The Early Childhood Department of the Weinstein JCC invites children ages 2-5 to experience the wonders of nature at Camp Ganim.
This immersive outdoor program, designed to foster a deep connection with the natural world, offers young campers a unique opportunity to explore, play, and learn in beautifully curated outdoor spaces throughout the year.
As the summer season approaches, Camp Ganim provides an exceptional setting for children to embrace their inner nature lovers. Camp runs two four-week sessions, from June 2 to July 25, making it the perfect opportunity for children to experience nature at its fullest.Camp Ganim believes that early childhood is a crucial time to instill a sense of respect and care for the environment.
Children who form a connection to nature during their early years are more likely to appreciate and protect it as they grow. By spending time outdoors, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world, learning about its beauty and power.
The camp’s hands-on, nature-filled activities promote curiosity, passion, and respect for the environment, helping to cultivate a lifelong love for nature.
Outdoor play fosters creativity and imagination, offering children a chance to interact with their peers in new and exciting ways. Whether they’re climbing a tree, building a bridge over a stream, or catching a frog by the retention pond, children at Camp Ganim are encouraged to take risks and engage in activities that push their boundaries.
The camp’s natural setting also introduces them to the processes of growth and change, as they tend to garden beds, plant seeds, and witness the growth of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. These experiences not only deepen their connection to the environment but also nurture a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
The educational benefits of connecting with nature are well-documented. Time spent outdoors improves children’s observation and problem-solving skills, enhances motor skills like coordination and balance, and encourages a sense of wonder and imagination.
Research shows that exposure to nature has a positive impact on children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral development. Additionally, outdoor play helps children develop stronger gross and fine motor skills, while providing a calming environment that aids in managing stress, anxiety, and emotions.
Camp Ganim also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, encouraging children to care for the world around them through the concept of Tikkun Olam, or “repairing the world.”
The camp’s beautiful outdoor spaces not only foster an appreciation for nature but also create a lasting bond between campers and their Jewish heritage. The idea of “if not now, when?” from Pirkei Avot 1:4 underscores the camp’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
The Early Childhood Preschool program at the Weinstein JCC, including Camp Ganim, is proud to be certified as a Nature Explore® outdoor classroom site.
This collaborative initiative, from the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, provides research-based tools to engage children and families with the natural world.
The Nature Explore® certification ensures that Camp Ganim offers an enriching, nature-filled environment for learning and growth.
As renowned environmentalist Rachel Carson once said, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” At Camp Ganim, children are guided to rediscover this joy while exploring the wonders of nature.
Registration for Camp Ganim is now open on the Weinstein JCC website under the Summer Camps section.
For more information on enrolling your child or to inquire about the 2025-2026 Preschool program, please contact Erin Cole, Early Childhood Director of Operations, at ecole@weinsteinjcc.org.Make this summer a time for your child to connect with nature, grow, and discover the world around them at Camp Ganim!
