JCC impact report Fall 2023 - Flipbook - Page 8
Celebrating
30 Years of Camp
Kaleidoscope
In 1993, the JCC set out to fulfill an unmet need: a day
camp for creative arts. Many camps focus on sports, but
that model doesn’t resonate for kids whose passions are
to sing, dance, act, and draw. From its very first summer,
Camp Kaleidoscope has offered a unique blend of visual
arts, theater, science, filmmaking, music, culinary arts,
and creative outdoor exploration for kids entering
kindergarten to 11th grade. Now in its 30th year, Camp
Kaleidoscope enrolls over 400 unique campers per year for
a transformative summer experience.
Kaleidoscope became so popular within the community,
that by 2012 the camp had outgrown its space. The JCC
needed to rent a 60-foot trailer to house its programs, and
eventually raised enough money to build a new pavilion.
That pavilion continues to be a vital gathering space for
Kaleidoscope and JCC programs all year long.
We pride ourselves on creativity
and catering to the individual child.”
— Betty Lehrman,
Camp Kaleidoscope Director
Some of the annual hallmarks of
Kaleidoscope are the full-length
musicals performed by campers each
summer. From Fiddler on the Roof to Frozen, the kids are
transformed into characters and experience the magic of
being on stage — including those who were once afraid to
sing in public.
A defining part of Kaleidoscope’s culture is embracing the
evolving interests and identities of campers and staff. When
kids expressed a desire to engage with graphic novels,
Kaleidoscope didn’t hesitate to offer a new elective. And
when “Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)” — a game that involves
collective storytelling — rose in popularity, Kaleidoscope
built it into the camp experience to stay on the cutting edge
of activities that kids want.
For 30 years, Kaleidoscope has created and sustained a
camp environment where everyone is welcome and feels
included. Over the decades, an increasing number of
campers and staff have broadened their gender identities
— including many who identify as trans and non-binary.
We are proud that Camp Kaleidoscope has become one of
the most LGBTQ-friendly and affirming Jewish day camps in
Greater Boston.
Many kids who come to Kaleidoscope for
the first time are extremely shy. But as
they watch other campers successfully
perform and tell stories, they come out
of their shells and build confidence.
It’s an amazing transformation to witness.”
— Betty Lehrman, Camp Kaleidoscope Director
8