Camp @ JCC East Bay offers an intimate day camp experience where campers can build healthy friendships with peers and counselors, try new things, develop new skills, test personal limits, and above all, learn how we come together to create an amazing community and experience in a fun and safe setting. We aim to give campers a sense of self and a sense of their own Judaism as they experience a wide breadth of activities.
New this year is an expanded partnership with Wilderness Torah, who will implement nature-based camp fun! Through this partnership, campers will have unique outdoor experiences, field trips, and special activities highlighting the beautiful area we live in and our connection with it. This program offers a unique blend of outdoor education, Jewish learning, and community building. Our goal is to provide campers with meaningful experiences that cultivate nature connection in a Jewish context.
We know that swimming embodies one of the best parts of summer! Campers will receive both swim instruction and free swim at King Pool. Instruction and free swim will be 2x/week. Our swimming schedule is set by the park itself, and we will have a confirmed schedule closer to the start of camp. Camp-wide special events, and a special Shabbat to close out each week will also be highlights of the summer.
Camp @ JCC East Bay is geared toward the camper who wants a more personalized camp experience in a rich Jewish environment.
For Summer 2026, JCC East Bay will offer several options for camp:
June 15-July 17
Sababa! Camp is June 15-July 2. Optional Sababa! odd-on weeks July 6-17 are available a la carte only for campers participating in the 3 week session.
S – Sports
B – Bricha (swimming pool)
B – Bishul (cooking)
A – Art
Hakol B’ivrit (all in Hebrew)
Following on from the success of last year’s pioneering pilot program, Sababa! @ JCC East Bay is back, for rising K-4th graders.
Our Hebrew immersion day camp bridges the gap between Israel and Berkeley. Sababa! offers all the fun of a traditional summer camp, but almost fully immersed in Hebrew language. Campers experience Israeli flavors and culture as part of each camp day.
Hebrew-speaking specialists in art, food, music, and nature, mean that no one sits around learning ‘about’ Ivrit (Hebrew language). At Sababa! We simply do it in Ivrit! This is just good old-fashioned summer kef (fun) in an immersive linguistic environment, tailor-made to build confidence and enthusiasm for every Hebrew language learner, from novice to native-speaker.
Sababa! @ JCC East Bay emphasizes all the things that a great camp experience should: building healthy friendships, trying new things, developing new skills, and having fun!
June 15-July 24
Our traditional day camp offers a well-rounded summer experience that blends music, art, sports, swimming, and silly camp games into each day. Campers make tasty treats, build friendships, and learn the value of teamwork and cooperation. Jewish traditions are integrated throughout the program, grounding activities in Jewish values like inviting new friends, learning from each other, and treating each other respectfully. The result is a welcoming environment where children can have fun, grow, and feel connected.
Camp @ JCC East Bay is an extension of Berkeley Afterschool, and is open to all rising TK-4th graders.
Campers are grouped by age and will spend most of the day in their age groups.
Campers should provide their own Kosher-style lunch. Camp will provide Kosher snacks daily, but you may supplement with your own. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Our CIT program gives incoming 7th through 9th graders an exciting early chance to build real work experience while still enjoying all the fun of summer camp! CITs will spend most of their week helping our staff run daily activities. From supporting counselors with their groups to helping brainstorm and design projects for younger campers, CITs play an important role in creating an awesome camp experience for everyone.
All participants receive hands-on training throughout the summer. We’ll start with a mandatory training day on Thursday, June 11, and each week will include a fun, interactive workshop on topics like leadership, communication, and planning great activities. Daily check-ins ensure every CIT feels supported, confident, and set up to succeed.
Of course, CITs are still campers too! Each week includes team-building activities like games, challenges, or special excursions designed to help CITs connect, grow, and make lasting memories. Our goal is to give every participant a meaningful, rewarding, and truly fun summer.
Details
Why choose the JCC East Bay CIT program?
Schedule & Fees
CITs have a choice between 2 sessions:
Cost breakdown: $700 per session
CIT FAQs
Where is Camp @ JCC East Bay located?
We are located at the JCC East Bay (1414 Walnut St, Berkeley, CA 94709).
What should I bring to camp?
CITs should bring a backpack with a non-perishable, nut-free lunch, full water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.
How many campers will be in each group?
Groups may include up to 16 campers, with 2-3 counselors at any given time not counting the CITs.
Contact Us
You can contact the Teen Engagement Manager: tali.katz@jcceastbay.org
2026 Schedule and Rates
Camp is available a la carte for traditional camp and as a 3-week session for Hebrew immersion, with 2 add-on weeks of Sababa! (Add on weeks only available to campers enrolled in the 3 week primary session).
Discounts
Camp Hours
Sababa! @ JCC East Bay: June 15-July 2
Camp only: $1,500 (multi-week discount already included)
AM Care: $100
PM Care: $350
Camp closure: June 19, July 3, 2026
Sababa! @ JCC East Bay: July 6-July 17
Camp only: $575/week
AM Care: $40/week
PM Care: $125/week
Camp @ JCC East Bay Camp: June 15-July 24
Camp only: $575/week ($460 weeks of June 15 and June 29)
AM Care: $40/week ($35 week of June 30)
PM Care: $125/week ($100 week of June 30)
Camp closure: June 19, July 3, 2026
Camp @ JCC East Bay Art Camp: July TBD
Camp only: $575
AM Care: $40
PM Care: $125
The JCC East Bay is committed to making the JCC Summer Camp accessible to as many families as possible. If your child(ren) needs reduced fees to attend camp, please apply for financial assistance by completing this secure form.
