fun
Theme Days
Week 1, Wacky Wednesday
Week 2, Wild Wild West Day
Week 3, Israel Day
Week 4, Cartoon Day
Week 5, Out of this World Day
Week 6, Red, White, and Blue Day
Week 7, Pajama day
Week 8, Maccabiah Week
Week 9, Decades Day
Week 10, End of Summer Carnival
Staff
Cass Johnson
I'm someone who believes camp should feel like a place where kids can be brave, silly, creative, and completely themselves. With years of experience running camps and youth programs, I focus on joyful meaningful experiences where every child can shine and thrive. My goal is always the same: to help every family feel connected, every camper feel confident, and every moment feel magical. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! As always, standing by to support.
Alma McCune
Kassandra Ramirez
Snacks + Lunch
Camp J will provide two snacks per day, in the morning and afternoon. These snack options will range from apples and bananas to Scooby Snacks and Cheez-Its.
Campers are able to bring their own lunch or complete an online order for a Camp J Hot lunch.
- Menu coming soon
- Ordering available soon
CAMP J WAITLIST
Shalom: Weeks 2, 3, 4
Giborim: Weeks 1, 2, 4
Tiyul: Weeks 1-4, 7, 8, 9
Noar (Youth): Rising Kindergarten
Noar is specifically designed for campers entering Kindergarten. Campers are grouped with peers their own age. Your camper will have a summer experience with other school-aged campers within our camp environment. Camp J provides an intentional summer experience where all campers can discover, learn, and grow, providing your camper with higher levels of independence in preparation for kindergarten. These activities include art, athletics, cooking, Tikkun Olam (Repair the World), and STEM– related activities. In addition, Noar campers receive daily swim instruction as part of their camp schedule as well as daily free water play through free swim or the Splash Pad. Our Noar campers will also have a daily Nofesh (break) period to help rest from the morning activities and get ready for the remainder of the afternoon. We know Kindergarten seems like a big jump already, however, Camp J creates a space that helps rising Kindergarteners feel safe and welcomed in the “big kid” setting.
- Weeks 1-9: $350 for members, $405 for guests
- Week 10: $265 for members, $305 for guests (M-W)
Cass Johnson
I’m someone who believes camp should feel like a place where kids can be brave, silly, creative, and completely themselves. With years of experience running camps and youth programs, I focus on joyful meaningful experiences where every child can shine and thrive. My goal is always the same: to help every family feel connected, every camper feel confident, and every moment feel magical. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! As always, standing by to support.
Shalom (Peace): Rising 1st – 2nd Grade
Our Shalom unit partakes in programming designed to foster their social and emotional development. We find this growth is paramount for this age group – being in community allows campers to grow together and create lasting friendships. All Shalom campers receive swim instruction as part of their summer fun and also have the opportunity to expand their horizons with Camp J specialists in their weekly Chugim (Choice).
- Weeks 1-9: $350 for members, $405 for guests
- Week 10: $265 for members, $305 for guests (M-W)
- Each Friday, Shalom campers have the opportunity to expand their horizons with our Camp J Specialists. Chugim – our name for elective activities – is the perfect time for your camper to choose which specialist they would like to learn more from that week!
- A separate Chugim selection form will be linked in the Monday Night Notes and Friday Night Newsletter emails that all Camp J grown-ups receive. These forms will be sent one week in advance. Campers select Chugim by ranking their top three choices. It is key that grown-ups sit with their camper(s) to discuss and select their Chugim for the week to come. If grown-ups do not fill out a form, the camper will be randomly assigned to a Chugim option.
Cass Johnson
I’m someone who believes camp should feel like a place where kids can be brave, silly, creative, and completely themselves. With years of experience running camps and youth programs, I focus on joyful meaningful experiences where every child can shine and thrive. My goal is always the same: to help every family feel connected, every camper feel confident, and every moment feel magical. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! As always, standing by to support.
Giborim (Heroes): Rising 3rd – 5th Grade
Campers in our Giborim groups, enjoy weekly activities designed to nurture creativity, build skills, explore new things, and have fun. On Fridays, Giborim campers venture outside the J for field trips. Giborim campers also have the opportunity to expand their horizons with Camp J specialists in their weekly Chugim (Choices), including specialty activities vendors where campers experience a variety of different programs throughout the summer.
