Summer is a time where children are out of school and having fun with their friends during the day. There are many things children can do during the summer, such as going to the pool, playing outside or going to summer camp.
Summer camps can provide many things that children may find themselves missing during the summer months.
The Cleveland Jewish News contacted several summer camps on the east side of Cleveland to see what they offer. Here are their responses.
Camp Gan Izzy in Solon
What is your demographic: This camp is for Jewish kids that want to have a blast. The majority of our campers go to Solon or Orange public schools or private schools in the area.
What is the price: The price is different depending on how many weeks you register for. The more weeks, the lower the rate.
What does your camp offer: Camp Gan Izzy offers a full day that is packed with activities from sports to swimming, from dance to art, and everything in between. Our calendar is on our website and every day has something special, whether it is color war, Outback Ray, a carnival, or Rick Smith Jr. We also take our older campers on field trips, and we bring visiting shows twice per week to the entire camp.
What is most rewarding about your camp: It is so rewarding to see how much the children love camp and hearing from their parents how they are singing the songs and talking about their exciting day. The best part is when our campers come back as staff members.
Camp Wise in Claridon Township
What is your demographic: Camp Wise welcomes campers entering grades two through 12 from all across the country. We are a pluralistic Jewish camp, and our community reflects a broad range of religious backgrounds.
What is the price: Our fees reflect the costs associated with providing an overnight camp experience and are determined by the age of the camper and the length of their program.
What does this summer camp offer: At Camp Wise, campers get to experience the adventure of climbing on our ropes course, the thrill of jet skiing on a private lake, the excitement of learning to ride a horse, and so much more while developing self-confidence, independence and friendships to last a lifetime, all in a safe and healthy environment.
What is most rewarding about your camp: One summer spent at Camp Wise can help campers discover their passions, find their voices as leaders and grow into the best versions of themselves. But the most rewarding part of the Camp Wise experience is seen in the campers who return summer after summer, and even become staff members themselves. That’s why Camp Wise has represented a true second home to thousands of people for more than 115 years.
Cleveland Metroparks Camps
What is the price: To apply for a camp scholarship please complete a scholarship application and return it to education@clevelandmetroparks.com with your proof of eligibility (SNAP, Medicaid, National School Lunch Program – Community Elgibility Provision). Applications are due by April 15. If qualified and chosen, one scholarship will be awarded per child, per year.
What does your camp offer: Cleveland Metroparks Summer Nature Camps connect children with the natural world. From hikes in the woods, kayaking, crafts and games, a variety of summer nature camps offer compelling outdoor adventures. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo summer day camps connect campers with wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Campers can spend their summer days at the zoo, participating in special activities like giraffe feeding, carousel rides, educational games and crafts.
J-Day Camps at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland
What is your demographic: Anisfield Day Camp is a summer camp for youths in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family Performing Arts Camp nurtures creativity in campers in grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
What is the price: Camp costs vary depending on the number of sessions attended. Anisfield Camp offers sessions from two to eight weeks. The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family Performing Arts Camp is offered in four- or eight-week sessions.
What does your camp offer: Anisfield Camp offers a summer filled with outdoor adventure and exploration. Campers can pick from a variety of majors, from sports to creative arts, that allow them to be immersed in activities they love while finding new passions. The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family Performing Arts Camp is a place for campers of all experience levels to stretch their imaginations, gain confidence on and off the stage, find their voices and build lifelong friendships. Each session culminates in a live performance. Through nurturing instruction that celebrates each individual’s creativity, PAC campers grow as performers and people.
What is most rewarding about your camp: Campers gain confidence and find themselves by being able to explore new skills and interests. They find adventure, feel part of a community and make lifelong friendships. Campers find their passion and feel empowered to take risks while being immersed in Jewish culture.
Moshava Ba’ir Cleveland
What is your demographic: Orthodox
What is the price: $300 per week
What does your camp offer: A summer of growth and fun in a safe, caring and ruach-filled environment, campers entering kindergarten through seventh grade enjoy the very best camping experience — developing meaningful relationships, exploring their interests and discovering their unique strengths and talents. Part of the national Bnei Akiva-Moshava Ba’ir network, our camp is geared with top of the line professionals in experiential Jewish education, chinuch and camping. Basing ourselves on the principles of Torah v’Avodah, we encourage aliyah, love of the Jewish people and love of Israel. We offer a wide range of activities, including, music, sports, swim, LEGO experiential learning, teva, cooking, baking and more.
What is most rewarding about your camp: At Moshava Ba’ir, we believe deeply in the unique Bnei Akiva culture of camping as a learning and growing experience. One important manifestation of this is the camp “Noseh” or educational program. Throughout the summer, our endlessly creative staff employ art, music, dance and theater to recreate and re-experience powerful moments and places of our history.
Park Day Camp in Pepper Pike
What is your demographic: Park Day Camp is for children entering grades kindergarten through sixth grade.
What is the price: Pricing differs based on session as well as if families qualify for our Park Synagogue member discount or Jewish day school family discounts.
What does your camp offer: Park Day Camp is a traditional day camp offering swimming (both lessons and free swim daily), hot kosher lunches and various activities that are individualized and based on campers’ preferences. We offer special events such as our memorable late hight evenings, Shabbat family service and sing-alongs, and of course, the iconic color war: blue and white games.
What is most rewarding about your camp: The most rewarding part about Park Day Camp is that when the summer ends, you are leaving with not only memories to look back on, but also an entire community for life. Our camp is extremely community based, and this is seen daily as campers and counselors alike are always ready to greet their friends in other groups and support one another. Over half of our staff members were former campers, which to me, really speaks to how special of a place our camp is, that former campers want to return as they’re older and continue to be a part of PDC.
Red Oak Camp in Kirtland
What is your demographic: Red Oak Camp caters to a diverse range of campers, ranging from rising first to 10th graders. Our programs are designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and forge lasting connections with both nature and their peers.
What is the price: For detailed pricing information, we encourage you to visit our website at Redoakcamp.org or contact our camp office at marketing@redoakcamp.org. Our team is happy to provide comprehensive details on registration fees, payment plans and any available scholarships.
What does your camp offer: Our summer camp is rooted in a nature-based experience that emphasizes outdoor exploration, environmental education and team-building activities. Campers engage in a variety of activities, including archery, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, nature crafts, team sports and environmental workshops. We strive to create a well-rounded experience fostering personal development, environmental stewardship and a love for the outdoors.
What is most rewarding about your camp: The most rewarding aspect of Red Oak Camp is witnessing the transformative journey of each camper. Whether it’s conquering personal challenges, building new friendships, or developing a deeper connection with nature, we take pride in fostering an environment where children can discover their strengths and create lasting memories.
Snapology of Cleveland
What is your demographic: Snapology of Cleveland serves campers ages 5 to 13 who love LEGO bricks and technology.
What is the price: Half-day camps are $175 per week. Full-day campers should enroll in the morning and afternoon sessions in the same week and extended care is included.
What does your camp offer: Our innovative and fun day camps offer daily STEM plus themed LEGO lessons to promote creativity and social skills while learning engineering principles and new building techniques.
What is most rewarding about your camp: Our day camps in Beachwood combine play with education in a fun, safe and interactive environment. Your camper will create and program robots, tackle themed building missions and build amazing memories with old and new friends.
