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Hot days mean that school is out and fun is in. At the SJCC, our young charges have a good time with some furry, fluffy friends. Petting zoos are among our many summertime activities. Enjoy the following photos and let us help your child make some happy memories at Camp Chaverim this summer!
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You're Never Too Young to Enjoy a Trip to Israel
Ever imagine taking a magical trip to Israel? Now your child can - through the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at the Schenectady JCC. Every year, ECE Director Ellen Carpenter and her staff help their students enjoy a pretend visit to the Holy Land.
The SJCC is decorated to look like landmark spots in Israel, allowing the children to get a sense of the Western Wall, the Dead Sea, a bustling shuk in the holy city, and Eilat.
Preparation for the trip - slated this year for Thursday, May 13 - Friday, May 14 - is highly participatory. To get ready, ECE students make suitcases and sunglasses. They have passports and airplane tickets, ECE Director Ellen Carpenter says.
When the young travelers arrive in Israel, they make and taste traditional Jewish foods - among them, challah, falafel, blintzes - and go on an archaeological dig (in the ECE sandbox). They also try out physical work associated with Israel's kibbutzim, including squeezing oranges, mashing grapes for wine and milking a cow.
The trip segues into the Sinai, as well. In past years, a cardboard camel has stood in front of a fictional Masada to represent the animals that are found in the Middle Eastern desert.
The travelers also see the spiritual side of Jerusalem. On the second day of the adventure, the fantasy excursion concludes with a celebration of Shabbat at the ersatz Western Wall.
If you'd like your child to experience his or her first international trip, seats remain available for next year's tour. For more information, contact Ellen Carpenter at 377-8803.
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