- Weeks 1-9: $405 for members, $470 for guests
- Week 10: $300 for members, $350 for guests (M-W)
- Monday through Thursday, Giborim campers participate in Chugim activities led by experienced specialist instructors, deepening their interests and gaining access to higher level instruction.
- A separate Chugim form will be linked in the Monday Night Notes and Friday Night Newsletter emails that all Camp J grown-ups receive. These forms will be sent one week in advance. Campers select Chugim by ranking their top three choices. It is key that grown-ups sit with their camper(s) to discuss and select their Chugim for the week to come. If grown-ups do not fill out a form, the camper will be randomly assigned to a Chugim option.
Field Trips for summer 2026 are in progress.
Week 1, Friday 5/30: Elevate
Week 2, Friday 6/6: Skate country
Week 3, Friday 6/13: Lucky Strike Bowling
Week 4, Friday 6/20: Oro Valley Aquatics Center
Week 5, Friday 6/27: No Trip, Israel Day at the J
Week 6, Friday 7/4: No Trip, J is closed for Independence Day
Week 7, Friday 7/11: Dave and Busters
Week 8, Friday 7/18: No Trip, Maccabiah Week
Week 9, Friday 7/25: No Trip, Last Day of Camp Carnival
Cass Johnson
I’m someone who believes camp should feel like a place where kids can be brave, silly, creative, and completely themselves. With years of experience running camps and youth programs, I focus on joyful meaningful experiences where every child can shine and thrive. My goal is always the same: to help every family feel connected, every camper feel confident, and every moment feel magical. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! As always, standing by to support.
Tiyul (Trip): Rising 6th – 8th Grade
Our Tiyul program is designed to give campers a unique experience programmed with the needs of ‘tween and teen participants in mind. Campers will cultivate their independence and gain self-confidence by building new skills, engaging in teamwork, making new friends, and developing awareness of self and the world around them. Each week will include day trips and either an overnight at the J on Thursday or a multiday travel trip to locations outside of Tucson.
- Weeks 1-9: $460 for members, $510 for guests
- Week 10: $335 for members, $380 for guests (M-W)
6/4-6/5: Mt. Lemmon
6/11-6/12: Phoenix
6/17-6/19: Flagstaff
6/24-6/25: Whitetail Camp Ground
7/2: TBD
7/7-7/10: San Diego
Round 1
Elevate
Planetarium
Desert Museum
Dave and Busters
Fantastiks
Oro Valley Aquatic
Leave No Trace
Mt Lemmon
Mercury Game
Whitetail
Restaurant Visit
Scavenger Hunt
Top Golf
Golf N Stuff
Pecan Lake
Diamondbacks Game
Titan Missile
Cass Johnson
I’m someone who believes camp should feel like a place where kids can be brave, silly, creative, and completely themselves. With years of experience running camps and youth programs, I focus on joyful meaningful experiences where every child can shine and thrive. My goal is always the same: to help every family feel connected, every camper feel confident, and every moment feel magical. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! As always, standing by to support.
Nisayon (Experience): Leaders in Training Rising 9th – 10th Grade
We have planned an intentional, two-session, experience for rising 9th and 10th graders centered around personal growth in leadership and independence. Throughout each session Nisayon Leaders can expect to experience team building activities, assist with specialists and camp units, and learn life-skills such as resume building, interview skills, and more.
There will be two, 4-week sessions.
- Session 1: June 1 – June 26
- Session 2: June 29 – July 24
- Per 4-week session: $1600 for members, $1850 for guests
Hands on experience with each specialist and camp units
Weekly field trips based on the week’s learning topic
Guest speakers from the community to cover skill-based topics
Work force-based education:
- Writing a resume and cover letter
Interview techniques - CPR/First Aid Certification
Learning Topics
- Teamwork
- Personality traits
- Leadership styles
- Adaptability
- Planning and facilitating activities
- Professionalism
- Critical thinking
Escape Room
University of Arizona
Playformance
Food Bank for Community Service
Cass Johnson
I’m someone who believes camp should feel like a place where kids can be brave, silly, creative, and completely themselves. With years of experience running camps and youth programs, I focus on joyful meaningful experiences where every child can shine and thrive. My goal is always the same: to help every family feel connected, every camper feel confident, and every moment feel magical. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! As always, standing by to support.
