COVID-19 Camp Updates - JCC Ranch Camp

UPDATED April 30th, 2021 4:00 PM

We had so much fun with all the families that joined us this week for our Virtual First Time Camper Orientation and Open House. We’ve compiled a list of all the FAQs from all our virtual events.

Click here to view the FAQs.

Virtual Open House

Click here to view the SLIDE DECK from the Open House.

First Time Camper Orientation

Click here to view the SLIDE DECK from the First Time Camper Orientation.

Click here to explore Ranch Camp virtually.

To respect and protect the privacy of our campers, we will not be posting a recording of the First Time Camper Orientation, but will be able to email you the recording if you missed the event. Email info@jccdenver.org to request the recording.

UPDATED April 16th, 2021 10:00 AM

Thank you to all the families that joined us for our second Ranch Camp Town Hall. If you weren’t able to make it, the recording and slide deck are available now! Please note that the very first part of the recording got lost in Zoom’s universe, so please refer to the slide deck for that information. If you have any questions please reach out to us at info@jccdenver.org.

SLIDE DECK.

UPDATED, March 30th, 2021 12:00 PM

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Trips Town Hall. If you were not able to make it, the recording and slide deck is available below. If you have any questions about the video, or about camp in general, come meet with Ryan!

SLIDE DECK

UPDATED, March 5th, 2021 6:00 PM

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our town hall on Tuesday night. If you were not able to make it, the recording and slide deck is available below. If you have any questions about the video, or about camp in general, come meet with Ryan!

Slide Deck

UPDATED, October 12 2:00 PM

Ranch Camp Summer 2021 registration: NOW OPEN!

Registration is open to everyone for Summer 2021. Due to COVID-19, we will currently be opening at a reduced capacity for Summer 2021. This may shift or change as we get closer to the summer. Be sure to reserve your camper’s spot as soon as registration opens!

Other things to note:

Tiyulim (Trips): Due to COVID-19’s impact on summer 2020, our 2021 Tiyulim grades are flexible. Please contact us with any questions and refer to the Tiyulim 2021 FAQ Sheet for more specific information.

Baktanna: Due to COVID-19, we may not be able to run Baktanna 2021. Registration for Baktanna is currently not open. We will keep our community updated as we have more information.

Session 2 Tracks: Due to COVID-19 we may or may not be able to run our Track Programs. We intend to run our Track Programming as usual during Session 2, however, at this point we lack sufficient guidelines to determine if we are able to mix cohort groups (i.e.. cabin groups). We will communicate with families if we are able to run Tracks during Session 2 or if it will be a Traditional program like Sessions 1 and 3.

UPDATED, September 30 12:00 PM

Ranch Camp Summer 2021 registration opens on MONDAY, OCTOBER 12!

If you rolled over your camper’s 2020 registration your Priority Rollover Registration opens on Monday, October 5. Please check your email for specifics about your registration process.

Between now and October 12, be sure to check out the Summer 2021 Dates & Rates and get ready for next summer.

Please note that due to COVID-19, we will currently be opening at a reduced capacity for Summer 2021. This may shift or change as we get closer to the summer. Be sure to reserve your camper’s spot as soon as registration opens!

UPDATED, June 19 8:00 AM

Dear Ranch Camp Families,

It’s hard to believe we would be almost at the end of Session 1 this week. We are all still grieving the loss of our regular summer program and Family Camp. As we made our way through calling each of you after announcing our decision, it truly lifted our spirits to talk to so many of you and your campers. These calls solidified what we have always known about our community; connection is what creates the magic of Ranch Camp. It isn’t about the activities or the food or anything in between. It is about the connections we make with each other and the opportunities we have to be the best version of ourselves.

We are excited to introduce Ranch Camp 2020 Virtual Connections, a virtual experience for campers that will take place in July!

We have been working tirelessly to concentrate the essence and magic of Ranch Camp into short programs with small groups of campers.The goal of Virtual Connections is to help campers connect to their peers in their unit and to participate in special unit programming so that they feel as if they were truly with us this summer.
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VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS SCHEDULE
The Virtual Connections programs are organized by Session and Unit. Each program will take place 2 pm MDT on their respective dates.

