JCC Program Gives Kids A Break From Boredom

As soon as Monica Rosenbaum and her co-workers at the JCC Rockland heard confirmation of schools closing on Thursday and Friday, they knew exactly what to do. They quickly put together what is usually called the JCC’s Vacation Sensation Program and renamed it the Emergency School Closure Program to offer children in Rockland County a chance to run around free from the impacts of Hurricane Sandy.

“It’s our typical vacation program without the theme,” said Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum, the JCC’s school age care and camp director, said 15 children from across the county attended Thursday’s program. Some of the kids had participated in the JCC’s camp or after-school program while others were at the West Nyack facility for the first time. They ranged from pre-k four year olds through eighth graders.

For Friday, 15 children had already pre-registered and she expected walk-ins to increase that number.  Since the program was organized on short notice, Rosenbaum had seven staff members working, which meant the children had lots of supervision and assistance with age-appropriate activities.

The program starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. with extended hours available. It costs $60 per child. For more information, visit www.jccrockland.org or call 845-362-4400.