On behalf of Marks JCH Summer Day Camp, it is my pleasure to introduce to you summer at the “J.” Our camp is entering its 85th year – it was one of the first programs that created upon the completion of our building. And there is a good reason for that – camp is a crucial part of a child’s life. Camp is where children learn how to play soccer and paint; it is a safe environment where each child can make a friend; where growth is nurtured and development is a constant process; where identity is formed and character is built.
Camp is considered to be one of the most rewarding and lasting experiences in a child’s life. That is why every summer over 11 million children attend day and resident camps throughout North America. Every summer, Marks JCH Summer Day Camp awards thousands of dollars of scholarships to help children in need attend camp, and every year there are still more kids who do not get a chance to come to camp. Help us make a difference in a child’s life by donating to a scholarship fund and sponsor a camper!
It would be safe to say that the Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst is the busiest place in southwestern Brooklyn. Each week, thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds crowd the corridors of the place on Bay Parkway lovingly known as the "J." That's because there's something for everyone here at the Marks JCH.
Since 1927, the Marks JCH has been the hub of activity for millions of people. Throughout the year, programs and services are offered for young and old alike...and we don't forget about everyone in between! Our highly trained professional staff works together to create activities and services designed with you in mind. From fitness programs to preschool and summer camp, to special services for seniors, teens and immigrants, we work hard to provide each and every individual with a high quality and meaningful experience. Our aim is to be responsive to the needs of our members, to help them in every way we can. People have come to rely on the Marks JCH in many ways.
It is our goal to build and sustain Jewish life in our community by providing affiliation opportunities for people of all ages. As part of the larger Jewish community center movement we value our obligation to Jewish continuity and education. We are an integral partner in the delivery of community-based, accessible social services that meet the present and emergent needs of our constituents. As part of this partnership, we value the collaboration of other community and citywide organizations to meet our goals. We respect our constituents and treat them with dignity.
In order to increase the health and well being of our constituents, we design programs and services that meet their expressed needs in a timely and responsive manner. We play an active role in the community-at-large including the public and private sector. Our doors are open to the multiple communities we serve and we pledge to a good neighbor, respecting the diversity of our constituents. It is our goal to leave a lasting impact on the lives of all those families and individuals who join us. The Marks JCH of Bensonhurst is a partner for life.
Name of Organization:The Marks JCH Summer Day Camp
Number of Paid Staff:50 full-time, 60 part-time
Number of Volunteers:300 teens annually
Total Organizational Expenses:$5,878,369
% of Organizational Overhead Expenses:20%
The Marks JCH Day Camp is a representation of our tightly knit community and values of Jewish renewal and life. The majority of our campers come from Russian-speaking Jewish families. Many of them are recent immigrants. Our day camp allows our campers to quickly acclimate to the new environment and become members of a community. Over 50% of our campers receive scholarships from the camp to enable them to have a fun and enriching summer.
Our camp counselors are an integral part of our camp community and life of our agency. Many of them are past campers who have grown up in our camp and agency. They are a testament of the positive and lasting influence our camp has on the children who walk through our doors.
The Marks JCH Day Camp has remained supportive of our camp families and their children throughout the difficult times of the recent economic recession. Dedicated to providing the children of our community with valuable camp experiences, our day camp has continued to help the parents who have been hard hit by the recession and rising unemployment. Last year in a very special and sad case, we extended our support to a parent struggling with cancer while searching for way to pay for camp. Her daughter has gone to camp for many years, but due to the parent’s illness, her family could not afford to send their child to camp for another summer. Marks JCH Day Camp came to their aid by bringing the child to camp on a scholarship. We were able to give a child a great summer experience and alleviate her parents of some of their troubles and hardships.
Arts and Culture
Children
Education
Spirituality
Edith and Carl Marks JCH Zehut Teen Center provides teens of our community with multiple opportunities to volunteer and serve their neighborhood. We have a number of youth clubs and projects which run all year round. One of these clubs is Big Brother Big Sister which pairs high school teen volunteers in a mentorship with junior high school children. Volunteers attend monthly education and community sessions where they learn about child development and spend time together as a group. In addition, each teen spends at least an hour a week with their little brother or sister in the safe environment of the J. We also host monthly volunteering excursions for the teens to various sites around New York City. Our largest event of the year is our annual Brooklyn Mitzvah Day where hundreds of teens gather for a day of service at over a dozen places in New York.
Name:Alexander Bebeshko
Title:Team Services Coordinator
Address:7802 Bay Parkway
Telephone:718-331-6800
Email:Bebeshko@jchb.org
Website:www.jchb.org