Camp Chai is the place for families looking for the ultimate summer of growing and belonging. Through generations, Camp Chai has been the home for campers to learn the important life skills of self-confidence, independence, risk taking and more through connecting with each other, our dedicated camp staff and the entire community that are part of our J. Our camp vision, “Camp Chai is a special kehillah (community) where each of us can make a positive difference in the lives of others and in ourselves” guides us in every activity and memorable events that happen every day. At Camp Chai, we do it all from swim to sports to art to dance and so much more with laughter and fun part of every day. Every child should have a Camp Chai Summer!!
Growing is part of every summer as each age is challenged uniquely. Our Lil’ Chai unit for those entering Kindergarten is the perfect transition with an amazing staff specifically trained for this age group. Each year, there are new challenges for every age group as the activities and choices expand through each unit. Our intentional design for every group provides different experiences yet our strongest sense of belonging comes from being part of a “tribe (groups named after the 12 tribes of Israel)”, an “adat (unit divided by ages), to being part of the entire Camp Chai Community!!
Dates
Session 2: June 29 – July 17
Session 3: July 20 – August 7
Our Lil’ Chai program for those entering Kindergarten is the perfect transition from the steady hand of Camp Simchah to the JCC’s Camp Chai. With an amazing staff specifically trained for this age group your child will enjoy the best of both worlds this summer.
Field Trips
Maccabiah (Color War)
Singing Together
Specialists in Art, Sports and More
Chugim (choices)
Overnights and Late Nights
Theme Days
8:45 -9:10: Carpool, Dancing, Boker Tov, Announcements, Hebrew Word of the DayGeneral Activities: Tribe Time (just the tribe), Unit Time (big group events), snack, lunch singing with Laura, and weekly times with our Specialists (sports, arts, music and more).
3:15-3:45: L’Hitraot (see you tomorrow), “Awards”, & Otter Pops
3:45-4:15: Carpool
4:00-6:00: Aftercare
For over 48 years, Laura has been part of Camp Chai and is returning as Camp Interim Director these next two summers as we head to our 50th Celebration of Camp Chai. Laura has guided generations of campers, staff and families through their camp experience with her belief often stated – “Camp is one of the MOST IMPORTANT experiences in a child’s life!!”
As Camp Director Emeritus these past years, Laura was a daily presence at carpool, morning & afternoon care, daily singing plus sharing Jewish values and Shabbat experiences every day and every week to all of our J camps. Stepping over into the director role means taking on familiar “responsibilities” of guiding staff to provide the growing experience of camp and creating ways to assure her presence in the all areas of care for our children, staff and families. Laura is ready, able and very excited to take on the challenge of bringing the traditions and celebration of Camp Chai to all.
Laura Seymour, Camp Director Emeritus
Tara Ohayon began her camp journey at age three at J camps and spent all of her school years and high school summers at Camp Chai, first as a camper and later as a counselor. Camp was where she learned the values of belonging, leadership, and community, and it was also where she held her first job, setting her on a lifelong path in Jewish communal work.Camp is a family legacy for Tara. All four of her children grew up at the J and have served as Camp Chai counselors and staff, continuing the traditions, relationships, and sense of responsibility that have shaped her life.
Today, Tara serves as Chief Impact Officer, where she is known for building strong teams, creating meaningful programs, and fostering deep relationships across the community. Grounded in her camp roots, she is passionate about ensuring Camp Chai remains a place where children feel known, supported, and inspired, summer after summer. - Tara Ohayon, Chief Impact Officer
Tara Ohayon, Assistant Executive Director
How often do campers swim?
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What should my Camp Chai camper wear or bring?
I was a camp counselor at Camp Chai and couldn’t wait until the day my kids were old enough to attend.
Brad Behringer, Camp Parent & Alum
Between daily swimming, morning dancing and awesome field trips, our children can’t wait to return to camp each day.
Rivka Altman, Camp Parent
