Youth Programs at the “J”
The Youth Department at the “J” offers a number of activities for children all year-round. From programs, to services, to fitness and learning opportunities, the “J” has it all! To help families during the academic year, we offer Kids Connection, a safe environment where your child can learn and play after school and when school’s out for breaks and vacation days. Throughout the year, children can take advantage of a variety of options like classes, sports leagues, dance and music enrichment, field trips, birthday parties and so much more!
Kids Connection: After-School Care (Ages 5 – 15 years old)
Monday through Friday 3:15pm - 6:00pm
- Kids Connection Information Packet
- Parent Checklist
- Kids Connection Full year contract
- Kids Connection Drop-In contract
- NYS Registration Form
Imagine for a moment what the ideal after-school child care program for your child would be convenient and close to home, affordable, in a spacious modern facility, with lots of other children, offering a comprehensive indoor and outdoor sports program, professionally staffed with individuals who offer educational assistance, on the school transportation list of child care programs, chock full of exciting classes to challenge and entertain, and available 5 days a week from 3:15 to 6:00 pm.
About Kids Connection
Kids Connection is staffed by experienced teachers who take pride in maintaining a safe and supervised after-school program with a favorable teacher/student ratio of 1:10. Kids Connection also utilizes the other professional staff at the JCC in the areas of aquatics, physical education and youth programming.
Kids Connection is located at the JCC. Our comprehensive 50,000 sq. ft. facility, Outdoor Sports Complex, and our professional staff of educators make it possible for Kids Connection to offer classes and activities in a wide array of areas including:
Swimming & Water Safety Music
Physical Education Dance
Soccer Cooking
Tennis Basketball
Volleyball Drama
Arts & Crafts Computers
Kids Connection children are able to register for other JCC classes at a reduced rate. Each semester, the “J” offers over 100 classes in aquatics, physical education, and youth programs. See the JCC program Guide for classes, dates and times.
Kids Connection Fees
Competitively priced, Kids Connection is available for any child 5 to 15 years old on a yearly 5-day a week contract or drop-in basis. There are two options for your child: 1) full year contract (children who attend daily including days off from school) and 2) drop-in children (enrolled fewer than 5 days per week) will be charged on an hourly basis.
Contracted Weekly Rate: $50.00 for JCC members and $58.00 non JCC members per week / Yearly
Drop-in Rate per hour is $4.75 JCC member and $5.25 non-member There is also a $40 annual Drop-In registration fee.
For more registration information or to register for the Kids Connection program at the JCC, contact Youth Director Kerie Lake at 724-2417
Contracted Weekly Rate: $50 for JCC members and $58 non JCC members per week / Yearly
Drop-in Rate per hour is $4.50 JCC member and $5.00 non-member There is also a $40 annual Drop-In registration fee.
For more registration information or to register for the Kids Connection program at the JCC, contact Youth Director Kerie Lake at 724-2417.
School’s Out Days
The “J”’s Kids Connection offers full day programs from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm when school is off due to holidays, or conferences. School- aged children and teens from any school district enjoy a full day of activity, fun and friendship. Option to purchase or bring lunch; snack is provided. Pre-registration is required.
School Transportation
Children who are registered with Kids Connection on a yearly 5 day per week contract are eligible for school provided transportation. Parents are advised to contact the school principal to arrange for district transportation. We presently have buses coming from Hillel, African Road, Vestal Middle and Clayton Avenue schools. Children from Vestal Hills are bussed by First Student to the JCC for a small annual fee.
School Closing/Facility Closing
The “J” is always open unless a DRIVING STATE OF EMERGENCY has been declared for Broome County. The JCC follows the Vestal School District in regard to school closings. Listen to a local radio station for announcements.
If Vestal schools are CLOSED: Half-day preschool and UPK programs will be closed all day. Children's classes will not be held.
If the Vestal Schools have a ONE HOUR DELAY: half-day preschool and morning UPK programs have a ONE HOUR DELAY.
If the Vestal Schools have a TWO HOUR DELAY: there will be no morning UPK or half-day program.
Special Program for Middle Schoolers
Counselor In Training (CIT)
(6th-8th Graders)
For children who are ready for more responsibility, Kids Connection offers a CIT Program designed specifically for children in 6th-8th grades. CIT's are offered the opportunity to assist ECC and Kids Connection teachers, help with themes, tutor younger children and participate in a curriculum that covers child development, supervision of children and how to handle emergencies. A wonderful opportunity to acquire skills needed for babysitting or Camp CIT positions. Registration fee $10.00.
The classes listed in the Program Guide are provided by the Jewish Community Center as a service to the residents of the Broome County area. Participation is open to every one regardless of JCC membership. Any non-member is urged to consider joining the JCC to pay lower course fees and have greater access to facilities.
Teen programs at the “J” are a great way to meet cool new people from high schools all over the area! With fitness classes, college prep programs, arts and cooking classes, and a variety of community service opportunities, we've got everything you need! The “J” also offers great leadership opportunities that combine meaningful volunteer work with learning valuable new skills.
