Camp Chai
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At Camp Chai you will learn LIFE-long skills, make memories that last a LIFEtime and have the time of your LIFE. During the summer we want you to find your passion by exploring a variety of activities including swim, sports, art, dance, STEM and more; Find your people by making social connections with your fellow campers, counselors and our camp families; Finally, find your purpose by growing with independence, Jewish values, self-confidence, risk taking and more. This spirited camp is the perfect introduction for your child to the camp world.
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.
Camp Chai brings in specialists is sports, art, theater, STEM and more to help our campers experience a variety of amazing activities throughout the day.
Dates
Session 1: June 3 – June 21
Session 2: June 24 – July 12
Session 3: July 15 – August 2
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)
Chugim (Electives)
Final Performance & Carnival Day
9:30 – 10:15 AM: Chugim (Electives)
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Snack
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Change/Instructional Swim/Change
12:00 – 12:30 PM: Lunch
1:15 – 1:45 PM: Special 2
1:45 – 2:45 PM: Change/Free Swim/Change
2:45 – 3:15 PM: Tribe Time
3:15 – 3:30 PM: Closing and Awards
Tara Ohayon has been a part of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center in Dallas since she was three years old. She grew up at J camps, going on to work every summer while pursuing a degree in Special Education. She taught in the public schools before returning “home” to the J full time over twenty years ago. Tara is currently the Director of Early Childhood and a Camp Director, Supervisor of Youth/Teen Programming, and member of the J Agency Management Team. Tara has been recognized as a visionary director, gifted parent educator, worker with children and master trainer of staff. She has facilitated change and growth in her staff and believes in a coaching style of leadership. Tara believes that the foundation of her work begins with relationships and knows that each of us can make a difference in the lives of others. Tara loves that her children are now staff at camp!
Tara Ohayon, Camp Chai Director
Although new at Camp Chai, Camp runs in Dan’s blood. Dan Ravitch was raised in summer camps in the Midwest such as Chabad’s Gan Izzy, Ramah, Habonim Dror, and Young Judaea. His love for Jewish identity building and social action led to a big move to Israel in 2009, where he studied, served in the IDF, and met his wife. Returning to the States, Dan has stayed focus in his dream to give back to the community through informal Jewish education, including all things Camp. Dan is currently the Associate Director of Camp Chai, as well as a Co-Director of Club J, the JCC after school program. Dan believes strongly in “Dugmah Isheet,” personal example, and individual relationship building as the core to positive summer experience. He also believes that Camp is the place for personal identity growth and that the counselor’s role in this can have a great impact on the social and personal development of campers, a position Dan doesn’t take lightly. In his free time, Dan enjoys studying educational theory and Jewish tradition as well as Jewish folktales. He is also an avid mushroom hunter and game master. Dan can’t wait to meet all everyone this Summer and have the #BestSummerEver!
Dan Ravitch, Associate Director of Camp Chai
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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
