Katz JCC inspires fit minds and fit bodies.
A state-of-the-art comprehensive wellness complex. Cutting-edge parent-child programs like baby massage and signing. An exercise arcade to encourage teen workouts. An NAEYC certified Early Childhood Center. Pilates, yoga and Zumba. Cultural programming and day trips. The Katz Jewish Community Center has been a South Jersey staple for more than 60 years—but it definitely hasn’t stood still.
Today, the Katz JCC is a vital community resource, offering not only educational, health and wellness programs, but also social and recreational opportunities that the entire family can enjoy.
“The JCC truly offers something for every family member, regardless of age or ability,” says Debbie Orel, the Katz JCC’s membership and marketing director. “We run the gamut from classes for newborns and their parents to teen activities and even community special events for the entire family.”
Educational Programs for Kids
There’s no question that the JCC wholeheartedly embraces kids of all ages. It starts with the very youngest at the NAEYC-accredited Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center, where the highest quality of care is offered for infants 6 weeks old through Kindergarten age. The center also offers an accredited half- and full-day kindergarten program. “Our curriculum is play-based, child-directed and emerges through the interests of each child,” says Gail Cohen, the JCC’s Early Childhood Director.
All children enjoy weekly gym and music classes, while children ages 3 and older also receive swim lessons. In addition, the Early Childhood Center offers a variety of parent/child classes, including Mommy and Me Workout Challenge, New Mommy New Baby, Abrakadoodle art classes and more.
For the school-age crowd, the Just 4 Kids after-school care program, which includes transportation, offers after-school enrichment, including homework help for kindergarteners through eighth graders. During the summer months, the JCC also offers two separate day camps for children ages 2 through 14.
Health & Wellness
The center also has plenty to offer adults. The Health & Wellness Complex encourages everyone to become more physically active. The fitness center has the newest cardiovascular and strength training equipment, and many machines have their own 15-inch personal viewing screens with cable channels. The two full-sized gymnasiums offer men’s, teen’s and children’s basketball leagues, while the indoor and outdoor pools offer lap swimming, family playtime, water aerobics, competitive swim teams and the nationally known Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. There are also ball fields, playgrounds, outdoor lighted tennis courts and an outdoor fitness course.
The JCC is always looking to stay on top of the latest fitness trends. In fact, they are currently the only location in New Jersey to offer XRKADE, a revolutionary program that encourages both children and adults to exercise by using video arcade games like Dance Dance Revolution, racing bikes, skateboarding, snowboarding and kickboxing.
For those who prefer classes, the JCC offers more than 100 free adult group wellness classes each week. That includes the ultra-popular cycling classes, held in a new, temperature-controlled indoor spinning studio with 20 brand new bikes. “Group fitness lovers will enjoy our talented and creative instructors, as well as over 120 free classes weekly—both on land and in water for all abilities and interests,” adds Jayne Miller Morgan, the JCC’s assistant fitness director. “We have a wide variety of classes including Pre-Natal Yoga, Body Pump, Zumba and Groovics. We also have many mind and body classes including yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates.” In addition to certified personal trainers, the JCC has a nutritionist on staff to help you create an individualized fitness program. The JCC’s Spa Complex, open to individuals 18 and older, offers separate men’s and women’s upgraded locker facilities complete with a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, TV lounge, and even massage and skin care services.
And kids aren’t left out either. Whether your little athlete is into gymnastics, karate, soccer, basketball or cheerleading—the JCC’s skilled staff will help them excel. Older kids can stay fit in their fitness center, in their pool, on their walking track or through programs such as their 5K run, kids triathlon or Kid Fit Challenge.
Something for Everyone
Additionally, the JCC offers a wide variety of Judaic and cultural programs, social events and day trips, arts and culture activities, and “60 and Better” offerings. The JCC is proud to be one of the largest providers of programs and services for individuals with special needs of all ages. Youth and teens with special needs can participate in a swim team and basketball league, as well as a variety of recreational and social programs.
The Katz JCC facility and its programs are open to men, women and children of all ages, races, religions and abilities. The center is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and a member of the United Way.
The Katz Jewish Community Center
1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill
856-424-4444
KatzJCC.org
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 6 (August, 2011).
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