Camp Fun and Sun Opens in Nyack

In September of 2012, Congregation Sons of Israel opened the Jewish Preschool of the Nyacks. The Preschool’s first class held nine two-year-old enrolled throughout the year; by this February, parents began to ask the temple what would be next for their children.

So, Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham came up with the idea to host a summer camp for preschool age children.

“I wanted to continue the momentum of the preschool,” Abraham said. He deemed the camp should be open to any children—not just those who were in the preschool, or even congregants—between the ages of one and four.

“In this [economic] environment, a lot of schools and camps are struggling and closing,” Abraham said. “The fact that we’re able to start a camp basically from scratch has been really amazing to watch.”

Throughout the spring, the temple advertised around the community to galvanize parents, Abraham said—and also worked to hire a camp director to run day-to-day operations, as well as hiring and coordinating with staff.

This past Tuesday, June 25, Camp Fun and the Sun was officially opened, and welcomed 16 campers.

“Kids this age need some type of activity, especially in the summer, when they can play outside, play in the grass, play in the water, and our grounds lend to that,” said Abraham, who has a three-year-old child. a three-year-old himself. “I know that kids have so much energy, and to not have some type of a structured activity isn’t good for them developmentally. It’s much better to be in a program where they can interact with other kids and get that socialization.”

The camp’s itinerary includes outdoor games, swimming, arts and crafts, cooking, music, yoga and story time.

Alongside the usual camp fare is the Hebrew immersion aspect. Throughout the day, youngsters learn Hebrew. Abraham hopes if the kids are having a good time at the synagogue at a young age, they will be excited to return as they age.

The camp ended its first week this past Friday.

“It really couldn’t have gone any better,” Abraham said. 

For some campers, it was their first time being away from their parents, he added. 

“It’s great to see them doing so well, laughing and having a good time,” Abraham continued. “I think everyone finished the first week really positive and excited for the rest of the summer.”

Along with enthusiasm from the campers themselves, the parents were equally excited, Abraham said

“Every parent said their child had a great week, and their really thrilled,” he said.

In the future, Abraham hopes the camp will expand in size.

“We could have many more kids here so I would love to see it double, even triple in size,” he said. 

Enrollment is ongoing for Camp Fun and Sun. Campers are required to stay for a minimum of two weeks to a maximum seven weeks. The camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, visit http://csinyack.org/camp-sun-and-fun/