WELCOME!

I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to return for another unforgettable year at Camp Shalom! Last summer completely blew me away — our incredible campers make this place so special. I’ve spent most of my life working with kids, but Camp Shalom campers have truly captured my heart forever!

This summer’s theme is Be the Light: Brightening Camp, Brightening the World! Each week, we’ll explore a Jewish value and discover fun, creative ways to spread kindness and make a difference — right here at camp and out in the world.

We’ve packed the summer with nonstop fun and adventure! From field trips to specialty camps, there’s truly something for everyone. Back by popular demand: Color Wars! And by camper request, we’re heading to the Cincinnati Zoo (I can’t wait to visit the manatees!). We’ll also revisit camper-favorite spots like the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens and COSI.

Check Out Our Specialty Camps!

• Ninja Warrior Camp is back — get ready to climb, swing, and conquer challenges!
• We’re once again partnering with iCode of Centerville for a one-of-a-kind Tech Experience.
• Theatre Camp is adding stage makeup training this year!
• Culinary Camp has been extended to a full week of foodie fun!

Our traditional camp days will be bursting with new experiences in arts, STEM, and sports, plus even more options in Chugim (electives), so campers can discover something new. And don’t worry — favorites like 9-Square and Just Dance are here to stay!

I can’t wait to spend another summer of light, laughter, and adventure with all of you! If you have any questions, please reach out anytime.

See you soon at Camp Shalom 2026 — Be the Light: Brightening Camp, Brightening the World!

At Camp Shalom, we warmly nurture the qualities that create lasting friendships: kindness, empathy, bravery, trust, and communication. Winter Camp Shalom is packed with adventures, including exciting field trips to the IMAX Theatre and Newport Aquarium. Every day brings something new, including cooking projects, arts and crafts, STEM explorations, and fun indoor sports.

CAMP COUNSELORS AND STAFF

Counselors at Camp Shalom are among the best and brightest teens and young adults in our community. We hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure a safe, engaging, and meaningful experience for our campers. Our counselors are all certified by the American Heart Association in First Aid and CPR.

We are always looking for high-energy, young folks who love working with kids. If you know someone interested in becoming a camp counselor, have them email Jennifer Holman at jholman@jfgd.net.

AGE GROUPS

Seeds: Incoming 1st graders
Acorns: Incoming 2nd graders
Sprouts: Incoming 3rd graders
Leaves: Incoming 4th graders
Branches: Incoming 5th graders
Trees: Incoming 6th & 7th graders

COUNSELORS IN TRAINING

CITs (incoming 8th – 10th graders) are typically experienced campers who are ready to take on some leadership. They assist counselors in engaging campers and preparing for activities. The CITs program is a great opportunity for young people who are interested in becoming a camp counselor one day and would like an insider experience before taking on the full responsibility. CITs will always be under the supervision of Camp Shalom staff. They will receive a stipend of $5 a day for working at camp and will be paid each Friday for the current week.

CAMP HOURS AND RATES

Rise & Shine: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Camp Day: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Stay & Play: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Traditional Camp Rates

Incoming 1st – 7th graders: $285/week
Counselors in Training: $145/week

Optional Extended Care (per camper)

Rise & Shine: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. $25/week ($8/day)
Stay & Play: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. $35/week ($10/day)

Discounts

We offer a 5% discount for siblings enrolled in our program (first child is full price; discount applies to second child and beyond).

Registration Fee

Camp Shalom charges a non-refundable registration fee of $75. Sign up before March 1, and we will waive the registration fee. Use code early75.

Cancellation Policy

Full Refund (minus registration fee): Cancel at least 21 days before the camp week starts.
50% Refund (minus registration fee): Cancel at least 14 days before the camp week starts.
No Refund: Cancel less than 14 days before the camp week starts.

 

CAMPERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Camp Shalom strives to be an inclusive environment. If your child has unique social, emotional, physical, or medical needs, please contact Jennifer Holman at least one month prior to camp to ensure we can meet your child’s needs. If specialized or individual care is necessary, there may be an additional charge.

TRADITIONAL CAMP

Week 1 (June 1 – 5): Achdut (Unity) ~ Better Together!

Week 2 (June 8 – 12): Chesed (Kindness) ~ Kindness Counts!

Week 3 (June 15 – 19): Kavod (Respect) ~ Honor Everyone!

Week 4 (June 22 – 26): Tzedek (Justice) ~ Camp for a Cause!

