For families in Boulder, summer isn't just a season—it’s an opportunity for growth, connection, and exploration. At the heart of this experience is Boulder JCC’s Cherryvale Camps. Designed for children ages 4 to 13 (campers must turn 5 by October 15, 2026, and enter kindergarten in the fall - no exceptions), Cherryvale offers more than just a place to spend the day; it provides a vibrant community where kids can be their most authentic selves while building skills that last a lifetime.

A Camp for Every Milestone
Cherryvale understands that a first-grader has different needs than a middle-schooler. To ensure every child finds their rhythm, the camp is divided into specialized tracks:

• Kinder Crew: Specifically designed for rising kindergartners, this program eases the transition from preschool. With familiar rituals like storytime and rest periods, it offers a nurturing environment that balances gentle structure with exciting new adventures.
• Cherryvale Day Camp (Grades 1-6): This is the "classic" camp experience. Campers are grouped into age-appropriate "bunks"—named after local Colorado animals like Elk, Bighorn Sheep, and Bears—where they participate in a rotating schedule of sports, STEM, art, and nature studies.
• Specialty Camps: Our specialty camp programs are designed to let your child’s passions take center stage! We are thrilled to highlight fan favorites like the hands-on Milk & Honey Farm Camp, the creative Get Crafty, our inquisitive Jr. Scientists, and the high-energy world of Musicals.
• But That’s Not All: we are expanding! New for this summer, we are introducing specialty camps designed exclusively for 4th–6th graders. These older campers can now dive deeper with sophisticated programs like Farm to Table Cooking, our Hip Hop Intensive Camp, and cutting-edge Snapology STEM programs and more!

Rooted in Nature: The Milk and Honey Farm
One of the most unique features of the Boulder JCC campus is the Milk and Honey Farm. Cherryvale campers get hands-on experience working on an educational farm. Twice a week, children visit the farm to interact with goats, chickens, and bees, or work in the geodesic greenhouse with the koi fish. This connection to the land fosters a deep sense of sustainability and wonder, teaching kids where their food comes from and the importance of caring for the environment.

Tradition and Values
While Cherryvale Camps are rooted in Jewish values—emphasizing community (Kehillah), joy (Simcha), and respect (Kavod)—it warmly welcomes children of all backgrounds, faiths, and families. The week is bookended by meaningful rituals:

• Every Monday begins with Havdalah, a ceremony to transition into the camp week, and

• Every Friday concludes with the high-energy Shabbat Sing

• These gatherings are filled with skits, dancing, and music, creating a shared sense of belonging

• Plus, no Friday is complete without making fresh Challah and goodies to take home!

Safety, Fun, and Professional Growth
The Camp operates with a high staff-to-camper ratio (1:7), led by experienced educators. Beyond the fun of "Special Days"—which might include anything from bubble artists to dinosaur shows—the camp emphasizes social-emotional growth. Through "Bud, Rose, and Thorn" reflections at the end of each day, campers learn to communicate their successes and challenges, building resilience in a supportive setting.

Planning Your Summer
Cherryvale  Camps run in two-week sessions from early June through early August, with a standard camp day from 9 am to 4 pm (and early drop-off options available). Because of its popularity, sessions often fill up quickly, but the camp maintains an active waitlist to accommodate as many families as possible. Registration opens on January 11, 2026 at 10am MT for returning families and on January 14, 2026 at 1pm MT for new families. 

Whether your child is looking to score a goal on the sports field, master a pottery wheel, or simply make a new best friend while feeding a goat, Cherryvale Camps offers a summer of discovery in the heart of Boulder. We are committed to making camp accessible to all families, and financial aid is available. Contact Boulder JCC Camp Director Julia Paeglis for more information.