LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp is proud to be a fully accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association, which monitors our commitment to high standards of quality in camping.
We have a very experienced and dedicated team whose goal it is to ensure your child(ren) have the same impactful and memorable camp experiences that we once did. Read our biographies below to find out a little more about our leadership team.
ADAM KERTESZ
Assistant Camp
Director
NAOMI GRYFFER
Camp Administrator.
MAYA WENGER
Hebrew Camp
Program Director
PROSSERMAN JCC AND SCHWARTZ/REISMAN CENTRE VISION
Inspiring people to live the Jewish life they want to live
PROSSERMAN JCC AND SCHWARTZ/REISMAN CENTRE MISSION
The Prosserman JCC and Schwartz/Reisman Centre fosters and enriches Jewish identity and builds community through:
- Health and wellness
- Recreation, education and culture
- Social experiences
- A strong connection to Israel
- We welcome everyone and share the richness and traditions
- Jewish culture with the community at large.
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Our engaging, fun, enthusiastic and dynamic program is designed to ensure everyone is successful and enjoys everything our day camp offers!
We work together with our families and other skilled professionals to offer every child a unique summer experience. We are committed to create a safe, enthusiastic, and creative environment in order to promote each camper’s growth, independence and self-confidence.
Our goal is to offer all campers a safe, exciting and integrated summer experience. The level of support for each camper will be determined based on their individual needs and may change depending on the activity and time of the day.
The Camp Inclusion Program Team will offer:
- An initial assessment in order to make an informed decision if our camp is the right fit for the applicant. During the assessment process we may need to consult with other professionals, teachers, therapists, etc. to gain insight on each camper’s background
- Adaptive and modified programs based on the camper specific needs.
- Special training for our entire staff team
- Ongoing communication with the family.
- Full time Behavioural Specialist on the senior summer staff team
If 1:1 support is necessary, the camp team will be involved to find the best fit for the camper to ensure he/she is integrated as fully as possible. He/She will guide and facilitate social interaction and participation.
Karina Klier, the Manager of Inclusion Services at The Schwartz/Reisman Centre and The Prosserman JCC, will be working together with us in our efforts to ensure a meaningful and positive experience for every camper. Karina is a Registered Psychotherapists, member of the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science.
OUR VISION – 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.
OUR MISSION – 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.
Centre camp is FUN. Centre Camp is FRIENDSHIP. Centre Camp is COMMUNITY.
- The day begins with the singing of Hatikvah
- Unit wide oneg Shabbat programming every Friday
- Israeli staff (Shlichim) are employed to enhance our connections to and knowledge of Israel
- Our Israeli culture specialties offer our campers a taste of Israeli art, music, dance, food, language and more!
- Multiple heated indoor and outdoor pools – swim rain or shine
- Qualified Red Cross swim instructors and lifeguards
- Low camper to staff swim ratios – as low as 2 to 1
- Includes Free towel service
- Preschool levels Info
- Swim kids levels Info
- The Jack and Pat Kay Centre Camp is led by camping veterans who understand the importance and value of each child’s experience.
- The leadership team consists of numerous teachers, early childhood education workers, child and youth workers, social workers and a registered nurse.
- Thorough interview process to ensure staff possess the skills and attitude that reflect our high standards and values.
- Mandatory staff training sessions to review the complex daily needs of camp, our campers and their families.
- Staff coached on how to be supportive, caring and compassionate mentors for our campers and are taught how to recognize the specific needs of individual campers of all ages.
