About us
Vision & Mission
Who we are
Centre Camp is the destination where children come together to explore, celebrate, and nurture their Jewish life and connection to Israel. Centre Camp is a place to foster independence and a true camp community while growing leaders of tomorrow within a classic summer camp environment.
How we show it
The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp provides outdoor adventure and fun for campers every day. Through our caring and inspiring staff, creative and exciting programming situated in our state-of-the-art facilities, we provide children with life changing experiences while building a strong connection to the Jewish community. We foster a sense of adventure and love of the outdoors while encouraging teamwork and inclusivity. Through our exceptional programs and unique opportunities, campers celebrate and explore their Judaism while developing a love for Israel.
Sherri Ettedgui
Director of JCC Camping
sherri@centrecamp.caSherri has an M.A. and B.A. in Education and a deep-rooted connection to Jewish identity and community building as she spent five years at March of the Living as the Associate National Director and eight years before that as the Toronto Director. Sherri always had a tremendous passion for camping and in 2018, she opened Camp Tikva, a private Jewish day camp in Toronto. We are pleased that Sherri has joined the JCC to grow The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp and our camping department. Her focus will be to help us build upon our past and expand the opportunities for children to have meaningful Jewish camp experiences, to ensure a strong future for our community.
Maya Wenger
Associate Director
maya@centrecamp.caMaya has been a dedicated member of the Centre Camp team for 11 years. As the Founder and Director of the Kochavim Hebrew Program at the Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp since its inception in 2014, she has been instrumental in providing innovative, meaningful, and exciting programming that deepens Centre Camp’s connection to Israel. Maya firmly believes in the power of informal Jewish education and focuses on building the best programs by infusing her passion and dedication for camping. In her role managing the Centre Camp at the Vaughan Campus during the summer, Maya fosters a vibrant community where staff and campers alike can engage, learn, and grow together. Her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment ensures that every member of the camp community feels valued and inspired.
Josh Small
Camp Coordinator, Toronto
josh@centrecamp.caJosh grew up in the Bathurst Manor surrounded by the JCC community. As a member for years, his involvement at the JCC was one of the driving factors that established his desire to work in the Jewish community. As a teen and young-adult, he was extensively involved in various Jewish initiatives, and has always had a passion for driving the continuity of a strong Jewish community. After returning to Toronto from Guelph where he received his B.Sc.H., Josh decided to pursue a career in the camping environment, as he believes that camp is a crucial way of strengthening children’s connection to their Judaism through informal education. Josh is now working as the Camp Coordinator, organizing the operations and logistics of Centre Camp to ensure every camper receives an exciting and meaningful experience.
We offer
Inclusion for all
We recognize and celebrate how special and unique we all are. Our philosophy is to create a memorable camping experience for children of all abilities. Click here to learn about inclusion at camp.
Connection to Israel
We celebrate Israel and our Jewish culture through incredible music, activities, food and customs. We are proud to have staff from Israel (Shlichim) who bring their passion and energy to camp every day. Regardless of your background or affiliation, you will gain a stronger connection to Jewish life and Israel!
Daily swimming
Both locations offer multiple heated indoor and outdoor pools, qualified Red Cross instructors and lifeguards and low camper to staff swim ratios. Click Here to see more classic camp activities.
A powerful impact
Staff members have the opportunity to shape the experiences of young children, and become a role model that they will look up to for years to come. Click here to learn more about our staff and working at camp.
State-of-the-art facilities
From pools, to dance studios, and outdoor areas, both our Toronto and Vaughan locations run camp activities at beautiful, spacious, and safe JCC facilities.
Send a Kid to Camp
The value of a Jewish Day Camp experience is undeniable, and the JCC is determined to remove the barriers to participation that many of our vulnerable community members face. Click here to make a difference
