Zusman Center Enhances Summer Camps;
Ben Brant Named Director of Camp Hoover

Summer 2008 will be the JCC camps' inaugural summer in the Zusman Center, which was dedicated this past fall. The air-conditioned building - located immediately next to the new SprayGround and directly behind the JCC's outdoor pool - features a beautiful multi-purpose great room, accessible changing and restrooms, designated activity areas, a nurse's office, and an art room with a kiln.

The Zusman Center is designed to serve the Chaverim and Arye campers' as a central "base" area, noted Camp Arye Director John Weaver.

"Each camper will get to take advantage of this fabulous new building. The Zusman Center will increase the togetherness of JCC camps and promote the inclusion of our campers with special needs into daily camp activities," he said. "In addition, the Zusman Center will streamline the daily schedule and reduce transition times, allowing for more unit time, small group activities and special events."

Weaver also noted that the Zusman Center's accessible facilities also will make Summer Camp much more comfortable for campers with special needs. "The on-site, accessible changing rooms and bathrooms are going to be a wonderful addition to our camp facilities, because they will make camp less demanding on children with physical needs," he said.

"The Zusman Center will allow staff and campers alike to better embrace each participant's individuality, and give and receive support that focuses on abilities and challenges them to achieve both new and existing goals," said Weaver.

"But best of all, it's just a FUN place to be!"

Ben Brant Named Director of Camp Hoover

Ben Brant, well known to JCC members as the Recreation Supervisor working in programs associated with the pre-school, Kaleidoscope, and youth and adult sport leagues, has been named the new Director of the Hoover Summer Camp program.

This will be Ben's third year at Hoover with his previous experience being the Nesherim and Bogrim Unit Head as well as the Sports Specialist.

Ben recently also was promoted to JCC Recreation Director. He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Sports Industry and currently is pursuing his masters in Athletic Administration.

For more information on the JCC Summer Camps, visit the Camp section in this edition of CenterScene or the Summer Camp website at www.columbusjcc.org/summercamps.