Jewish Community Center

Health and wellness - the jcc fitness department serves a population as diverse as st louis itself. We have all ages, religions, ethnicities represented in a common goal of self improvement and fostering a stronger Community. Within the walls of our two st. louis locations, we provide hundreds of group exercise classes, small group personal training and one-on-one personal training as well as a well-equipped fitness Center. Prior to the pandemic, we served more than 16,000 members and averaged over 50,000 entry scans per month. While we cater to many clients, we emphasize individuality through our private consultations for every member. When the pandemic impacted our members' ability to work out regularly, we launched our virtual group exercise classes which continue today.

Camp sabra - camp sabra is the premier Jewish resident camp in north america building upon our rich traditions which began in 1938. Sabra is a magical Community that fosters life-long friendships, Jewish identity, and encourages social and physical growth. Sabra accomplishes this by employing highly qualified, well-trained staff who utilize our unique facilities to provide these experiences. Our families continue to tell us through surveys which benchmark our performance against other camps that our programming (outdoor adventure/education, cultural programming, water and land sports) and staff quality is superior to other camps. Recognizing the importance of a camp experience for all children, regardless of economic resources - the jcc provides financial assistance to make the sabra experience more accessible to everyone. Camp sabra is accredited by the american camping association.

Early childhood education - the jcc early childhood Center, in partnership with our families, is committed to providing quality care and education that embraces the development of children's mind, body and soul. We stimulate the minds of young children through an innovative and individualized curriculum implemented by a well-trained staff in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment. Children develop their bodies and are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits through a physical education program that utilizes the best of the jcc's resources in fitness, recreation, and aquatics. The soul is nurtured through living Jewish values and Jewish experiences in an environment that appreciates and respects the diversity of the children and their families participating in our program. Recognizing that not all families can afford high quality care and education for their children, the jcc provided significant financial assistance to families in need. Both facilities are accredited by Missouri voluntary accreditation and utilize the project construct curriculum.

Day camp - the mission of the j day camps is to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive Community for all campers and staff. Through innovative programming our expert staff promotes physical and emotional development and imparts universal Jewish values. The j day camps' enriching experience allows its participants to develop valuable skills, meaningful friendships and lifelong memories. In 2022, the j day camps served nearly 1,000 children ages 3-15 between both of our facilities in chesterfield and creve coeur. Each summer, the jcc (with assistance from the productive living board of st. louis county) is able to provide shadow counselors at no additional cost to parents so that children with developmental and physical disabilities can participate in our programs. Consistent with the jcc mission, we also allocate financial assistance to make the day camp experience more accessible to everyone. The j day camps are one of a handful of day camps in the st. louis Community accredited by the american camping association.

Cultural arts - the jcc has a rich tradition in bringing Jewish cultural opportunities to its members and the st. louis Community. In maintaining that long standing tradition, the focus of the roswell and wilma messing cultural arts department has been on theatre, film and literature. The st. louis Jewish book festival allows prominent authors to showcase their latest works and lets the readers get up close and personal. In a typical year, more than 35 authors visit the festival with a concentration during Jewish book month (november). It is among the largest Jewish book festivals in the country with audiences of more than 6,000 annually. Our new Jewish theatre has numerous awards in recognition of the quality of our professional theatre program -- capturing many high honor awards such as outstanding actress, outstanding supporting actor and outstanding director of a play. This program produces a full season of five shows annually which are seen by more than 6,000 audience members. The st. louis Jewish film festival brings poignant films and filmmakers, as they relate to Jewish values, culture and/or history and is attended by over 2,500 annually. The j's youth theatre program introduces the fun of performing in front of a live audience while teaching st. louis children all about drama, costuming and theatrics. Theatre unlimited, a program designed for adults with disabilities, has brought the excitement of theatrical performing to life! Participants act, sing, dance and shine on Center stage, all in a barrier-free setting. The jcc also provides Jewish educational and outreach programs through its Center of Jewish life and nishmah: the st. louis Jewish women's project, which enrich souls, minds and spirits to thousands more Community members annually.

Other programs including Jewish Community life and senior adult