Session 1: Week of July 6, 2:00 pm MDT
Tuesday 7/7 – Chalutzim (2nd-4th Grade, full + mini campers)
Wednesday 7/8 – Metapsim (5th & 6th Grade)
Thursday 7/9 – Toshavim (7th & 8th Grade)

Session 2: Week of July 13, 2:00 pm MDT
Tuesday 7/14 – Chalutzim (2nd-4th Grade, full + mini campers)
Wednesday 7/15- Metapsim (5th & 6th Grade)
Thursday 7/16 – Toshavim & Pack n Ride (7th, 8th, 9th Grade)

Session 3: Week of July 20, 2:00 pm MDT
Tuesday 7/21 – Chalutzim (2nd-4th Grade, full + mini campers)
Wednesday 7/22 – Metapsim (5th & 6th Grade)
Thursday 7/23 – Toshavim (7th & 8th Grade)

Baktanna & Tiyulim (Trips): Week of July 27, 2:00 pm MDT
Tuesday 7/28 – Baktanna 1st & 2nd Grade
Wednesday 7/29 – Baktanna 3rd & 4th Grade
Thursday 7/30 – TASC (Sessions 2 & 3) & Teen Village
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VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS FAQs

Who can participate in Virtual Connections?
Virtual Connections is open to campers that were registered for the 2020 season.

How can I sign my camper(s) up?
You must register your camper(s) for Virtual Connections. 2020 families – you can find the registration link in the email send on 6/19/20. Please register your camper at least one week prior to their scheduled program.

Once you have registered, your camper will be assigned to the Session/Unit program they would have attended this summer. As a reminder, here are the different units:

Chalutzim – 2nd – 4th graders (full & mini session campers)
Metapsim – 5th – 6th graders
Toshavim – 7th – 8th graders (and Pack n Ride during Session 2)
Tiyulim – TASC (Sessions 2 & 3) and Teen Village
Baktanna – 1st/2nd graders and 3rd/4th graders

What is the cost to participate in Virtual Connections?
There is no cost to participate in Virtual Connections. We are asking, if you are able, to please consider making a donation to support our programming efforts. Donations will go directly to staff salaries and are tax deductible. Camp donations will be matched by half by a generous donor. Your gift may be eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit which provides a 50% state income tax credit for gifts to children’s programming. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, especially in a time like this.

Who is leading Virtual Connections?
Our trained Ranch Camp staff will be leading these programs. These staff are trained to work with children and specifically have been trained to safely lead programs in online spaces.

Where will Virtual Connections take place?
Each program will take place in a secure Zoom call hosted by Ranch Camp.

What will each Virtual Connections program include?
Each program will begin with welcoming campers and establishing a safe space. Each group will then participate in their unit program. This program has been developed to fit the unit’s developmental stage and match key programming that takes place at camp. The call will conclude with an opportunity to help complete the unit flag and goodbyes. As we get closer to each program, we will send an email with specific details outlining any supplies and parental/guardian support needed during the program, and the Zoom link to access the program.

When will Virtual Connections take place?
Each program will take place at 2 pm MDT. The programs will be organized by Sessions and Units to give campers the chance to connect with the campers they would have been with this summer. Please see the schedule above.

If I have more questions, who can I talk to?
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach her via email at info@jccdenver.org.
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Please remember to complete your Virtual Connections Registration as soon as possible and at least one week prior to your campers’ program!

Even though we won’t be together in person this summer in Elbert, Colorado, we are very much looking forward to connecting with each other in a new way until we’re all back together under our bluest skies.

Until we see a Colorado Sunset Together,

Ryan Bocchino | JCC Ranch Camp Director

UPDATED, May 29 10:30 AM

Ranch Camp Families,

This morning you received the update on summer programs at the JCC Denver. We wanted to follow up with you and give you some more specifics on our Family Camp program.

If we have learned anything during this new reality that we are living in, it is that flexibility is the key to making it through the day to day. Fortunately, we are camp people, and flexibility is at the core of the work we do. When we made the decision to cancel our regular summer season, we stretched and put together the plans for Family Camp which we felt would give the connection to the things we are all craving right now: camp, nature, Judaism, and most of all, each other.

We have continued to follow along with the updated and ever changing guidance of the CDC, the American Camping Association, and the local, state, federal government. With our most up-to-date information, we have made the heartbreaking decision to not run Family Camp this summer.

We will be in touch with those that have already registered to discuss next steps with tuition (refund, 2021 credit, and/or donation), and we will spread our update to those that have expressed interest in the greater community.

Flexibility isn’t always comfortable. It requires a lot of patience and deep breaths as we stretch, reach, twist, and turn. At the end of the day though, the health and safety of our community will always come first.

Thank you for moving through this time with us, hand in hand. We are so grateful for your constant love and support. We are so lucky to be a part of the best community.