For Jewish Teens - The “J” Teen Program / BBYO for Jewish teens
Grades 9-12 (8th grade recruitment events begin in the spring)
BBYO (the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization) is not your typical youth group. It is a teen movement bringing together thousands of Jewish teens from all over the globe, from all types of Jewish backgrounds and with all types of interests. Now, more than ever, BBYO offers unique opportunities for teens to connect with one another, serve their communities, navigate the college admissions process and travel the world, providing each participant with a network of lifelong friends, a perspective which adds value and meaning to life and a shared commitment to strengthening the Jewish future. BBYO is anything and everything you want it to be. Take advantage of unbelievable opportunities to socialize, lead your peers, volunteer in your community, join a sports league, learn more about your Jewish heritage, navigate the college admissions process and travel the world.
Our “J” is part of their Central Region East (CRE) branch. The group is open to teens in grades 9-12. Locally they are involved in a plethora of social as well as social action programs like overnights, mixers, barbecues, trips, community Hanukkah Torch Walk, Jewish Ethnic Festival, Light the Night and more. Regionally, they participate in six teen conventions, which are held at JCC's that span from New York and Pennsylvania to Delaware. For information, call the JCC at 724-2417.
Annual Membership: $75
For general information on BBYO, visit: www.bbyo.org
Teen Leadership Camp - The “J” also offers Teen Leadership Camp (TLCs). This camp experience is for teens in Grades 8 and older with an emphasis on developing relationships, social skills, communication skills, and self-esteem through a diverse itinerary of day and overnight trips.
For additional information, contact our JCC Camp office at 724-2417 <back to top.
When summer comes to town, the “J” is ready to help families in making plans by providing a wide range of fun, educational and exciting activities for children beginning at age 3 to teenagers up to 16 years old.
Camp JCC runs from 9:00am until 3:30 pm. Extended Day Camp is also available, with supervised care from 7:30– 9:00am and 3:30 – 5:30pm. Camp JCC is widely recognized as a cultural, recreational and award-winning physical fitness center for the residents of the Triple Cities and Broome County. Its emphasis is on outdoor fun where a camper’s physical and personal growth can be both challenging and fun.
Camp JCC facilities include:
Up-to-Date Facilities
Full Indoor Gymnasium
NCAA Swimming Pool
Modern Fenced In Playground
Early Childhood Equipped Rooms for Preschoolers
Outdoor Volleyball Courts
Picnic Area with Shelter
Tennis Courts
Indoor & Outdoor Dining
Air Conditioned Building
All Weather Facilities
On-Site Nature Area
Theater for Music & Drama
The JCC is open to the entire community. Camp JCC is attended by over 200 kids in the community – both Jewish and non-Jewish. To encourage the broadest possible camp experience, children at Camp JCC are exposed not only to the richness of Jewish culture but also to the arts & crafts, music, drama, nature & folklore, and beauty of other cultures as well.
For more information, fees and/or to sign-up for Camp JCC this summer, contact the JCC office at 724-2417.
See youth Sports & Fitness programs in Fitness & Recreation or click on our current brochure guide to see program offerings, dates & times.
Birthday Party Packages for all ages at the “J”
Option #1
Pool or Gym Package Includes:
*1 hour Pool Party for kids with 1 lifeguard or 1 hour Gym Time
* 1 hour Room Rental for Party: meal, games & cupcakes
* Meal for lunch/dinner
FOR POOL - At least 2 parents/adults are required. Time for pool includes changing room time. Pool temperature is balanced at 85 degrees. The JCC has both Boys & Girls changing rooms. Children need to bring their bathing suit and towel. Children under age 4 need to also bring water shoes for safety reasons. utilizing its full indoor gymnasium or full sized indoor pool.
Sunday - Friday — School closings & Holidays
Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance by calling 724-2417
Option #2
Rental for Pool or Gym Only
* Pool Party rental Only - $55 member / $80 non-member
* Gym Party rental Only - $55 member / $80 non-member
Additional $15 charge will be added for groups over 25
Party groups with children under 6 must provide at least 2 adults in pool.
Meal Options
1. Homemade pizza, cut veggies & dip, lemonade, decorated cupcakes
2. Hotdogs, french fries or chips. lemonade, decorated cupcakes.
3. Tuna or egg salad wraps, chips, lemonade or punch, decorated cupcakes.
Pricing
Up to 10 children: $125.00 members, $150.00 non members
Each Additional child: $10.00 members, $12.00 non members
The “J” can provide a party attendant/game facilitator for an additional $15.00.
Attendant can facilitate games in the gym such as Hockey, Baseball, Basketball etc.
All Birthday party packages include paper products (plates, cups, napkins) and birthday candles. For theme parties, it is up to the family to supply any additional items.
Birthday Party Treats for Kids in ECC, UPK and Kids Connection
Order Birthday Treats for Your Kids and their Classroom!
The JCC Kitchen offers baked goods for your child’s birthday here at the JCC
You can choose one of the following options:
Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate or Yellow Cupcakes
Chocolate Brownies
$12.00 fee per order/ for maximum of 20 pieces
Must be ordered at the JCC office and pre-paid. Need at least a minimum of 48 hour notice to complete order. Baked goods only. Parent must
supply all other birthday items or decorations.
NEWS AND IMPORTANT LINKS
Facility Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 5:30 am – 9pm
Friday: 5:30 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 8am – 5pm
Office Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 8:30am – 8pm
Fri: 8:30am – 5pm