Please enroll in camp before submitting your application. If you are unable to accept your financial aid offer, all deposits will be refunded. You may direct questions to Aaron Atlas, CPO, aaron.atlas@jcceastbay.org. We will get back to you within two weeks.
Where is Camp @ JCC East Bay located?
We are located at the JCC East Bay (1414 Walnut St, Berkeley, CA 94709).
Will transportation from Berkeley be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide transportation. If you are interested in attending camp in Oakland, please enroll in JCC Kids’ Club Camp.
Can I see the Parent Handbook?
Yes! Please read carefully through the 2025 Camp Parent Handbook here.
What should my child bring to camp? And what about lunch and snacks?
Campers should bring a backpack with a non-perishable, nut-free lunch, full water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. A change of clothes and a light sweatshirt is always a good idea. Please label everything.
Snacks will be provided during camp and PM extended care, but your camper is welcome to bring additional snacks, if desired. Any food provided by camp will be Kosher.
What type of training will staff receive?
Prior to camp, all staff will attend a full schedule of in-person trainings on all policies and procedures including: age appropriate programming, health and safety related procedures, training in effective communication, building community, inclusive programming, building Jewish identity, and much more.
How many campers will be in each group?
Groups may include up to 16 campers, with 2-3 counselors at any given time.
Can we pick a friend for our camper to be with in a group?
Having friends at camp depends entirely on the registration and notice given – we will do our best to accommodate. Please email summercamps@jcceastbay.org with your request as soon as possible.
What about refunds?
Cancellations must be made by May 1, 2026 to receive a refund (less $100 non-refundable deposit per week). Payments will not be refunded for changes and cancellations made after the May 1 deadline.
For general questions to the JCC Summer Camp Team:
summercamps@jcceastbay.org
For specific questions about Camp @ JCC East Bay:
Rebekah Sherman
rebekah.sherman@jcceastbay.org
For specific questions about Sababa!:
Rafi Esterson
rafi.esterson@jcceastbay.org
Camp @ JCC East Bay offers an intimate lower key day camp experience where campers can discover new interests, test personal limits, and most importantly, have fun in a Jewish setting.
In this exciting and safe environment, campers will make new friends and develop meaningful relationships with their counselors. We aim to give campers a sense of self and a sense of their own Judaism as they experience a wide breadth of activities. Camp @ JCC East Bay is geared toward the camper who wants a more personalized camp experience in a rich Jewish environment.
Camp @ JCC East Bay camp is an extension of Berkeley Afterschool, and open to rising K-4th graders.
Information about camp 2025 will be available soon.
Email the JCC Summer Camp Team at summercamps@jcceastbay.org.
*NEW FOR 2024*
Campers are grouped by age, and will spend most of the day in their home groups. Throughout the day, campers will also have choice periods to explore individual interests.
Campers should provide their own Kosher style lunch. Camp will provide Kosher snacks daily, but you may supplement with your own. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
2024 Schedule and Rates
Camp is available in 2 or 3 week segments, or come for all 7 weeks, and receive a discount!
Discounts
Camp Hours
Session 1: June 10 – July 3 (3.5 weeks)
Camp only: $1,450
AM Care: $100
PM Care: $350
Camp closures: June 12 (Shavuot) & June 19 (Juneteenth)
Session 2: July 8 – July 19 (2 weeks)
Camp only: $1,050
AM Care: $75
PM Care: $250
Session 3: July 22 – Aug 2 (2 weeks)
Camp only: $1,050
AM Care: $75
PM Care: $250
The JCC East Bay is committed to making the JCC Summer Camp accessible to as many families as possible. If your child(ren) needs reduced fees to attend camp, please apply for financial assistance by completing this secure form.
Please enroll in camp before submitting your application. If you are unable to accept your financial aid offer, all deposits will be refunded. You may direct questions to Aaron Atlas, CPO, aaron.atlas@jcceastbay.org. We will get back to you within two weeks.
Where is Camp @ JCC East Bay located?
We are located at the JCC East Bay (1414 Walnut St, Berkeley, CA 94709).
Will transportation from Berkeley be available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide transportation. If you are interested in attending camp in Oakland, please enroll in JCC Kids’ Club Camp.
Can I see the Parent Handbook?
Yes! Camp Parent Handbook 2024.
What should my child bring to camp? And what about lunch and snacks?
Campers should bring a backpack with a non-perishable, nut-free lunch, full water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. A change of clothes and a light sweatshirt is always a good idea. Please label everything.
Snacks will be provided during camp and PM extended care, but your camper is welcome to bring additional snacks, if desired. Any food provided by camp will be Kosher.
What type of training will staff receive?
Prior to camp, all staff will attend a full schedule of in-person trainings on all policies and procedures including: age appropriate programming, health and safety related procedures, training in effective communication, building community, inclusive programming, building Jewish identity, and much more.
How many campers will be in each group?
Groups may include up to 16 campers, with 2-3 counselors at any given time.
Can we pick a friend for our camper to be with in a group?
Having friends at camp depends entirely on the registration and notice given – we will do our best to accommodate. Please email summercamps@jcceastbay.org with your request as soon as possible.
What about refunds?
Cancellations must be made by May 24, 2024 to receive a refund (less $100 non-refundable deposit per week). Payments will not be refunded for changes and cancellations made after the May 24 deadline.
Email the JCC Summer Camp Team at summercamps@jcceastbay.org.