Until we see a Colorado Sunset together,

Ryan Bocchino | JCC Ranch Camp Director

UPDATED, MAY 29, 8:00 AM

Dear JCC Community,

Despite our planning and best intentions, the JCC Senior Leadership Team, with the support of the Board of Directors, has made the difficult decision to alter the reopening plan that we previously communicated. This decision is based on the state and local guidelines regarding the requirements that must be met for us to gather safely as well as a deep review of our current financial situation. We have set forth below our revised opening plan and will provide additional information to those who are directly impacted by these changes over the next few days.

As a mission-based, non-profit organization that has served this community for nearly 100 years, we are conscious of our obligation to those most in need of our services while at the same time ensuring the health and safety of the entire community.

Our current financial and membership model is not built to withstand the restrictions surrounding large gatherings set forth by state and local officials. As a result, we are unable to operate many of our summer programs and thus are yet again forced to make some tough decisions. While we value all of our members, our organization feels it is crucial to support the members of our community who are deemed essential workers and who have young children at home.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SELECT JCC PROGRAMS?

ELS and Camp Shai Pod Camps: These programs will be running at the JCC this summer, with priority registration given to families who have essential workers in the household. We will also continue to offer family engagement programs online open to all.
Fitness Center and Tennis Center: The Fitness Center and Tennis Center will not reopen for in-person activities on June 1. We are continuing to explore options to re-start those programs in a safe and economically beneficial manner, while still meeting government guidelines. We will continue to offer fitness programming online, by way of our Facebook Group.
Family Camp at Ranch Camp: We have made the extremely difficult choice to cancel Family Camp at Ranch Camp.

These decisions will allow us to focus our time, energy, and resources to safely reopening the ELS and Camp Shai Pod Camps while continuing to work towards reopening all other programs in a safe and efficient manner.

Through this lens, we are still evaluating our ability to offer the Wolf Theatre Academy and to reopen our gorgeous, newly remodeled outdoor pool. We must be confident that proceeding with these openings will not have a negative impact on the health and safety of our ELS and Camp Shai children, who will be at our facility throughout the summer months.

Unfortunately, government operating guidelines, our financial situation, and the end of our government assistance program funding (PPP) is forcing us to reduce compensation and furlough additional members of our wonderful staff. We have made these difficult decisions with a heavy heart, and I cannot be more appreciative of this dedicated, creative, and tenacious group of people who have continued to work tirelessly to serve our community during such uncertain and difficult times.

The world in which we live poses daily challenges for all of us. As we continue to move through this period, rest assured that we miss you, we think of you often, and we look forward to the day when it will be safe for all of us to be together at our beloved JCC.

In the following days, we will be sending emails to all Fitness members, Tennis members and Family Camp enrollees with more information about the impact that these decisions have on these programs.

Thank you for your continued support and Shabbat Shalom,

Lara Knuettel
Chief Executive Officer

UPDATED, MAY 8, 8:00 AM

Priority registration for Family Camp is now live! Please visit www.ranchcamp.org/fc for more information.

UPDATED, MAY 3, 9:00 AM

Dear JCC Ranch Camp Family,

We know that our campers, staff, and families alike count down the months, days, and minutes until the start of Ranch Camp each summer. In Judaism we constantly lean on text to help us navigate moments of grief and explore feelings of uncertainty, to offer us clarity when we cannot see and to embrace us in the warmth of a hug when we cannot touch. This piece, by Jamie Anderson, so beautifully captures our heartache:

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

JCC Ranch Camp is more than just a summer camp. It is a community and a home away from home, where so many are able to be their best selves, connect to nature, develop deep friendships, and explore Judaism. Our top priority summer after summer is the physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of everyone who comes through our gates. Without meeting this basic need, none of the magic that fills every moment at camp can happen.

With a heavy heart and a clear mind, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel our 2020 season to ensure the safety of our community. The CDC Guidelines and the local Health Department requirements make our normal camp experience nearly impossible. We have recorded a short message from us to your families, please feel free to view with your campers.

