Bender JCC of Greater Washington

Health and wellness - wellness at the Bender JCC includes membership, health & fitness and aquatics. From personal training and physical therapy, to proactive senior health education, the center is proud to offer members of all ages a number of ongoing wellness programs and activities that strengthen both body and mind. With over 40,000 square feet, two pools, and state-of-the-art equipment, the weinberg health & fitness center offers comprehensive and cutting-edge fitness options. The pools and fitness center were closed in march 2020 as a result of covid restrictions, but reopened in july 2020. The Bender JCC adhered to reduced capacity restrictions put forth by the county. Adaptations included the introduction of a registration system for masked members to reserve specific workout times in the fitness center and lap lanes in the pool; fitness floor space was redesigned and equipment moved around to encouraging social distancing; advanced sanitizing and air purification methods were scheduled and put into place; group exercise classes and personal training clients pivoted to virtual programming through the use of zoom.

Camp, youth and teens - camp JCC offers programs that bring out the best in every camper. From swimming and day trips to creative arts, camp JCC allows campers to grow, explore their strengths, and build jewish identity. In fy20, approximately 700 campers attended one or more of our three summer sessions. Camp JCC's nationally-recognized inclusive program allows children of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in a summer of fun, socialization and growth. This included over 100 children and young adults with disabilities, allowing them the chance to have a full camp experience alongside their siblings and friends. Participating in our after-school program allowed students in grades k-6 to socialize with friends, complete homework with staff assistance and stay active through a variety of supervised activities. Almost all youth programming stopped in march, when the covid lockdown hit. Camp JCC offered a virtual camp day program to approximate 20 campers in summer 2020. In september 2020 we offered in-person supervision of distance (virtual) learning for school aged children. <20 students participated in 5-days a week of club j youth programming.

Early childhood - the center's preschool engages, challenges, and enriches children's exploration and learning in a safe, supportive setting using a caring, nurturing and highly-trained staff. A play-based curriculum-founded on emergent curriculum and inspired by the reggio emilia approach-enables children to become active learners and engaged classroom participants. Interest-based topic studies invite students to explore the world around them. Children are encouraged to express themselves through art and music, and jewish values, customs, and traditions are integrated throughout curriculum. In fy21, approximately 200 students and their families were served. Holiday-based family celebrations such as pizza in the hut for sukkot and hanukkah sing, fun social opportunities for children and their families, such as the preschool dance and family play dates, and unique learning opportunities, such as our gallery exhibits and curriculum night are all part of the yearly calendar. Preschool classes moved to an all-virtual option in march 2020 as a result of covid, but returned to in-person programming in july 2020. The enrollment numbers were significantly reduced with the reopening and we welcomed back <40 students in the program. All classrooms and teachers remained bubbled and isolated from each other to eliminate the spread of infection. The preschool closed to visitors including parents throughout the school day and did not make use of any part of the building other than dedicated classroom and playground spaces. We opened the school year in september 2020 with <100 students.

Adult services

Special needs