Camp Programs
Camp Programs by Age Group (Units)
Builders
Habonim – One Week Mini Camps
Entering Grade 2-6
Habonim is the perfect opportunity for first-time campers. Mini Camps offer campers the opportunity to “sample” the best of what Camp JCA Shalom has to offer. With a small staff to camper ratio, children receive close attention and guidance focusing on each child’s physical and emotional well-being. Designed to give kids a chance to try all of the different areas of camp, Habonim is an excellent program that will plant the seeds for future years of enriching camp experiences. (Available during Session 2)
First Timers
Rishonim
Entering Grades 2 -4
Rishonim is where the camp journey begins for our youngest adventurers experiencing their first extended stay away from home. This thoughtfully designed program introduces campers to our signature activities and the rhythms of camp life, while providing the perfect environment to build lasting friendships and gain confidence. It’s the foundation for all the camp memories to come. (Available Sessions 1 and 3)
Heroes/Pioneers
Giborim
Entering Grades 5 -6
Giborim strikes the ideal balance between beloved camp traditions and specialized activities. In carefully sized small groups, campers develop stronger social skills and learn to navigate friendships with greater confidence. While older units venture off-site for overnight adventures, Giborim enjoys their own special “undernight” experience right here at camp—a perfect stepping stone that builds excitement for future adventures. The connections formed during this pivotal time often become the cornerstone friendships that make camp feel like home for years to come..
CHAMPIONS
Alufim
Entering Grade 7
Alufim marks an exciting transition where campers step into greater independence and earn new privileges that reflect their growing maturity. Alufim campers experience a dynamic blend of challenging activities, meaningful team-building experiences, and plenty of adventures. They embark on their first out-of-camp overnight and tackle more advanced activities that push their skills to new levels. It’s where personal growth meets endless fun, setting the stage for the leadership roles that lie ahead.
Friends
Chaverim
Entering Grade 8
The Chaverim program focuses on teamwork, adventure, and personal challenges that help campers build confidence and discover new abilities. These experienced campers participate in Camp JCA Shalom’s full range of activities while engaging in community-building programs that strengthen connections within their unit. As they progress through camp, Chaverim campers take on age-appropriate adventures and specialized programs designed for their developmental stage, preparing them for greater responsibilities in the years ahead.
the bridge
Gesher
Entering Grade 9
Gesher represents the pinnacle of the traditional camp experience—a program that truly captures the essence of our camp community. As the final unit within regular sessions, Gesher campers enjoy privileges including special field trips, advanced activity selections, and adventures that reflect their maturity and experience. The highlight includes hiking to the beach and ocean kayaking, followed by an overnight in Malibu. Social action initiatives round out the program, helping campers connect their camp values to the wider world. Gesher graduates are ready to take the next step into our prestigious Teen Leadership Programs.
Teenage service camp
TASC
Entering Grades 10 – 11
TASC develops emerging leaders through hands-on community impact and specialized programming that builds both skills and character. Throughout the session, TASC campers take ownership of meaningful projects that enhance the Camp JCA Shalom campus, experiencing the deep satisfaction that comes from making a lasting difference in their camp community. Beyond their leadership responsibilities, TASCers enjoy the highlights of the traditional camp program plus an exclusive out-of-camp overnight adventure. For more than 45 years, TASC has remained one of our most sought-after teen programs, shaping confident leaders who carry their camp values into the world.
Kibbutz
Entering Grade 11
Kibbutz is a special program created just for entering 11th graders. This program is an immersive four-week program designed to be the ultimate Jewish camping and leadership experience. In Kibbutz, campers build their own communal space, cook many of their own meals, and work together on an Avodah (service project)! Kibbutzniks remain connected to camp, spending some time every day with the rest of the camp community. Kibbutz represents a true finale of their last camp experience before becoming a Counselor-In-Training (CIT).
ISRAEL
Israel Trip
Entering Grade 11
Join other JCA teens on a once in a lifetime Israel travel experience. Camp JCA Shalom is a proud partner and grantee of RootOne, a new initiative that helps connect thousands of Jewish teens to Israel by lowering the financial barrier to participation in immersive summer trips to Israel and by investing in the educational quality of those experiences.
CITS
Entering Grade 12
These emerging leaders make a profound impact on both the culture and daily life of Camp JCA Shalom. Through comprehensive workshops covering Jewish programming, child development, and advanced leadership training, combined with guided observation, personalized mentorship, and direct work with younger campers, CITs gain deep insight into camp’s mission and philosophy while honing their own leadership capabilities. This intensive experience represents both personal growth and professional development, serving as the essential bridge to future staff roles at camp. By summer’s end, outstanding CITs have the opportunity to advance to junior counselor positions during Session 3 and receive compensation for their contributions. Personal interview required.
All Teen Leadership Programs:
- Have opportunities to gain community service hours.
- Have a minimum and maximum number of participants.
- CIT’s will have an additional application and interview prior to acceptance.