Week 5 (June 29 – July 2*): Hakarat HaTov (Gratitude) ~ Thankful Hearts, Happy Campers! * Closed July 3 for Independence Day

Week 6 (July 6 – 10): Simcha (Joy) ~ Celebrate Camp!

Week 7 (July 13 – 17): Shalom (Peace) ~ Bringing Peace where I go!

Week 8 (July 20 – 24): Theme: Ometz Lev (Courage) ~ Be brave like a Hero!
Color Wars Week!

SPECIALTY CAMPS

These camps have limited spaces, so register early to ensure your camper’s spot! All specialty campers will go swimming & attend field trips with traditional campers.

Theatre Camp • Weeks 1 – 4 | $1,200 | 3rd grade and older
Step into the spotlight and explore the magic of theatre from every angle! In this immersive four-week camp, campers will dive into writing, acting, costuming, stage makeup, and set design. Creativity will flourish as participants focus on the artistic process, culminating in a fun, skit-style performance to share with the Camp Shalom community and families.

Art Camp • Week 2 | $330 | all ages
Dive into the world of fine arts in this week-long intensive! Campers will experiment with a variety of media — from paint to clay — creating projects that range from 2D masterpieces to 3D creations. Spark your imagination and ignite creativity through hands-on, fun-filled art projects!

Battle of the Bots iCode Camp • Week 3 | $360 | 3rd grade and older
A great way to learn how technologies like programming, sensors, gears, and mechanics work, all while having fun! Campers will learn the fundamentals of mechanical engineering as they team up to build robotic systems and compete against one another in tasks such as sumo wrestling, tug-o-war, head-to-head combat, and much more! By the end of the week, campers will put their skills to the test and see who can build the best battle bot.

Culinary Camp • Week 4 | $330 | all ages
Get ready to cook up some fun! In this hands-on camp, campers will learn essential kitchen safety and basic cooking skills while creating a variety of tasty dishes. Each participant will take home their very own recipe book filled with the delicious creations they make!

*NEW* Pickleball Camp • Week 4 | $330 | 3rd grade and older
Partnering with Pickleball Kingdom
Serve, swing, score! Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, our expert coaches will guide campers in mastering the game of pickleball. Along the way, campers will learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.

*NEW* Adventure Awaits Camp • Week 5 | $465 | 6th & 7th grade
Get ready for the ultimate adventure week! Each day brings a brand-new thrill as campers set off on unforgettable field trips. On Monday, we’ll go wild at the Columbus Zoo, then explore and discover at the Cincinnati Museum Center and IMAX Theatre on Tuesday. Wednesday, we’ll take flight at iFly, and on Thursday, we’ll cap off the week with nonstop fun at Kings Island!

*NEW* Extreme Inventors Camp • Week 6 | $330 | 2nd grade and older
Awaken curiosity and spark innovation! Campers dive into hands-on daily challenges as they design, build, and invent their own creations. Using real tools (with supervision), campers will take apart old electronics and household items, transforming them into imaginative new inventions. This high-energy camp blends STEM learning with creativity and teamwork. Challenge days include Cardboard Creations, Robot Day, a team-built Cityscape Challenge, and a surprise Mystery Challenge to end the week. Perfect for curious minds who love to tinker, build, and think big!

Magic Camp • Week 6 | $330 | 4th grade and younger
Get ready for a week of wonder and enchantment! Magic Dave is back to teach campers amazing tricks while boosting confidence and important life skills. The week will culminate in a spectacular magic show that will dazzle fellow campers and showcase all the incredible skills learned!

LEGO Camp • Week 7 | $330 | 4th grade and younger
Let’s build something amazing! Campers will explore engineering and teamwork through hands-on LEGO challenges. With fun, creative projects for younger builders and more complex designs for older campers, everyone will leave with incredible creations — and memories they’ll never LEGO of!

*NEW* iCode Minecraft: Modding Adventure Camp • Week 7 | $360 | 3rd grade and older
Campers will learn how to make mods (modifications) for one of their favorite games: Minecraft. Learning to mod in Minecraft is a gateway to an adventure of creativity in computer skills that can be taken from video games to the real world!

Ninja Warrior Camp • Week 8 | $330 | 1st – 5th grade
Are you up to the challenge? Campers will train on the obstacles at Ninjobstacles in Kettering while being coached by American Ninja Warriors Competitors.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Holman at jholman@jfgd.net or 937-401-1550.

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