Camp Shai FAQs
Do I have to be Jewish to attend?
No, you do not have to be Jewish to attend. Camp Shai focuses on universal human values (middot) with a Jewish lens; however, we embrace everyone who wants to be a part of our community. If you like games, being outdoors, and having the best summer ever, then Camp Shai is the place for you!
What are Middot?
In Hebrew, middot translates to ‘values.’ Camp Shai focuses on the values of kindness (chesed), community (kehillah), respect (kavod), positive attitude (ruach), and courage (ometz lev). We use these words every day at camp and encourage campers to recognize when their peers exhibit one of these values.
Do you offer before and after care services?
Yes! Camp Shai offers Sunrise Care from 7:30 – 8:30am and Sunset Care from 3:30 – 5:30pm as an additional option. If you are interested in registering your camper, please contact our Registrar at registrar@jccdenver.org
How often will my camper get to swim at camp?
Campers enrolled at Camp Shai will have the opportunity to swim at the JCC’s Outdoor Pool two times per week.
How long does a camp session last?
Camp sessions are all two weeks long. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate families that want to sign up for only one week out of a two-week session.
Is Camp Shai nut-free?
Camp Shai is a nut-free community. While we recognize that food restrictions can often be an additional burden for parents and their sometimes-picky eaters, we have made this policy change to accommodate the number of severe nut allergies amongst our camper and staff community, ensuring that everyone is safe.
Where does my money go?
We invest in hiring high-quality staff members. We know that doing so directly translates into creating a welcoming, safe, and magical experience for your camper. Camp Shai provides on-site training for all staff members to ensure their understanding of emergency procedures, best practices for working with campers, and a certification in CPR and First Aid. We strive to run our programs at an 8:1 ratio of campers to staff so that children at Camp Shai feel supported and safe.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes! Families that are in need of financial assistance for camp are invited to apply for a scholarship. The JCC has a limited pool of funds available for needs-based assistance, which is allocated to families who apply by February 20, 2026 and will be distributed until exhausted. To learn more please see our FAQ’s for Scholarship Families.
What if I need to cancel my child's registration? Are refunds available?
Still curious? More information, including a family handbook, will be made available following registration.
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