Camp Ruach Summer Camp (1st-8th Grade)

Get up, shake off the dust, and be ready for your best summer ever! Camp Ruach is an extraordinary community that is created and blossoms each summer at the Asheville JCC. Campers and counselors build lifelong friendships as we explore, laugh and grow.

Camp Ruach is a unique Jewish day camp experience open to ALL first through eighth graders. Each weekly session is an adventure — filled with swimming and sports, creativity and crafts, nature and gardening, dance and music — and ending with the celebration of Shabbat. We are a true community, creating unity from diversity, making unforgettable memories.

Whether they are here for one, two, or all nine weeks, Camp Ruach campers come away having grown and changed, carrying a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance. Here, we learn about friendship, caring, and positive values to bring to the world around us. Our energetic Camp Ruach staff works and plays with your camper to ensure they have the time of their life.

Camp Ruach is tons of fun!

Throughout the summer, campers participate in swimming, sports, cooking, crafts, nature expeditions, gardening, Israeli dance, music, team building, weekly Shabbat celebrations, field trips and many unique Camp Ruach traditions, including our exciting Maccabiah Games, Wacky Water Olympics, Seth Olson “You Can Make A Difference Day,” and our Ruach Relay!

The JCC campus includes a 25-meter outdoor pool for daily free swim and swimming lessons with certified instructors; a natural outdoor amphitheater for morning and afternoon sing-alongs; park-like space for outdoor sports, games, and nature activities; a learning garden; and rooms for cooking, crafts, and activities. We also take full advantage of the Asheville region’s natural amenities with weekly off-site field trips.

Contact Seth Kellam at seth@jcc-asheville.org or 253-0701 ext. 107 for more information.

B’reisheet (Creating the Spirit of Camp)
Session 1 : June 13 – 17
All beginnings are exciting and everything is possible.
• Highlights: Discovery Day, Gesher camping field trip and
overnight, Chaverim JCC overnight. Field Trip: Gem Mining.
• Chugim: Basketball, Lego Land, and More

B’tzelem Elohim (The Divine Spark)
Session 2 : June 20-24
Each of us is unique but share a sacred light.
• Highlights: Dress up Your Counselor Day, Gesher
overnight at the JCC. Field Trip: Blue Rdige Assembly Ropes Course
• Chugim: Song Circle, Goo Goo for GaGa, and More

Masah (Journey)
Session 3 : June 27 – July 1
We each embark on our own journey as we learn together.
• Highlights: Ruach Relay, Gesher overnight at the JCC.
Field Trip: Hiking
• Chugim: Basketball, Goo Goo for GaGa, and More

Kehilah (Community)
Session 4 : July 5 – 8 (No camp on July 4)
As our community grows stronger, so do our friendships!
• Highlights: Backwards Day, Chaverim overnight,
Gesher overnight at the JCC. Field Trip: Waterpark.
• Chugim: Paracord Making, Party Making, and Song Circle

Yachad (Unity)
Session 5 : July 11 – 15
We focus on building a brighter future together.
• Highlights: Maccabiah Games, Israeli Schlichot,
Gesher overnight at the JCC. Field Trip: Hiking Trip.
• Chugim: Lego Land, Woodworking, and More

Harpahtka (Adventure)
Session 6 : July 18 – 22
Summer is all about exciting new adventures!
• Highlights: Israel Day, Israeli Schlichot, Gesher camping
overnight. Field Trip: Launch Trampoline Park.
• Chugim: Soap Making, Friendship Bracelets, and More

Tzedek (Justice)
Session 7 : July 25 – 29
It’s about balance, the true meaning of justice.
• Highlights: Seth Olsen “You Can Make a Difference” Day,
Gesher overnight. Field Trip: Danny’s Dumpster.
• Chugim: Basketball, Lego Land, and More

Hafoch ba (Compost it!)
Session 8 : August 1 – 5
Turn it around! Transformation and positive change.
• Highlights: Ruach Scavenger Hunt, Chaverim & Gesher
overnights at the JCC. Field Trip: Theater.
• Chugim: Song Circle, Life Skills, and More

Simcha (Joy)
Session 9 : August 8 – 12
Celebrate all the places you’ve gone this glorious summer!
• Highlights: Wacky Water Olympics, Bonim & Gesher
overnights at the JCC. Field Trip: Waterpark.
• Chugim: Lego Land, Reading Rainbow, and More

Friday Lunch b’Yachad (Together)
No need to pack snacks or lunches on Fridays!
Lunch b’Yachad, is Camp Ruach’s version of the amazing, spirited dining hall experience of sleepaway camp. All campers will enjoy a delicious, healthy, family-style meal complete with traditions such as blessings, announcements, group cheers, song session, paper plate awards, and tons of RUACH! For extra convenience, Friday morning and afternoon snacks are also included.