The Shames JCC on the Hudson is a welcoming, inclusive gathering place that enriches the greater community by offering social, recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for people of all ages.
Early Childhood Center
The Shames JCC currently offers programs for 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s and follows an emergent curriculum, finding inspiration from Reggio Emilia. Daily activities are about exploration and discovery, exploring with senses, asking questions, testing theories, making plans, and thinking deeply. Much of the day is spent in outdoor learning environments and the natural world; every effort is made to keep children in touch with the Earth, its natural rhythms, the changing of the seasons, and its beauty and mystery.
Summer Camps
Adventure awaits! The Shames JCC summer camps transform summers into experiences of a lifetime. Children and teens ages 2-16 have various choices to keep them busy all summer long. The younger set, ages 2-6, can participate in the wonderful onsite River Friends Day Camp, while children in grades K-10 travel only 11 minutes to the expansive Henry Kaufman campgrounds set in the woods and nature.
Sports & Recreation
The Shames JCC has a state-of-the-art aquatics center and offers learn-to-swim classes, private swim lessons, and a competitive swim team. Partnering with Northeast Elite Basketball, the Shames JCC provides premiere basketball training to children at all levels. Members also have access to Family Swim and Family Basketball, which are included in membership.
After-School Childcare
During the school year, the JCC offers aftercare through its popular Almost Home program for select local school districts. Buses bring elementary school students to the Shames JCC for a supervised afternoon where youngsters can do homework, socialize, and enjoy a variety of sports, board games, arts and crafts, and community service. Extra-curricular activities are available at the Shames JCC during Almost Home hours as well. Also offered is Vacation Sensations, a day-long program during school breaks—open to all, regardless of school district.
Fitness & Aquatics
Teens (age 13 and up) have access to the state-of-the-art Aquatics Center and Fitness Center. Teens 16+ can participate in group exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates, HIIT, cycling, and more.