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We would like to offer the following options with regards to your camp tuition:

Full Refund
You can request a refund for tuition you have paid. Third-party scholarships and One Happy Camper grants will be refunded to those organizations directly. Please anticipate 45 days to receive your refund via your original method of payment. If this timeline poses hardship for your family, please reach out to us directly.
Donation
You may choose to donate a portion or all fees paid to date to Ranch Camp. While many of our expenses occur during the summer season, a significant portion of our costs are fixed and spent regardless of operating during the summer. Any donation made to the JCC is tax-deductible, qualifies for the Colorado Child Care Tax Credit (if you’re a resident of CO) and will be matched dollar for dollar by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. This option can be combined with any of the other options.
JCC Credit
Roll your tuition over to 2021. You can reserve your spot for Summer 2021 AND lock in the Summer 2020 rate. There is a minimum $250 credit to hold your spot for 2021. Additionally, you can use your credit for other JCC Denver programs. Credit expires August 31, 2021.
Family Camp 2020
We have put together an alternative Family Camp program. We will offer six 5-day sessions that will allow for appropriate safety precautions and an opportunity to be at camp. Please read more about our new 2020 Family Camp experience. If this program is of interest to your family, you can roll your tuition over to Family Camp 2020. Registration will open on Friday, May 8.
1. For health and safety reasons, this is for in-state families only.
2. Current Ranch Camp families will have priority registration.
3. Registration will be first come, first served.
4. Current “Family Camp” registrants will have priority for Week 6 registration (the week that overlaps with the original Family Camp weekend dates).
5. Running this program is contingent upon the current and updated recommendations of the federal, state, and local government.

You can select which option works best for your family by completing the financial intent form. We ask that you please complete your form by Friday, May 15. If you have not completed your form by May 15, we will default your selection to Ranch Camp or JCC Credit. If you need to make changes to your form or need support completing it, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

In order to make the most informed decision, current statements will be emailed to all families this week. If you would like to access your current statement before then, please log into your CampInTouch Account. Scroll down to “Your Family” and click “Financial Management.” On this page you will see an overview of your payments and balance. On the bottom left you can select “View Statement” to see your statement in more detail. If you need support accessing your statement, please email Allison Marshall via email.

We will be calling all of our families starting this week so that we can answer any questions you might have and to let you know that we are with you during this incredibly sad and challenging time. Please be patient as we make calls; we have many families to call and want to give each of you the time you need.

In addition to individual calls, we will be hosting a Ranch Camp Town Hall via Zoom tomorrow night, Monday, May 4, at 6:00 pm MDT to answer any and all questions you might have. You can access the Town Hall Zoom Link here.

Many of our families also participate in other amazing programming offered at the JCC. Please be sure to see the specific details for Camp Shai and Wolf Theatre Academy.

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While we can’t be together in the way we had planned this summer, there will always be a way for us to share our love for one another. Ranch Camp isn’t the cabins we sleep in or the walls we sign. It is the people who make us feel seen, loved, whole, and safe. This is what creates the Ranch Camp magic and we know it reaches so much farther than our 400 acres.

Until we see a Colorado Sunset together,

Noah Gallagher | JCC Ranch Camp Director
Ryan Bocchino | JCC Ranch Camp Associate Director
Carly Coons | JCC Ranch Camp Assistant Director

UPDATED MAY 3, 8:00 AM

Dear JCC Denver Camp Families,

Each year, hundreds of families entrust the JCC with their beloved children during the summer months. It is a remarkable responsibility and one that we not only treasure, but take very seriously. Our camp teams work year-round to build the physical community that campers and staff are a part of each summer. Whether you spend your summer months at the JCC, at Graland Country Day School, in Elbert, CO, on the tennis courts, or lighting up the stage in the Elaine Wolf Theatre, we are all one amazing community.

As the health and safety of our community remains our number one priority, it has become increasingly clear over the past few weeks that we cannot guarantee the safety and well-being of our camp community running camps in the way we all know and love. After careful consideration and countless hours of planning, we have decided to make some drastic changes to our 2020 camp season. These changes, outlined below, were developed with a singular goal in mind: to continue the tradition of summers at the J while making certain that campers and staff can have a safe summer experience.

GENERAL CAMP UPDATES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

All JCC summer camp programs scheduled to run in-person, in June, have been cancelled. Please continue reading for the options available to you regarding your registration fees.
JCC Ranch Camp is getting a completely new look, launching a summer of JCC Family Camp open to in-state families. This option is designed to keep everyone involved safe and allow those able to not miss a summer at the Ranch. Please continue reading for more information about this program.
At this time, we plan to start Camp Shai on Monday, June 29 and Wolf Theatre Academy on Monday, July 6. Please continue reading for more information about the shape in which these programs will take when they start back up. Spoiler alert, it’s very different, but will still be amazing!
Serve, Snack, and Splash has been cancelled for the summer. Please continue reading for the options available to you regarding your registration fees.