Inclusion at Camp J
Camp J’s Inclusion Program is for rising Kinder through 5th-graders with disabilities. Our priority for the Inclusion Program is to provide a fun and supportive space for campers with disabilities to grow socially and emotionally. The enrollment process is individualized, aiming to meet the needs of each camper in order to be as successful as possible. Campers will be paired with advocates in a 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3 ratio. The cost of camp is covered for families that are clients of the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and receive ALTCS and Respite Hours.
We believe in the value that diversity brings to our campers’ experiences. Through focused staff training, we ensure our team is equipped to foster a diverse, supportive, and equitable camp environment for all campers.
If you are interested in registering your camper for Camp J’s Inclusion Program, please submit an inquiry and the Camp Director will be in touch shortly.
FAQs
Why did registration move to Brightwheel?
We are excited to continue ensuring the safety of your credit card information as well as making sure all of the pertinent information for your child is in one place! All paperwork will be moving to Brightwheel for Summer 2026 and beyond.
This will allow ease of access for families as well as staff to best support your camper. We are excited to be expediting our processes for us all!
Can I register more than one child at once?
At this time, Brightwheel only allows for individual child registration. You will still receive your appropriate discounts (i.e. early bird, sibling, staff etc.) at the time our staff enters registers your camper in the system.
What are the hours for camp?
Your Camp J tuition covers before and after care beginning at 7am and ending at 6pm.
Our camp activities are from 9-4pm.
Do you offer partial-week options?
There are no partial–week options at a different rate. Your registration will be for the entire week whether your camper comes one day or all five.
How much does camp cost per week?
- Noar
- Weeks 1-9: $350 for members, $405 for guests
- Week 10: $265 for members, $305 for guests (M-W)
- Shalom
- Weeks 1-9: $350 for members, $405 for guests
- Week 10: $265 for members, $305 for guests (M-W)
- Giborim
- Weeks 1-9: $405 for members, $470 for guests
- Week 10: $300 for members, $350 for guests (M-W)
- Tiyul
- Weeks 1-9: $460 for members, $510 for guests
- Week 10: $335 for members, $380 for guests (M-W)
- Nisayon
- Per 4-week session: $1600 for members, $1850 for guests
What do the different age groups experience?
Noar: Instructional Swim Monday-Thursday, Intentional Break in the afternoon, Growth in independence before Kindergarten
Shalom: Instructional Swim throughout the week, Friday Chugim (choice) with Camp J Specialists
Giborim: Chugim (choice) Monday-Thursday, Friday Field Trips, Dedicated time with Science of Sport
Tiyul: Daily field trips, Overnights at the J, Travel trip multi-overnight opportunities
Nisayon: Growing leadership skills by assisting specialists and groups, Growth in work force skills such as resume building and mock interviews, understanding personality traits and how they can shine in the workplace in different ways.
Does my camper go swimming?
Yes! All groups are scheduled in the pool throughout the day.
- Noar will have swim lessons and free swim Monday-Thursday
- Shalom will have two swim lessons Monday through Thursday and a period of free swim or splash pad Monday-Friday.
- Giborim is scheduled to have free swim or splash pad Monday-Thursday and will not swim on Fridays as they go on their field trip.
- Tiyul will have the option to swim after they return from their day trips and they will have the option for night swims on their overnights at the J.
What are your group sizes?
All camp groups have 16-20 campers with two counselors and any advocates paired with our inclusion campers.
What is Chugim?
- Chugim is Hebrew for Choices
- Shalom and Giborim campers participate in Chugim activities led by experienced specialist instructors, deepening their interests and gaining access to higher level instruction.
- Shalom will have Chugim on Fridays
- Giborim will have Chugim Monday through Thursday
A separate Chugim form for Shalom and Giborim will be linked in the Monday Night Notes and Friday Night Newsletter emails that all Camp J grown-ups receive. These forms will be sent one week in advance. Campers select Chugim by ranking their top three choices. It is key that grown-ups sit with their camper(s) to discuss and select their Chugim for the week to come. If grown-ups do not fill out a form, the camper will be randomly assigned to a Chugim option
Do you provide lunch?
Monday-Thursday we have an option to purchase a deli lunch online. Friday, we provide lunch. A menu will be provided closer to the start of camp. If your camper does not like the option for Friday’s lunch, you are still welcome to pack a lunch.
Can I request my campers be in the same group?
Yes, when you receive your confirmation email from Camp J, please respond and let Camp J know the first and last name of the camper you would like to be in the same group. Group requests are not guaranteed.