J Day Camps – Frequently Asked Questions

Register at your preferred location using the buttons below. You can choose which week(s) you would like to attend, if you need before or aftercare, and purchase lunch all in one spot! If you have a camper who requires disability care, please use the Life Enrichment Options button.

Inclusion Options Chesterfield Creve Coeur

Contact Member Services at memberservices@jccstl.org

For Changes at Creve Coeur contact 314-442-3104. For changes at Chesterfield contact 314-442-3431.

Cancellation Policy

• Notify the Day Camp Registrar in writing of any cancellations by contacting Mat DeWinters, 314-442-3104.
• Cancellation of registration, at least 14 days prior to the start of each registered week results in a full refund; less the non-refundable deposit.
• No pro-rated or full refund shall be permitted if a camper leaves before the end of the period for which he or she has been registered.
• No refunds for missing camp due to illnesses. We do not offer partial payment for days missed.

Monday at midnight the week before the week you want your child to attend.

Come to our J Day Camp Reunion on February 20 at Creve Coeur Ice Arena from 1:15-3:15pm. Parents, join us at our virtual orientation on May 23. You’ll also receive a welcome email the Friday before each week your child attends camp. If you any questions before then, contact  Mat DeWinters, 314-442-3104.

Pricing starts at $290/week. See this page for more details.

Yes. When you enroll, you have the option of paying in full or making payments. If you choose a payment plan, a deposit is due when you register, and camp payments will be charged on March 1, April 1, May 1 and June 1. If registering after June 1, entire camp balance is due at time of registration.

To apply for financial assistance, download a scholarship application or contact scholarships@jccstl.org. In order to be considered for financial assistance, a Day Camp Registration, non-refundable deposit, and scholarship application must be on file within two weeks of registering. Due to the high volume of applications, the scholarship process takes three-four weeks. Day Camp scholarship applications will only be accepted through April 15. However, scholarship dollars are limited and awarded on a need-based first come-first served basis.

Scholarship deadline is April 15, 2024.

We have ten full-time, year-round professional staff on our team, and we recruit seasonal, well-trained staff from area schools each year. Fun fact: one-third of our counselors were once J Day Campers!

Yes, please join yes, especially new families! We will review important information and give you the opportunity to get all of your questions answered.

Lunch and Snacks

1. What should I pack my camper for lunch?
   Campers are to bring lunch in a reusable soft lunch sack (or a brown paper bag). Out of concern for the health of our campers, please refrain from bringing items containing nuts. Due to the different food needs of all our campers and staff, individual lunches may not be shared. Your choice of items to send is vast; the most important elements are nutrition, variety and hydration.
2. Are there any other lunch options besides the sack lunch?
   If you choose to use our Plus Lunch program, we will provide your camper with a Kosher, nut-free lunch each day. This will include a main entree, vegetable/fruit and dessert daily for only $36 per week. The Plus Lunch program can be added any time up until one week in advance. To add Plus Lunch, please contact Mat DeWinters, 314-442-3104 or Jess Bauer, 314-442-3431. Preschool campers will be provided with a camp lunch.
3. Can I send my camper with snacks?
   We provide campers with a Kosher, nut-free snack daily. If your camper has dietary restrictions, please contact Mat DeWinters, 314-442-3104, before sending a snack from home.

Packing

1. What should my camper bring to camp?
   Each day, campers should bring a lunch in a reusable soft lunch sack (unless registered for Plus Lunch), a swimsuit and towel, goggles, sunscreen to reapply during the day, a water bottle, closed-toe shoes, socks, a backpack and a smile.
2. What should be left at home?
   Please leave the following at home: toys and stuffed animals, cellphones and other electronics, swimsuits with metal rivets or accessories as these cause damage to our slides and play equipment, tote bags or backpacks with wheels, and opened-toe shoes such as flip flops and sandals.
3. What should my camper wear to camp each day?
   Please send your camper in closed-toe shoes with socks each day. They should wear something comfortable and suited for the activities of their camp program. Please apply sunscreen to your camper each day before leaving home. We regularly remind campers to reapply their sunscreen. Don’t worry! We can help your little camper reapply throughout the day as well. Please make sure all your camper’s belongings are clearly labeled.

Children must have toilet mastery in order to participate in summer camp. A camper will be removed from camp after two accidents within one week.

The Life Enrichment department at the J provides accommodation and accessibility services to ensure that everyone can access and participate in our wonderful programs, regardless of ability or diagnosis. We also provide programs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

During camp, we provide specialized staff to provide various supports to qualifying campers so they can participate fully and get the most out of camp alongside their peers. These supports are individualized to the camper and can include behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support with up to a 1:1 staff to camper ratio.

For eligible individuals living in St. Louis County, Life Enrichment Services are funded by the Productive Living Board of St. Louis and are offered at no additional cost. For individuals living in St. Louis City or outside of St. Louis County, other funding sources may be available.

Typically, one of the following diagnoses is required to qualify for Life Enrichment services.

• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Head Injury
• Intellectual Disability
• Learning Disability
• Mental or Physical Impairment

Please note that we are unable to support individuals who…

• Elope (run away)
• Create an unsafe environment to themselves or others
• Are not bathroom independent
• Destroy property

Families can register their camper on the day camp registration page on the JCCSTL.com website. Please select the course option of “J Day Camps for Campers who Require Additional Support & Accommodation Services” to register to receive Life Enrichment services during camp.

Check Out Inclusion Options

For any questions about Life Enrichment services, eligibility, or the registration process you can contact our Life Enrichment & Camp Services Manager, Sarah Loos at sloos@jccstl.org or at 314.442.3295.

If you need to change or edit an existing registration please contact our Mat DeWinters at mdewinters@jccstl.org or at 314-442-3104.