SUMMER 2020 PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Ranch Camp
Sadly, we have made the heartbreaking decision to cancel Ranch Camp as you know it for the entire 2020 season. The Ranch Camp experience is based on campers and staff being together – living in cabins, participating in activities, gathering around the campfire, and eating together in the dining hall. The CDC guidelines and the local Health Department requirements make this experience nearly impossible.

However, our Ranch Camp team has developed an exciting Family Camp offering that you may want to consider. It allows families to enjoy the beauty and solitude of Ranch Camp as a family unit.

Learn more about Family Camp >

Camp Shai
With the realities of COVID-19, Camp Shai has developed two models of camps this summer: Pod Camp (in-person camp) and Virtual Specialty Camps. These programs were designed using guidelines from the CDC and the American Camping Association and the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services, as well as with input from other local day camps.

Learn more about Camp Shai’s programs >

Wolf Theatre Academy
The 2020 Wolf Theatre Academy summer will be comprised of three sessions – each two weeks long – offering specialized, intensive-style performing arts classes in “class pods” of 10 students or less. We will offer four unique classes/productions each session in four separate spaces. We will be providing all currently registered students with a survey to gauge interest in specific content for the summer, and will use this information to create specific class offerings tailored to the interests of our student population. Options might include classes in musical theatre, dance and acting as well as some selected, abbreviated non-musical productions. We may also offer an introductory class in theatre for younger/beginner students as well as an improvisation class. Course tuition can be transferred from Mainstage Production Classes directly to individual session courses.

Learn more about WTA’s potential offerings >
Already registered for WTA? Take our program interest survey >

FINANCIAL OPTIONS – WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH MY REGISTRATION FEES

The financial implications of delaying our day camps and closing Ranch Camp are serious and we continue to make crucial financial choices to stabilize our finances that include cutting expenses wherever possible and pursuing CARES Act/SBA loan and grant programs. That said, the key drivers of the JCC’s financial model are registration fees and philanthropy. The loss of our registration fees means that we must depend more heavily on the generosity of people who love camp and value our place in the Jewish world and our future.

Options for Ranch Camp Families, if your child(ren) are registered for Ranch Camp:

We will provide full refunds for camp registration fees paid to date. Please anticipate 45 days to receive your refund via your original method of payment. If this timeline poses hardship for your family, please reach out to us directly.
You may choose to donate a portion or all fees paid to date to Ranch Camp. Any donation made to the JCC is tax-deductible, qualifies for the Colorado Child Care Tax Credit (if resident of CO) and will be matched dollar for dollar by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
You may use the fees as a credit to another JCC Denver program, 2020 Ranch Camp Family Camp, or roll the fees into registration for the 2021 Summer season at the Summer of 2020 rate.

Statements will be emailed to all families this week. If you would like to access your current statement before then, please log into your CampInTouch Account. Scroll down to “Your Family” and click “Financial Management.” On this page you will see an overview of your payments and balance. On the bottom left you can select “View Statement” to see your statement in more detail. If you need support accessing your statement, please email Allison Marshall via email.

If you already know which option you intend to choose please fill out this financial intent form. Otherwise, please wait to hear from us for more detail before making your selection. If a choice is not received by May 15, your fees will automatically convert to JCC program credits that expire August 31, 2021.

Options for Camp Shai, Wolf Theatre Academy, and Tennis Camps Families:

We will provide full refunds for camp registration fees paid to date. Please anticipate 45 days to receive your refund via your original method of payment. If this timeline poses hardship for your family, please reach out to us directly.
You may choose to donate a portion or all fees paid to date to Camp Shai, Wolf Theatre Academy or Tennis Camps. Any donation made to the JCC is tax-deductible, qualifies for the Colorado Child Care Tax Credit and will be matched dollar for dollar with a generous gift by JEWISHcolorado.
You may use the fees as a credit to another JCC Denver program or roll the fees into registration for the 2021 Summer season at the 2020 Summer prices. This credit will expire August 31, 2021.

WE ARE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Following this email, you will be receiving an email later today or tomorrow from each Camp Director based on the program(s) you are currently registered for. This email will provide additional detail about each camp offering and hopefully answer some of the initial questions you have.

We have also scheduled Virtual (Zoom) Town Halls for Ranch Camp and Camp Shai that will provide a chance for you to hear directly from each camp team and receive answers to all of your questions. Following are the days and times for these meetings:

Ranch Camp Town Hall: Monday, 5.4, 6:00 – 7:00 pm (click here to join via Zoom)
Camp Shai Town Hall: Tuesday, 5.5, 4:30 – 5:30 pm (click here to join via Zoom)

Our JCC Staff and Camp Teams will be calling each family starting this week to answer questions about our summer program options and to assist you in filling out your financial intent form. Please be patient as we make calls, we have many families to call and want to give each of you the time you need.

