Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF)

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) is a community center known for its programs for children, families, and seniors. They have a full-service sports facility that includes two swimming pools and a jacuzzi, fitness center, and posh locker rooms with saunas. You do not need to be Jewish to join.

Everyone is invited to participate in culturally related programs that coincide with Jewish holidays, such as Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Family Shabbat dinners.

They have Family Fun Days for ages 0 to 9 years old on weekends. Programs include: KinderGym, arts and crafts, Preschool Playground, special guest performances, and family swim times. Drop in for Kinder Fun Klub activities such as music, gymnastics, movement, arts, and ceramics. No pre-registration needed. Sunday morning playgroups are FREE.

JCCSF programs and services include a 42,000 square-foot space for performances and lectures; art exhibits and a permanent art collection; Jewish education classes and workshops; literary events; programs for interfaith couples and families; three outstanding preschools; afterschool enrichment; Club 18 Teen Center; summer and vacation camps; sports classes and leagues; health and wellness programs for adults; dance, music, ceramics, and art classes; and special programs for older adults.

The Émigré program offers English as a Second Language, Tikvah School of Music and Dance, New Life Russian newspaper, holiday programs, social programs and clubs, and excursions for Russian-speaking immigrants. 

Classes:
JCCSF has a very well-organized sports program. They offer classes and leagues ranging from gymnastics and tumbling for preschoolers to full-blown and well-attended basketball, baseball, and soccer leagues for both boys and girls. JCCSF is a member of the PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) Local Partners Program, a non-profit organization based at Stanford University whose mission is to "transform youth sports so sports can transform youth."

JCCSF has a wonderful aquatic center and offers swim classes and swim teams, as well as family swim in their warm-water, recreational pool.

Other specialty classes include nature/outdoor programs, academic enrichment and tutoring, chess, movement, dance, yoga, art, ceramics, music and theater. You'll also find math clubs, Russian language classes, babysitting classes, cooking, and lessons in violin and other musical instruments.

Camps:
The Rabin Summer Camp Programs include 10 weeks of traditional full-day Camp Kochav plus expanded sports clinics and specialty camps. Specialty camps focus on particular sports, interests, and activities for campers to develop specific skills in a positive and engaging environment. You can mix and match programs if your child will be attending more than one session. Camps are also offered during school breaks.

2013 Week-long Summer Camp Sessions:
Dates: June 3–August 30
Ages: Grades K–12
Days/Times: Mondays through Fridays, 9am–4pm
Cost: varies by program; two-week camps available
Extended care: 8am–9am ($45–$50 per week), 4pm–6pm ($90–$100 per week)

2013 Sports and Specialty Camp Summer Sessions:
Camps include: basketball, soccer, cooking, creative arts, gymnastics, performing arts, art, dance, and swim (GADS), sports clinics, and more.
Dates: June 10–August 16
Ages: Grades K–12
Days/Times: Mondays through Fridays, 9am–4pm; half-day clinics 9am–noon and 1pm–4pm
Cost: varies by program
Extended care: 8am–9am ($45–$50 per week), 4pm–6pm ($90–$100 per week)

2013 JCCSF Preschool Camp Sessions:
Activities include: cooking, art experiences, nature/science, dramatic play, music, outdoor exploration, and much more. Click here for the Brotherhood Way Preschool Camp brochure. For the Diller Preschool Camp brochure, click here.
Dates/Location/Ages/Days/Times/Cost:
- Brotherhood Way Preschool: June 10–August 9, ages 2 to 5, 9am–1pm or 9am–3pm, extended care 3pm–6pm, $185–$430 per week
- Helen Diller Family Preschool: June 17–August 9, ages 2 to 5, 9am–1pm, extended care 8:30am–9am and 1pm–4pm, $130–$315 per week

2013 Specialty Spring Camp Session:
Dates/Ages/Cost: 
- Culinary Adventures: April 15–April 19, Grades 3–5, members $385 per week; non-members $425 per week
- Swim, Soccer, and Basketball: March 25–March 29 and April 15–April 19, Grades 1–2 and Grades 3–5, members $285–$355 per week; non-members $320–$395 per week
- GADS – Gymnastics, Art, Dance & Swim Camp for Girls: March 25–March 29, Grades 1–4, members $320 per week; non-members $350 per week
Days/Times: Monday through Wednesday, 9am–4pm
Extended care: 8am–9am ($9 per day), 4pm–6pm ($15 per day)

2013 Camp Kochav Spring Session: March 25–March 29, April 15–April 19
2013 February Break/Ski Week Session: February 19–February 22
Ages: grades K–5
Days/Times: Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
Cost: Members: $275–$310 per week or $75 per day; non-members: $310–$340 per week or $85 per day
Extended care: 8am–9am ($9 per day), 4pm–6pm ($15 per day); no extended care for Ski Week

2012–2013 Camp Kochav, Sports, and Specialty Camp Winter Sessions: December 24–January 4
(No camps Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
2012 Thanksgiving Turkey Camp: November 21
Ages: Grades K–8
Times: 9am–4pm
Cost: $75–$85 per day (Camp Kochav); $275–$320 per session for members; $310–$350 per session for non-members
Extended care: 8am–9am ($9 per day), 4pm–6pm ($15 per day); no extended care for Turkey Camp

Children of all religious traditions and backgrounds are welcome. Scholarships are available for families that demonstrate financial need.

Afterschool:
The Havurah Youth Center (HYC) is JCCSF's outstanding afterschool enrichment program for children in grades K–6. HYC provides a unique opportunity for children to build friendships and celebrate Jewish culture and holidays in a warm, nurturing environment staffed by trained professionals.

HYC children are challenged to learn and grow through activities such as art, drama, science, cooking, and sports. All families are welcome to attend the program. Full-day programming is available 8am–6pm on most SFUSD school day closures.

Scholarships and part-time schedules are available. Transportation is available from many SFUSD schools.

Celebrations:
Come to JCCSF to celebrate your child's birthday. You can have a pool, dance (you pick the style), art, ceramics, or sports party. Their rooms are for rent for any type of event. Fees vary by type of party.

Parent Resources:
JCCSF facilitates Havurah groups and a parent education program with workshops such as "How to Choose a Kindergarten in San Francisco," and "Understanding Children's Behavior: Understanding Your Child's Temperament and Development." They also offer infant and child CPR classes.