Campers to Get a 'Taste' of Summer;
Host Families Needed for Shlichim

Campers already registered for the JCC Summer Camps - and those who are interested in registering - are invited to a "Taste of Camp" event on Sunday, April 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the JCC.

"Children will have the opportunity to try many of the awesome activities we will be providing at camp this summer, including yoga, basketball, cooking, music, arts and crafts, and swimming," said Naomi Friedman, JCC Children, Youth and Camping director. "They also will have the opportunity to meet many of the great camp staff who will be working this summer, as well as enjoy carnival treats such as Sno Cones and popcorn."

Those wearing their camp t-shirts from last year will receive a special prize, and four free weeks of camp will be raffled off.

Admission is free for campers who already are registered for this year's summer camp, as well as for those who are registering for camp during the event (a special camp discount will apply for those registering). Admission for all other attendees is $5.

"Don't miss out on this awesome event!" said Friedman.

For more information, visit the JCC Summer Camp website or contact Friedman at (614) 559-6253 or Camp Registrar Sue Vail at (614) 559-6251.

JCC Summer Camp Shlichim Host Families Needed

The JCC is seeking host families for the summer to provide housing for its Israeli shlichim who will be working at the JCC Summer Camps. (Shlichim, which is Hebrew for "emissary," are Israel community representatives that serve in Jewish communities throughout the world and serve as a cultural and educational link between the people in local communities and the people of Israel.)

Every summer, the JCC Summer Camps are lucky enough to have staff come all the way from Israel to work for the summer," said Naomi Friedman, JCC Children, Youth and Camping director. "These Israeli Shlichim are an integral part of camp - they represent Israel for all of our campers and help them to learn about how important Israel is to the Jewish people! In many cases, this will be the first time that the Shlichim have been to the United States and it is our job to make sure it's a great experience!"

Friedman said two women and one man will be arriving Friday, June 5, and staying until Friday, Aug. 7. "The shlichim are here for a total of 9 weeks and stay with three different host families for three weeks each. We are looking for a total of 9 host families for this summer," she said. "This also is a great opportunity for the host families to learn more about Israel, its people and its culture."

The two women are Avishag Fridel, age 20, from Qiryat Ono and Tom Lenga, age 21, from Moshav Habonim. Fridel will be working with campers at Camp Arye, Shemesh and Ora, while Lenga will be working at Camp Chaverim.

Dor Maimon, age 20, from Yehud - the lone male in the group - will be working at Camp Hoover.

Those interested should contact Friedman at (614) 559-6253.