THANK YOU

We are so grateful for your generosity and for helping us to continue to build the kind of community we all so desperately need right now.

I would also like to give one final thank you to JEWISHcolorado and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for their generous support during this time by matching any dollar donated from your camp registration fees.

In the meantime, we send good thoughts to everyone in our camp family and wishes for healing and wholeness to those who have been personally affected by this virus.

Stay healthy, stay safe, stay strong.

Sincerely,

Lara Knuettel
Chief Executive Officer

With support from:

UPDATED APRIL 28, 5:00 PM

Dear JCC Camp families,

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Many of you have asked about our plans for this summer’s program offerings and we understand the need to make your summer plans.

Our camp teams are working diligently preparing for this summer in hopes that we are able to run our programs. With safety being our foremost priority, we are awaiting the CDC guidelines for summer camps that are due to be made public later this week to make sure what we are planning is in alignment with these guidelines. We know that if we are able to run camps this summer it will not look like summers that have come before. Having these guidelines in hand will allow our camp teams to finalize their summer program offerings and ensure that we are providing the safest possible environment for our campers, their families, and our staff. We will share these plans for each of our summer camps, and provide answers to your financial questions by Sunday, May 3.

As we continue our “safer at home” status, we hope that you will continue to take advantage of our virtual programming being offered to keep us all connected while we are unable to be with each other in person.

Thank you for you continued patience and understanding as we absorb all the available information.

Lara Knuettel
Chief Executive Officer

UPDATED APRIL 21

Dear JCC Camp Families,

We want nothing more than to give you a definitive answer regarding the status of camp. However, we are awaiting guidance from a number of local, state, and national organizations in order to make the responsible decision as to whether to proceed with our camp programming this summer or not.

From a national level, the American Camp Association is partnering with the CDC by engaging an independent team of public health experts, pediatricians, epidemiologists, and camp health experts to develop educational and operational resources for camps to assist them with adhering to CDC COVID-19 guidance. We also anticipate guidance from Governor Polis and Mayor Hancock in the next two weeks to help formulate a plan from the state and local level.

We are hopeful that this information will offer much-needed clarification and direction as we work towards a decision in regard to the status of our summer camp programs knowing that this summer may not look like all the summers that have come before or any of the summers that will come after. What we do know is that camp plays a vital role in the lives of campers, their families, and alumni – at this time we are taking steps to determine how we can best serve our community this summer. We will let you know when we know what that looks like and provide you with additional necessary information, including information regarding refunds, so you can make proper arrangements that are best for your family.

As we look for inspiration for weathering this health crisis and count down the days until camp, we would love to bring the camp community into your lives through our virtual programming as we all continue to shelter in place at home.

Thank you for your support and continued patience and understanding.

Your JCC Summer Program Team,

Directors of Ranch Camp

Courtney Jacobson
Director of Camp Shai

Marshall Carpenter
Director of Tennis

Amy Weiner Weiss
Director of Festivals & Wolf Theatre Academy Support

UPDATED MARCH 16

Dear JCC Camp & Maccabi Families,

As it currently stands, we are planning to fully run and operate all JCC summer programs, which include: Camp Shai, Maccabi, Ranch Camp, Tennis Camp, and Wolf Theatre Academy.

We recognize that this time is full of uncertainty and it is understandable to be concerned as this rapidly evolving situation unfolds. We want to ensure you that we are prepared and taking every precaution at the JCC, which is why we are currently working to offer the option for all summer families to purchase Camp Insurance through a third-party provider (it’s like travel insurance for camp). Please note the importance of reviewing the policy details before purchasing, and understand that it is NOT required to attend a program. We will be sending out a follow-up e-mail once this option is available to you in your CampMinder account.

We thank you for your trust in us during these unprecedented times and your understanding that the safety of our campers, participants, families, and staff is our top priority. At this time, we look forward to another unforgettable summer at the JCC!

Sincerely,
Your JCC Summer Staff

Noah Gallagher, Director JCC Ranch Camp
Courtney Jacobson, Director JCC Camp Shai
Steve Wilson, Director Wolf Theatre Academy
Marshall Carpenter, Director Junior Tennis Academy
Jodi Asarch, Maccabi Delegation Head

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View the latest communications about the JCC Denver’s response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Coronavirus Updates