The Shames JCC on the Hudson Early Childhood Center, River Friends Day Camp (ages 3 – 6), and Camp Twelve Trails (grades K – 9)

Early Childhood Center 

Providing in-person programs for 2s, 3s, and 4s with a focus on Outdoor Learning, an Emergent Curriculum, and COVID-19 Safety

The Early Childhood Center, as part of the Shames JCC on the Hudson, is located in the heart of the Rivertowns in Tarrytown, NY.  Our deeply engaged staff works closely with families to stimulate and nurture children as they make the transition from home to Center. With health and safety in the forefront of our set-ups, small class sizes, and outdoor learning, we help children flourish and grow—with particular care and attention to their health and well-being. With a focus on outdoor learning, children spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the wonder of the natural world.

Most importantly, our philosophy, inspired by the progressive tradition of Reggio Emilia, is that children find meaning and joy through their play. We do not view children as empty vessels waiting to be filled with adult-given knowledge, but as constructors of their own learning and experiences in school. The teacher’s role in this environment is to guide and facilitate, observe and document, support, and inspire.

Our strong commitment to this essential truth can be witnessed in our rich, developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum. Children construct their understanding of the world and acquire the physical, intellectual, and social skills that will be the foundation of their successes throughout their lives. Please go to our website for more information and contact Ann Zarider for enrollment and placement. 

SUMMER CAMPS - River Friends Day Camp (ages 3 – 6) 

Give your kids the great outdoors and the summer of their lives with the Shames JCC on the Hudson! River Friends Day Camp is all of the adventure and excitement of big-kid camp with focus on the needs of young campers. We will offer a variety of engaging, developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Sports and games, playground time, nature and gardening projects, yoga, water-play, and crafts are just a sampling of what’s in store for 2021. And, while many activities will be situated outdoors, under large, shady canopies, the JCC’s indoor, air-conditioned and well-ventilated spaces will provide ample and comfortable room for lunch, rest, and indoor activities in case of inclement weather. For more information please visit our website or contact Melanie Friedman.

Camp Twelve Trails  (grades K – 9)

Older children (grades K – 9) can spend their summer in nature in the expansive Henry Kaufmann campgrounds! Campers select from different pockets of interest (like sports, arts, adventure, and more!) we call “Neighborhoods.” This concept allows campers to strengthen their skills in their favorite specialty while also encouraging them to explore new areas. Campers will also receive daily swim lessons based on the American Red Cross levels and free play in the pool—to help cool off on the hot summer days. For more information, please visit our website or contact Tracey Wiener.