The Weinstein JCC is heading into the season with strong momentum across all four of its Summer Camp offerings, as enrollment climbs, programs expand, and families continue to choose the JCC for meaningful experiences rooted in community and Jewish values.
Strong Demand Across All Camp Offerings
As of press time, enrollment across Camp Hilbert, Camp Ganim, Specialty Camps, and Voices Together is strong, with several programs at or near capacity and waitlists forming in high-demand age groups. A significant number of campers are returning families — a testament to the lasting impact of the JCC’s summer experience and the trust families place in the program year after year.
The sustained growth reflects both the strength of the JCC’s core traditions and its ability to evolve in response to community needs.
Camp Hilbert and Camp Ganim: Traditions that Endure
Camp Hilbert continues to see especially strong enrollment in elementary and middle school age groups. Families are welcoming the return of Camp Director Robin Kelley, who brings years of JCC camp leadership experience back to Richmond. A strong returning staff and an enthusiastic group of Leaders in Training ensure beloved camp traditions continue while new energy and ideas are introduced.
At Camp Ganim, preschool campers enjoy a nurturing environment where Jewish values are woven naturally into daily life. From blessings in Hebrew and English to joyful weekly Shabbat celebrations, young campers are introduced to traditions in ways that are developmentally appropriate and meaningful.
Across both camps, Jewish values remain central. Weekly virtues such as teamwork, kindness, and tikkun olam (repairing the world) guide programming. Camp-wide Shabbat celebrations at Hilbert bring the entire community together with music, storytelling, and shared pride.
Specialty Camps Continue to Grow
The JCC’s Specialty Camps have seen impressive growth this year, with several programs filling quickly.
Among the fastest to fill were CORE Gymnastics and Ninja Camps, Horseback Riding, and Taekwondo. In response to strong interest and parent feedback, additional camp weeks were added in select programs to meet growing demand.
Specialty Camps are designed to meet children where they are, giving campers opportunities to explore new interests while building independence, social skills, and self-confidence.
Systema Floyd Taekwondo, a new partnership this year, has expanded from preschool and enrichment programming into specialty summer camps, offering structured skill-building in a supportive and confidence-building environment.
Inclusive and Expanding: Voices Together
Voices Together, the JCC’s inclusive summer camp experience, continues to see remarkable growth and is currently at 92% enrollment as of press time. Due to strong demand, the program is expanding to include a fourth week, running August 3–7.
The program stands out for its comprehensive support model. Each camper is paired with a peer mentor serving in a one-on-one role, and the camp is supported by Occupational Therapy doctoral students from VCU, licensed occupational therapists, and a music therapist who joins weekly to enhance programming.
New this year, Voices Together has partnered with Beyond Boundaries to provide weekly camp-based outdoor activities. Additionally, a full-time inclusion specialist will be on-site throughout the entire program, further strengthening the camp’s commitment to individualized support and meaningful inclusion.
The strength of the overall summer program is reflected not only in enrollment growth, but also in sustained community recognition. The Weinstein JCC Summer Camps have been voted #1 by Richmond magazine readers for 15 consecutive years — a distinction that speaks to the community’s trust in the JCC’s commitment to safety, quality programming, strong staffing, and values-driven experiences. For many Richmond families, JCC camp is more than a summer activity — it is a cherished tradition rooted in connection and belonging.
In addition to summer programming, the JCC remains committed to year-round accessibility. Families interested in Preschool and Afterschool financial assistance for the 2026–27 school year are reminded that scholarship applications are due by Monday, March 30, 2026.
Now more than ever, the Weinstein JCC provides a safe, welcoming space where children can feel proud of their Jewish identity while forming lifelong friendships. Even among campers who do not identify as Jewish, the JCC fosters understanding, allyship, and community connection.
Jewish Family Theatre Presents Broken Glass
Beyond summer programming, the JCC’s cultural life continues to thrive. Jewish Family Theatre is preparing for its March production of Broken Glass by legendary playwright Arthur Miller, running March 19–29.
Guest director Rick St. Peter will lead the production, featuring a dynamic cast of returning performers and new faces. With set design by Rebecka Russo, lighting design by Steven Koehler, and costumes by Nancy Coles, the production promises a powerful theatrical experience.
Broken Glass explores the rise of authoritarianism in 1930s Germany and the impact of Kristallnacht — the “Night of Broken Glass” — as experienced by a Jewish woman in Brooklyn grappling with world events that feel both distant and deeply personal.
Tickets are available at weinsteinjcc.org.
Team Richmond Heads to the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games®
The JCC is also preparing to send teens to the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games®, taking place in Kansas City from August 2–7.
Since 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games have brought Jewish teens together from around the world for a once-in-a-lifetime experience rooted in sports, culture, and Jewish pride. Each summer, more than 3,000 teens participate in what is one of the largest Jewish youth events in the world.
Teens ages 13–17 are eligible to compete in sports including baseball, basketball, dance, flag football, girls volleyball, pickleball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and star reporter.
The Games emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, and Jewish values including tikkun olam (repairing the world), kavod (respect), rina (joy), ga’ava (pride), and amiut yehudit (Jewish peoplehood), while also incorporating community service and cultural programming.
Families interested in joining Team Richmond are encouraged to contact Delegation Head Nick Pruden at npruden@weinsteinjcc.org or 804.545.8607 to secure a spot. Registration support is also available through Marianne Krumpe, Registrar, at mkrumpe@weinsteinjcc.org or 804.545.8613.
Annual Meeting: Save the Date
As the JCC continues this season of growth, community members are invited to Save the Date for the Weinstein JCC Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. at the Weinstein JCC. The meeting is free and open to the community. Additional details will be shared soon.
From summer camp to the stage and onto the international athletic arena, the Weinstein JCC continues to create opportunities for youth and families to connect, grow, and strengthen Jewish community in Richmond and beyond.