By Amanda Halliwell, JCC Membership Director
It is so amazing to be a part of an organization whose programs and services are recognized as the best in our community, year after year. I am so fortunate to work at the JCC for almost 20 years now, and I constantly say to my friends and family that there is just something special about this place. I consider myself part of a BIG family here at the J. It’s not just about working out at our Health & Wellness Center or attending one of our many events but it’s something more. There isn’t another place I have ever worked where I can say I ‘thoroughly enjoyed going to work’ on a daily basis. It is truly is a blessing in my life and one that I am thankful for each day.
Most recently, the JCC received three (yes, three!) Best of Family Awards from Suburban Family Magazine for the second year in a row! Our fabulous day camps, Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC and the JCC Camps at Medford, were named Best Summer Day Camps, and the Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center at the Katz JCC’s infant and toddler program was named Best Year-Round Day Care program. These programs provide exceptional care for our littlest members and are vital to the JCC. I love nothing more than seeing smiling faces in the hallway each school day, and Camp is like a home away from home for me. I don’t know of a better way of spending the school year, or the summer months than to be at our beautiful JCC building or at the JCC Camps at Medford.
We were thrilled to be named Best Swim Club by SJ Magazine earlier this year! The JCC Summer Swim Club, which provides fun all summer long in two locations, is the place to be on those hot and humid New Jersey summer days. You can lounge on a comfy and cushioned chair at the Cherry Hill location, or head out to our Medford location at the JCC Camps at Medford to run around in our splash park, or make your way down to the beautiful lake to enjoy the inflatables or try your luck at catching a fish. The aquatics program here at the J holds a special place in my heart. I have had the pleasure of teaching numerous children how to swim at the JCC and our summer day camps. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing those I have taught throughout the years become lifeguards and instructors themselves, and then become parents who bring their children to our facilities to learn how to swim. Our amazing swim program, The Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy, offers children an elite learn to swim program that not only concentrates on safety first, but also fulfills the Jewish value of Saving a life – “Pikuach Nefesh.”
We were also honored to be named Best After School Care Program by South Jersey Magazine in 2016. Our Just 4 Kids and JCrew programs for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade are the place to be after school! Kids will get individual attention for homework help, can get creative with arts and crafts or cooking, and will put their brains to the test with STEAM challenges. We provide transportation from select schools in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Marlton, and Kellman Brown Academy.
Come see what we’re all about at our Winter Open House on Sunday, January 8 from 11am-2pm. You’ll be able to meet staff from all of our departments, take a tour of our beautiful facility, join in on a free fitness class, and take advantage of awesome membership savings you can only get at our open house. Head over to katzjcc.org/join for full details.
