CIT & Junior Counselor Programs:

Our stimulating Counselor in Training program is designed for teens who have completed 8th or 9th grade and are making the transition from camper to counselor. Teens who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade may apply to work as Junior Counselors. 

Note: Families with younger children may click here for information about the JCC's Camp Keshet for preschoolers. 

What makes Camp Raanana special?

Camp Raanana prides itself on its dedicated and experienced staff.  All of Camp Raanana's Head Counselors are mature college-age students or graduates with extensive day camp experience and a commitment to providing exceptional camp experiences.  Camp Raanana's talented staff includes both male and female staff members who serve as outstanding role models for campers. 

Our beautiful, natural location and emphasis on outdoor educational experiences set us apart from other local camps.  Campers engage in nature exploration, experience the joys of the outdoors, and learn to appreciate nature.  Camp Raanana's American Red Cross certified swim lessons, which are included (at no extra charge!) for all campers in grades K-5, also help campers develop into skilled swimmers and learn to love the water. 

Camp Raanana also features unique Judaic learning experiences and opportunities.  Campers explore Jewish values and connect with Jewish and Israeli culture through engaging Music & Culture sessions each week.  On Fridays, campers will have the opportunity to bake challah before the entire camp community gathers for a special Shabbat celebration featuring Shabbat songs and blessings, camper presentations, and - of course - challah and grape juice.  Camp Raanana also hosts an annual visit and performance by the Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan, a group of talented Israeli teenagers who bring the sights and sounds of Israel to life through singing, dancing, storytelling, and activities.

Click here to read testimonials about why families love Camp Raanana. 

Click here to make a secure online donation to help us provide scholarships for campers so that everyone can take part in the Camp Raanana experience!  You may also download our donation form here and submit a check made payable to the JCC. 

About Camp Raanana

Camp Eligibility & Scholarships: 
Camp Raanana is committed to providing dynamic summer camping experiences for all campers who wish to attend.  We provide a welcoming environment for campers of various cultural backgrounds and religious observance levels, and also strive to include special needs campers when possible.  In addition, we offer scholarship assistance to qualifying families.  Click here to download the scholarship application and instructions.

Camp Sessions: 
We offer nine one-week sessions to provide families flexibility with scheduling.  Campers may register for two to nine weeks (not necessarily consecutive).  This year, we are offering a one-week overnight program, to serve as an introduction to sleep-away camp. 

Camp Site:
Our camp is located on picturesque Cedar Lake in Chelsea.  The facility includes a large covered pavilion, a swimming beach, boat-launch, fishing dock, amphitheatre, grassy fields, nature trails, and access to a low-ropes initiatives course and the Waterloo Recreation Area.  In cases of inclement weather, campers will enjoy a variety of activities in the JCC gym and lounges. 
 
Hours & Transportation (NEW! Extended Hours):
We provide round trip school bus transportation from the JCC to Cedar Lake.  Pioneer campers (and sometimes Group Kachol campers) may travel in the JCC’s minibus.  Campers must be dropped off at the JCC between 8:45 and 8:55 a.m. Buses will leave promptly at 9:00 a.m.  Afternoon pick-up is between 4:45 and 5:00 p.m. at the JCC.  Extended care is available (see below). 

Alternate Transportation Options: 
Campers (except for Pioneer campers) may also be dropped off at Cedar Lake or at the west side pick-up site.  For west side pick-up, the bus will pull up between 9:20 and 9:25 a.m. at a designated location near the corner of Jackson and Maple Roads.  There will be no west side pick-up on field trip and inclement weather days (call the JCC to check).

Extended Care:
We offer morning care from 7:30-8:45 a.m. and afternoon care from 5-6 p.m. at the JCC. Families that do not need extended care every day can use the drop-in option (a higher per day rate applies). Morning care features low-key reading, crafts, and games. Afternoon care includes snack and activities such as themed projects, outdoor recess, or gym time.

Counselors & Staff: 
We pride ourselves on our talented, nurturing, and dedicated staff members, many of whom return year after year. Our wonderful male and female counselors serve as positive role models for our campers and always put the campers first! Each group has at least one college-age Head Counselor assisted by a Junior Counselor. Our overall camper to staff ratio is 5:1.

Lunches & Snacks:

Camp Overnights:

We offer several singleton overnight camping adventures each summer. There will be two overnights for campers in grades 3-5 and two for campers in grades 6-8.  The overnights are held at Howell Nature Center and are open to all campers in the designated age groups, regardless of whether they attend camp that week.  Additionally, for the first time, we are offering a full-week overnight program for all ages to introduce our campers to sleep-away camp.

Camper Groups:
Campers are divided into groups according to the grade they are entering in the fall (group names are based on the Hebrew words for colors):

 Questions?  Click here to visit our FAQs page or contact Shoshana Jackson at shoshanajackson@jccfed.org or (734) 971-0990
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