What Do We Do At J Day Camps?
2025 Dates: June 2 – August 15
Chesterfield Camps
Campers in Chesterfield begin their day along the shaded edge of our baseball field, where they gather together for carpool and flagpole, plus any special guests or outdoor activities. In addition, campers use the outdoor field for soccer, flag football games, sack races and capture the flag. Campers also splash down in our outdoor pool, complete with two water slides! Indoors, they make arts and crafts, dream up elaborate skits and dance routines, and more.
Chesterfield campers will be able to choose from various activities including sports, arts, science, cooking, swimming, and more. Check out details by age group below!
This early childhood camp is full of music, storytelling, art, swimming (both swim lessons and free swim), sports, nature, and more. Guided by early childhood educators, activities are catered to our youngest campers. Campers staying for the afternoon will be given a rest period. Campers must be toilet trained (potty mastery) and at least 3 years old by the start of camp to participate in Camp Katan. Camp Katan is run by the J’s Early Childhood Center. Full day camp hours are 9am-3pm and half day hours are 9am-12:30pm. Before and after care is not available. Lunch is provided by camp for Camp Katan participants.
For more information about Camp Katan, please contact:
Kathy Coldiron, 314-442-3450
For K-2nd graders,Camp Essman offers a well-rounded experience with preset schedules that allow younger campers to enjoy a variety of activities. Each week includes four swim lessons to build confidence and skills in the water, along with other engaging activities designed to keep them active, learning, and having fun.
For 3rd-6th graders, customizing their weekly schedules. With the flexibility to mix and match focus activities, they can explore their passions and try something new. Options include sports, arts, climbing wall, and much more, creating a week of fun tailored to their interests.
At Camp Essman, every camper discovers something to love while building confidence, friendships, and unforgettable summer memories!
For more information about J Day Camps in Chesterfield, please contact:
Contact: Jess Bauer, 314-442-3431
Creve Coeur Camps
Our Creve Coeur complex offers two softball fields, a wooded area, a climbing wall, a multi-use field for soccer, flag football Ultimate Frisbee, races, and obstacle courses, plus indoor space, including racquetball courts, two full-size basketball courts in our gymnasium and the spacious Mirowitz Performing Arts Center for our weekly Shabbat celebration. And, of course, campers love our amazing outdoor pool, complete with an aquatic climbing wall, tree swing, and water slide.
Creve Coeur campers in grades 3-7 have the freedom to customize their weekly schedules, mixing and matching activities to suit their unique interests. We offer three to choose from at registration: Check out details by age group below!
This early childhood camp is full of music, storytelling, art, swimming (both swim lessons and free swim), sports, nature, and more. Guided by early childhood educators, activities are catered to our youngest campers. Campers staying for the afternoon will be given a rest period. Campers must be toilet trained (potty mastery) and at least 3 years old by the start of camp to participate in Camp Koplar. Camp Koplar is run by the J’s Early Childhood Center. Full day camp hours are 9am-3pm and half day hours are 9am-12:30pm. Before and after care is not available. Lunch is provided by camp for Camp Koplar participants.
For more information about Camp Koplar, please contact:
Melissa Burgess, 314-442-3224
Younger campers get a taste of everything through carefully crafted preset schedules that ensure a variety of activities. Their week includes four swim lessons to build confidence and skills in the water, along with other engaging activities designed to keep them active and entertained.
Older campers have the freedom to customize their weekly schedules, mixing and matching activities to suit their unique interests. This flexibility allows them to explore their passions, try something new, or balance their favorite activities throughout the week.
Three Camp Options to Choose From:
- Sports Camp: A dream come true for young athletes! This camp focuses on improving skills and knowledge in a variety of sports. Weekly activities include basketball, baseball, flag football, and more, with plenty of opportunities for team play and individual growth. Check out the weekly themes below:
- Week 1: Hoops & Highlights – Dribble, shoot, and score!
- Week 2: Goal Getters – Kick it up a notch with soccer action!
- Week 3: Flag Frenzy – Speed, strategy, and fun on the field!
- Week 4: Home Run Heroes – Swing for the fences with baseball and softball!
- Week 5: Camp Olympics – Compete in fun challenges across multiple sports!
- Week 6: Basketball Blast – Another week of hoops with new challenges!
- Week 7: Soccer Stars – Advanced skills and epic matches!
- Week 8: Gridiron Glory – More flag football fun with new plays!
- Week 9: Diamond Dynamos – Step up to the plate for another round of baseball & softball!
- Week 10: Ultimate Sports Showdown – A grand finale of multi-sport excitement!
- Art Camp: Let creativity shine! Led by our talented art staff, campers explore their artistic side through hands-on projects such as painting, tie-dye, board game design, and much more. It’s the perfect space for young creators to express themselves and bring their ideas to life. Check out the weekly themes below:
- Week 1: Masterpiece Markers – Bold colors and creative designs!
- Week 2: Wonderful Watercolors – Watch your art come to life with every brushstroke!
- Week 3: Paper Playland – 3D sculptures and endless creativity!
- Week 4: Storybook Studio – Create and illustrate your own children’s book!
- Week 5: Acrylic Adventures – Bold strokes, bright colors, and endless fun!
- Week 6: Clay Creations – Shape, mold, and bring your ideas to life!
- Week 7: Mosaic Magic – Create dazzling designs with tissue paper!
- Week 8: Board Game Bonanza – Design and build your own playable game!
- Week 9: Origami Odyssey – Fold, twist, and create amazing paper art!
- Week 10: Mystery Makers! – A surprise week filled with unexpected fun!
- Baer Advanced Camp: Can’t decide? Why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Baer Advanced Camp offers a wide variety of activities, including sports, arts, team-building exercises, and more. It’s the ultimate mix of fun and exploration for campers who want to experience everything our program has to offer.
J Day Camps Swim Program
All of our campers swim almost every day at J Day Camps – without ever losing precious time on a bus. Our on-site swimming facilities provide free swim and swim lessons taught by our certified swim instructors. Both J locations have outdoor and indoor pools (five pools between the two locations!), so there’s no need to spend time riding a bus to enjoy the pool. The J has one of the best aquatics programs and swim experiences in St. Louis.
Our aquatics mission is that each camper has a safe and enjoyable experience while developing skills they can use for a lifetime. Each camper will be assessed on their first day of camp and placed into a corresponding swim class. All campers are required to participate unless they bring a note from their parent stating the reason to excuse them from swimming for that day. During instructional swim, campers will work with our certified instructors to improve their comfort and skills in the water. During free swim, campers have the chance to use their new skills in the pool appropriate for their abilities and on our water play equipment. All swimming activities are supervised by certified instructors and the watchful eyes of our summer camp counselors.
- At our Chesterfield camps, Kindergarten through 6th graders (all campers) will have both instructional and free swim.
- At our Creve Coeur camps, Kindergarten through 2nd graders will have both instructional and free swim; 3rd through 6th graders will have free swim and optional instructional swim.
Questions? Here’s Who To Contact.
Mat Dewinters
Director of Sports, Recreation, and J Day Camps
314-442-3104
Jess Bauer
Director of Youth Services, Chesterfield
314-442-3431
Sarah Loos
Life Enrichment & Camp Services Manager
314-442-3295