Parents seek outlets and opportunities for their children to flourish. That’s what it means to be a parent – you are a steward of experiences that enrich your child’s life and support them in becoming. Having just started kindergarten a few months beforehand, these children might be reserved and hesitant, still testing the waters of independence. While overnight camp may be a whole pastrami sandwich (big, intimidating, and filling), Schools Out! by Camp Shai is a bite-sized finger sandwich with the crust cut-off. It’s a smaller, more manageable taste of camp with the same traditions and flavors intact. At five years old, your child may dawdle through the front doors of the JCC Denver hiding a shy glance and lugging their colorful knapsack, yet they will leave sporting a wide smile and newfound confidence. 

A day at School’s Out! imitates the experience of Camp Shai including opening circle and song session, swimming, sports, and arts and crafts activities. It eases children into becoming camp-lovers, preparing them for long days at summer camp and perhaps eventually, inspiring them to attempt the multi-week extravaganza of overnight camp (should they wish to level up into the big-leagues.) School’s Out! also introduces campers to the five middot (virtues or qualities in Hebrew) – community, respect, kindness, positive attitude, and courage. Staff and campers award one another with middot stickers, recognizing and uplifting the positive actions that the campers have exhibited at the end of each School’s Out! day.  

School’s Out! by Camp Shai will be offered for Thanksgiving Break (November 24 – 26) and Winter Break (December 22 – January 5) with closures on Christmas Day and New Years Day. Not only will campers enjoy the indoor swimming pool at the JCC Denver (pool will be closed January 5, 2026, for maintenance), but each day of camp will employ a creative theme to engage and educate campers. This year, School’s Out!: Thanksgiving Break is themed “Bringing Games to Life.” Candyland day will feature cotton-candy slime, design-your-own character, and building structures out of gumdrops and toothpicks. The Game of Life day will include a SIM challenge and exploring potential careers. Finally, Monopoly day will be spent constructing personalized monopoly boards. School’s Out!: Winter Break will highlight cold-weather animals, lighting up the dark, and winter wonderland activities. Sarah Mackin, Director of Camp Shai promises that we “will send [your kids] home tired and happy.”