Case Western Reserve collaborates to offer spring break camps

children smilingThe President’s Committee on Child Care Options (PCCCO) is sponsoring two spring break camps this year for children of Case Western Reserve faculty, staff and students. One weeklong program will take place on the university campus through a partnership with The Music Settlement, while the other will offer a la carte day options through the Mandel Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Beachwood.

Spring Break programs are for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Registration for both programs is first-come, first-served. The Music Settlement program has a maximum of 20 children, and the Mandel JCC program has a maximum of 23 per day.

“I commend the committee for creating this opportunity for our community, and thank these two organizations for collaborating with us to make it possible,” President Barbara R. Snyder said. “I look forward to seeing the lessons we learn from these partnerships.”

Registration begins Wednesday, Feb. 27, for both programs. The Music Settlement camp focuses on musical theater and runs March 25–29 in Thwing Center. The Mandel JCC offers its camps on March 25, 28, and April 3, 4 and 5. Children may attend one, several or all of the offered days, and the university is sponsoring a shuttle to take young people from campus to the center’s Beachwood location.

The university is providing financial assistance for both programs to families whose income is $50,000 or less. For more information about financial assistance, please contact HR Manager Amy Sheldon at Amy.Sheldon@case.edu or 216.368.5000. Registration details for the respective camps are at the end of this article.

“In September President Snyder charged our committee to consider short-, medium- and long-term initiatives to support Case Western Reserve families with young children, said Assistant Professor of Anthropology Eileen Anderson-Fye, chair of the PCCCO. “Providing this program in 2013 allows us to provide a valuable service to our community and also understand more about its needs and priorities.”

As the committee considered partners for its spring break initiative, The Music Settlement and the Mandel JCC emerged as promising options because they are known for providing quality care and programming for children. Representatives of both organizations expressed a willingness to consider the concept, and worked with PCCCO members to finalize agreements last week.

“The Music Settlement and Case Western Reserve long have worked well together on a broad range of educational and research efforts,” said President and CEO Charles D. Lawrence. “This effort represents another opportunity to strengthen our relationship and provide children enriching activities.”

Ari Golub, director of day camps at the Mandel JCC, welcomed the opportunity to introduce more young people to the organization’s multiple camping options. Several parents who work at Case Western Reserve already participate in the Mandel JCC’s children’s programs.

“We look forward to welcoming returning campers and those new to the Mandel JCC,” Golub said, “and appreciate the opportunity to develop this new relationship with Case Western Reserve.”

Registration Procedures

The Music Settlement:

Registration begins online at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. Families who do not have an existing online account with The Music Settlement—or who created one prior to 2009—should create one before that time so that they may participate in registration when it opens. Questions regarding creating or accessing online accounts can be directed to 216.421.5806, ext. 100 or ecs@themusicsettlement.org.

For information about the musical theater program and to register, click here. For information about The Music Settlement’s after-care program and to register, click here. If you have additional questions about the program, call 216.421.5806 extension 160, or go to The Music Settlement’s course information page.

The Mandel Jewish Community Center:

Registration begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. Information about the program can be found on this brochure, which also includes a registration form. That form may be faxed to 216.831.7796 to the attention of Wendi Shapera, or emailed to her as an attachment at wshapera@mandeljcc.org. Participants also can register in person at the Mandel JCC (26001 S. Woodland Road in Beachwood) or call 216.831.0700 ext. 1349. Telephone registrations must be confirmed with a credit card.