As the winter season approaches, the Weinstein JCC is buzzing with programs for every age and interest, from preschoolers exploring nature to teens performing in a full-scale musical, families enjoying Jewish films, and the entire community celebrating New Year’s Eve together.
With opportunities to learn, play, create, and connect, these upcoming events showcase the JCC’s mission of fostering Jewish values, community engagement, and lifelong learning for all.
Robin Kelley Joins JCC
This season also brings a special moment for Camp Hilbert: the arrival of its new director, Robin Kelley. Robin’s connection to both Camp Hilbert and the Weinstein JCC runs deep. She first discovered her love for camp right here—attending Weinstein JCC preschool and Camp Hilbert as a child, later inspiring campers as one of the community’s beloved counselors.
After earning her Master’s Degree in Recreation Administration from Texas State University, Robin spent seven years at theTucson JCC, where she grew into her leadership role as Camp J Director for the past four summers. There, she helped create summers filled with creativity, friendship, and joyful exploration. Now, she returns home to the place that first sparked her passion.
Robin is already brimming with ideas for new activities and traditions that will make the upcoming summer at Camp Hilbert one to remember. In addition to directing camp, she will coordinate year-round youth programs, including the new Ruach & Recreation program for grades 6–8 and Kids’ Night Out programs for grades K–5.
Camp registration opens at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, and families are invited to celebrate the season at Spring Into Fun on Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Camp Hilbert.
Robin often recalls her very first summer as a Camp Hilbert camper in 1998—building forts in the woods, singing camp songs at the top of her lungs, and discovering what community and friendship truly meant. That sense of wonder continues to guide her approach today. Her vision as director is simple: to nurture a welcoming, inclusive environment where every camper feels seen, supported, and inspired, gaining valuable social and emotional skills through nature, play, and shared experience.
Robin looks forward to connecting with families and can be reached at rkelley@weinsteinjcc.org or 804-545-8612.
Connecting Children to Nature at the JCC Preschool
At the Weinstein JCC Preschool, children ages 2–5 are immersed in a curriculum that brings the natural world into the heart of learning. Time outdoors is not a break from education, but a core part of it.
The preschool’s Certified Nature Explore playgrounds, Edible Schoolyard gardens, and surrounding natural areas provide children with countless opportunities to explore, investigate, take risks, collaborate, and simply have fun.
Donna Peters, Early Childhood Director, shares, “Our nature-based program represents the Jewish value of tikkun olam, helping children become stewards of the earth while learning through play.” Daily composting in the Edible Schoolyard allows children to responsibly return leftover snack and lunch foods to the earth, seamlessly integrating sustainability into their routine.
This past summer, Tarneshia Evans, the JCC’s Early Childhood Director of Education, earned certification as a nature-based teacher through the Association for Nature Based Education (ANBE). Tarneshia is also a long-term facilitator for Project Learning Tree, a national award-winning environmental education program for teachers, educators, and youth leaders. She has served on the Virginia Project Learning Tree steering committee since 2017 and has been recognized locally and nationally for her outstanding contributions to early childhood environmental education.
Through her work with the Natural Start Alliance, the Weinstein JCC Preschool was selected for a special video project as part of Discover the Forest, a national early childhood initiative led by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). The project highlights how families and educators can use outdoor learning to support children’s health, development, and connection to nature. The video features Tarneshia, Preschool Garden Coordinator Elle Miller, and six preschool students demonstrating a Project Learning Tree activity called Texture Detectives from Trees & Me: Exploring Nature with Young Children.
Peters adds, “Our nature-based program has been a valuable connector to Judaism and the natural world. It allows children to experience the environment through a Jewish lens, fostering curiosity, responsibility, and respect for our world.”
For more information about the Weinstein JCC Preschool, contact Donna Peters at dpeters@weinsteinjcc.org.
Jewish Family Theatre: Guys and Dolls
From Dec. 4–14, the JCC presents Guys and Dolls, a beloved musical that celebrates community, humor, and human connection. Directed by Debra Clinton, with musical direction by Kevin Barger and choreography by Pam Turner, the production brings together a talented cast to share this classic story of love, luck, and redemption. “This production highlights joy, collaboration, and the importance of coming together,” says Clinton.
An Evening Just for Kids: Kids’ Night Out
On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6 -10 p.m., K–5th graders are invited to Kids’ Night Out — a supervised evening filled with swimming or gym games, a spaghetti dinner, an ice cream sundae party, and a movie. Kids’ Place staff will be on hand to ensure a safe, fun, and engaging experience for every child.
Israeli & Jewish Film Festival: Opening Night with Bad Shabbos
From Jan. 8 - 25, 2026, the JCC hosts the 17th Annual Israeli & Jewish Film Festival, sponsored by Weinstein Properties.
Opening night on Thursday, Jan. 8, includes a red carpet, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, a screening of Bad Shabbos, and a post-film discussion with screenwriter Zack Weiner. The film humorously explores a family Shabbat dinner that goes hilariously off course. Leslie McGuigan, Senior Director of Programs, notes, “Bad Shabbos celebrates the beauty and chaos of Jewish family life and tradition — it’s relatable, hilarious, and heartfelt.”
Second Stage: Disney’s The Descendants
Looking ahead to 2026, Jewish Family Theatre’s Second Stage will present Disney’s The Descendants, based on the popular Disney Channel Original movie. This program is for aspiring actors ages 11–18 and culminates in a full musical production with two weeks of performances. Auditions will be held both in person and virtually in February 2026. Clinton shares, “Our goal is to nurture creativity, confidence, and community for young performers while offering a fully professional musical experience.”
For more information about Jewish Family Theatre’s Second Stage, contact Debra Clinton at dclinton@weinsteinjcc.org.
Ring in the New Year at the Weinstein JCC
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., with live music from Groove Motive featuring Rich Lehman. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine are included, with a cash bar available. Guests can enjoy music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere.
Fans rave that Groove Motive’s energy is “contagious,” keeping the dance floor full all night with soulful vocals, tight harmonies, and a professional stage presence. “New Year’s at the JCC is about celebrating community, connection, and shared joy,” says CEO Brad Finkel.
Tickets are $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers; after Dec. 15, prices increase to $125/$145.
From preschoolers learning to compost to teens performing in a full musical, from families enjoying films that reflect Jewish life to the entire community dancing in celebration, the Weinstein JCC continues to bring opportunities to learn, create, and connect. Each program reinforces the JCC’s mission of building community through Jewish values, creativity, and shared experience.
To learn more and sign up for programs, classes, and events, visit the Weinstein JCC website at weinsteinjcc.org.