Aquatic Program at the JCC Camps at Medford Summer Day Camp

Swim Lessons

JCC Camps at Medford is equipped with four age-appropriate pools, each geared for the specific age and swim level of our campers. At the JCC Camps at Medford, campers swim twice a day; a period of Free Swim and a period of Instructional Swim. We are proud to teach our campers to swim using the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program.

Red Cross Learn-to-Swim consists of six comprehensive levels that teach campers of all ages and varying abilities to swim skillfully and safely. Each level includes training in basic water safety in addition to aquatic and safety skills taught in logical progression. Campers receive a color-coded swim cap to represent their assigned swim level. We celebrate campers when they progress to the next level. The color-coded swim caps also designate the areas of the pool the camper is permitted to swim. Camp provides the caps and they are kept at camp during the summer.

Our certified instructors are thoroughly trained in the Learn-to-Swim program to ensure all swimmers receive quality swim lessons and continue to improve their confidence. Instructors working with campers in the Open Hearts/Open Door program collaborate with advocates to implement accessible swim lessons for all ability levels.

Evaluations happen three times throughout the summer. Campers are evaluated in their first week at camp and placed in small groups based on skill level. Returning campers or year-round JCC Katz swim lesson participants are placed based on their most current level. Campers are then evaluated mid-way through the summer and at the conclusion of week seven.

Swimmers in Camp Hilltop and Camp Shalom will receive weekly swim messengers during Weeks 2-7, which will record your camper’s progress through the summer. Swim messengers can be accessed digitally through SwimGen, an online swim skill reporting tool. Information on how to access swim messengers is sent during the summer.

We encourage parents to download the Swim by American Red Cross app available on iOs and Google Play to learn more about the swim levels and track their swimmer’s progress.

Lakefront

The JCC Camps at Medford’s beautiful 4 acre lakefront is where campers come to cool off and have fun! Our lakefront has separate areas for fishing, swimming, inflatables, and boating. The boating dock includes kayaks, canoes, Corcl boats, pedal boats and stand up paddleboards. Campers begin learning boating skills as young as five years old. Our swimming area includes our amazing WIBIT Park with obstacle course, slides, twists, turns, and more! Campers begin using Lake Inflatables when they enter Camp Shalom.

Water safety is our main priority! All lakefront staff are certified by the American Red Cross as Waterfront Lifeguards. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach, dock, and in boats out on the lake. All campers and staff are required to wear a size-appropriate life jacket provided by camp when entering the lake.

Want to Learn More?

Contact our Aquatics Team